if you had 800$

if you had an 800$ budget what kayak would you buy and why? I'm in the market and have no idea where to start i think on my next day of I'm going to head over to MBK to do some looking and possibly purchase my new toy any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

Is $800 your total budget or just for a kayak? Don't forget paddles, pfds, wetsuits etc... 

I think you can get a striped down Trident in the range. People are also having sales on Prowlers. Marauders are awesome but I am not sure what model fits in that price range.

You can always go used if you have patience. Then have extra $$ for more toys! 

i got the wet suit and the paddles and pfd 800 for the yak alone

i highly reccomend the wilderness systems tarpon 140. in my opinion, the hull design is the best of all the 14 footers. it has the perfect balance of speed,tracking,maneuverability,primary and secondary stability. furthermore, the deck and cockpit have plenty of room for proper rigging.

Don't forget that gps and radio 

I think all the big boys are in your range, Prowler, Trident, Marauder, Tarpon 140/160. You might have to get a base model then add stuff as you need it, which is half the fun (for me) anyways! I was kinda bummed with my Marauder, it was already set for everything, I just had to install the FF and a few bungies and I was set.

glad to hear that youre getting out of that bucket/SIK. Your earlier adventure was a spooky read.
Im with KAYAKJACK on the T140 tip. The only operational issue for me is the tupperwear but a well placed strap grants more security. You will regret not going to a shop and paddling as many boats as you can. Im 180 and it looks like you may be around the same. Stay away from the big boy boats and get a kayak that you can dominate. good luck

Jfish - I would recommend contacting all of the kayak retail stores in your area, and ask if they have "demo days", which allow you to try out a kayak  for free prior to purchasing one. 

Then once you have narrowed your selection down to a couple of kayaks you like the best, I would rent each of them for several hours, to see how comfortable they are after you have paddled for several hours; to see how well the kayak tracks in the waves; in the wind, and when launching etc.  You also want to see how stable it is, and how easily you can manuever in it.

It's extremely important to see how your butt fits in the seat well, and if the sides of kayak, where you press your legs to brace, doesn't dig into your legs.  A kayak may seem comfortable after 15 minutes, but after sitting in it for several hours, it may not.

Then you'll need to take into consideration before you purchase a kayak, how are you going to use it.  Are you only going to want to use it to fish from, or would you also like to tour.  While the wider kayaks may be more stable to fish from, they are more difficult to paddle a longer distance.  Think about long term.  You may want to fish at locations that require you paddle for a distance. Will you be boat-in camping, and fishing?  If so, you might look into kayaks that are more of a combination fishing/touring kayak.

Then keep in mind, can the kayak hold all of your fishing, and camping gear?

If you are not in a hurry - you can contact the kayak outfitters, tour groups, and kayak retail stores in your area, and tell them what kind of kayak you are interested in.  See if they have one in their demo fleet, and ask them when they sell their demo kayaks at a discounted price.  This way you might be able to buy a kayak more suited to your needs, for a discounted price, providing you don't mind a few scratches. 

Any kayak shop worth its name will allow you to demo any boat you'd like before purchasing. If they won't, take your business elsewhere. MBK and Kayak Connection will allow demos for sure, they are both good shops. Plus, some shops will give you a discount on accessories when you buy a new boat .
I got my tarpon 140 new for $600. To keep it light I only use a cut down milk crate. The boat is tough, with a capital T, but it is a little heavier than others due to the extra plastic. Squeeze the hull where it narrows under the bow & you'll see what I mean. No pinching on the t140.
In the end though, it is your own preferences that will determine the best kayak for you, so try several. Demo'ing is the best part of buying a boat, IMHO.