Good kayak for a beginner, Scrambler XT?

The bug has hit me and I have begun to search for a sit on top kayak for fishing, diving and recreation with the family.

My local West Marine had a few Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT kayaks in stock.  My sister in-law can get me the employee discount for $390.  I am very tempted, but see a lot of other options I also like.

I see a lot of folks use the Prowler 13.  It is a bit more expensive but looks like a good boat.  The Malibu Mini X is a sharp little boat, but I am not sure if it is big enough.

I am looking to use it mainly with our trailer as I can't haul my jet boat without a class A license.

I would be using the kayak occasionally for small lake and pond fishing, with the occasional trip to humbolt bay for lings and halibut, and some dive trips in Fort Bragg for spear fishing and Abalone.

I was also looking at the Ocean Kayak Frenzy for the wife.  I appreciate any advice.  I would like to keep the cost down but get a boat which will be fun to use and paddle decently.  Thanks!  Matt

I have a Scrambler XT, and I'd call it a good, versatile boat with some limitations

The good: It's a stable, do anything type of boat which will certainly work for fishing and diving and general recreational use. It's shorter and lighter than some other fishing platforms, making it easier to carry and store.

The bad: It's wider and shorter than the boats most people are fishing from these days, making it slow. That may not concern you on small lakes, but you should try a leaner, longer boat and feel the difference before buying. Also, I'm very tall, and I can't get comfortable in that boat-it's that critical dimension between the seat and the front end of the footwell. But I'm 6'5", and others do just fine.

Hi Yaker:

          I started with a Yak Board for Ab Diving at VanDamm. The Yak
was good for a short hop to the S. Island at VanDamm and easy to port but, no room for Toothy Critters while Fishing.
       The Scrambler XT is a Good all around Boat. The Xts' are slow but, stable.
I had three XT that would stack and fit in my Ford Ranger. XTs' don't cost as much as the high end Fishing Yaks.
          I used the XTs for the Albion, Big River and VanDamm SP. I
started Yaking when I was 5 using two Chairs, a Sheet and my TV tuned
to "NANKOOK of The North"
          I fish off of a Scupper Classic  or a Scupper Pro. for Weight and Speed
and $$$.
                                                                           Good Luck
                                                                           Ernie
                                                                 
                                                               
                                                                                   
         

The XT's were the core of many rental fleets for all the above reasons. I bought one and still have it as a buddy boat. But if you get the fever, you will probably want to move up after a while to dial in your specific needs/wants. You will find on this site there are many "kayak collectors" because of the different qualities of each kayak. If you can go and paddle a few different models.

I have both a Scrambler XT and a Frenzy.  They are good, solid boats.  Very stable, a little slow.  Both of them are better in the surf and large swells than my Tarpon 120.  If you end up getting both, I would not get the hatch installed in the Frenzy.  The Frenzy is a wicked good surfer but, tends to get a lot of water inside with the hatch installed (but only when riding the waves).  My Frenzy will also stack on my Scrambler.  I got both used for decent prices and would not hesitate to buy them again.

Greg

P.S. Get good seats for them.  If your wife feels crippled after an hour paddling, it will drain your WAF account fast.

Scrambler XT was my main fishing ride for years - it works well.  Diving was fine from it too.  I'd say it's a great choice for what you're doing.  I'm in Humboldt - maybe I'll see you around.

Eric

 

  Thanks all.  Well I went down today and got the Scrambler XT fishing kayak, and an OK Frenzy for the wife.  We got some nice seat pads with high backs, aluminum shaft paddles with retainer strap, some scupper plugs for under the rear end, and some new PDF's with open arms to ease paddling.  It was spendy, but I am looking to have some fun in these. 

I will start pouring through the outfitting archives to figure out what and where to install accessories.  I will probably put on some rod holders along the front,maybe a cheap fish finder, some sort of storage along the back well, ect.

I have a 17ft jet boat, so have most the fishing gear already.  I have a small gaff which will be nice for the ocean.  These will fit the bill for small water and coastal fishing/diving.  My wife probably will not go in the ocean, but wants to go with me on the lakes.

Do most of you store your fish in the storage hatch?  Also do your rods fit in there for beach landings?  I may get a couple of the Kayak DVD's and see about taking some lessons along the coast.

I am excited.....Matt

Do most of you store your fish in the storage hatch?  Also do your rods fit in there for beach landings? 

When its mellow, I typically don't store a whole lot below deck, and never stow my rods.  I'll just bungee the rods to the deck to protect the tips.  The hoop of my net does not collapse, so I'll just retract the handle to bring it down, and keep it in an rear rod holder.

I will break down the rods and stash the reels, tackle, pliers, billy, and other small items in my seat bag or in the hatch.  Even if you don't dump boat, stow your reels to keep em safe cuz there can be substantial splash even on a "clean" landing.

Some people don't break down their rods and tackle upon landing. I just get too scare with the prospect of hooks and stuff flying around on a surf landing.