Cobra Vs. Ocean kayak

I've definitely done my research and am rather torn.  Obviously a large stable kayak would be ideal, but the idea scares me as having to rely on someone else to load/unload (that's just me). 

So I'm wondering people's opinions on the Cobra Escape vs. Ocean Kayak Venus 10.

I'm 5'4, around 115-120.

I've read that the Cobra can be slightly unstable, but love the extra storage it has.... Venus is narrower, but not many optional hatches....

So any input that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  And yes, I'll demo, just wondering first opinions...   

Michelle (hope I got the name right)

the venus is a beautiful boat, but somewhat small.  You may want to think abou the Trident 11 or even the 13, which might be the best all-around platform available right now.  If you are going to do any saltwater at all, Bay or Ocean, my advice is to go for at least a 13.

If you are strictly inland, the venus will do, but the T11 will do so much more, and so muchbetter.  More stable, WAY more storage, much better deck layout, and probably not quite as fast a paddler, though I don't know for sure on that last.

Good luck, and demo, demo, demo.

have Mooch bring an 11 when you go out fishing with him.

Allen

Thanks for the advice!  My only concern is I do have some neck issues - so the lighter the better for me 

I'll keep demo demo demo-ing

Thanks for your input!  And yes - you got the name right!

My wife has the V-10 and I tried to get her to switch to the escape but she didn't like it. She said it was harder to paddle and didn't feel as stable I'm sure it has better secondary stability as it is quite a bit wider. Most important to her was the comfortable seat so she stayed with the Venus. Don't forget the hatches on the Escape will add weight. Why not the Venus 11 only 6lbs more. I'm going to try and get her to switch to a Trident 11 so we can camp and I can use it but she won't be able to carry it herself like she can the V-10

The Escape is a tippy little rascal, I have had several.  The seat is very high, and with hard chines, once it starts to go...its going!  The Explorer is the same way.

When  I have done demo days, I haven't seen the Venus get rave reviews either.  I have never paddled it as i would sink it!

That said, there are some good light, small boats out there.  The Trident 11 is excellent, with a great layout, but sorta wide for someone your size, but worth a try...I love mine.  You may also want to try the Caper.  Its pretty small, but still a very capable little boat.  The layout is somewhat dated though.  The  Mini-X is a great small boat for big guys, but may be a bit wide for someone your size.

BTW-just get a loading bar for your racks, put your yoga mat (which all chicks already own...Leah has like 20 of them...well 19...I stole one ) to use, and you can easily load any boat.  Once you figure that out, something on the 13 foot range is a great all arounder.

Loading bar + kayak cart = 

I have the Thule outrigger loading bar installed on my thule roof rack, it makes it easy to get my kayak on the roof of my car by myself.

I was going to get the Yakima loading bar. $186.00. Before I did, I opened the door of the 4Runner, put the bow of the yak on the top edge, lifted the stern onto the rack. Easy. I have since refined that somewhat by cutting a pool noodle to length,slicing it and putting that on the top of the door for a softer place for the yak to rest during the loading.

Used the money I saved on a Icom VHF. I'm a happy guy.

The door can work...depends on how it all plays for each car/rack situation.  $186!!!  Gawd thats a rip off.  I have bought CL or from friends.

Hi Yakers:

  I Fish and Dive off a Scupper Classic and, a Pro w/tank well.
They are fast/light and, can be had for around $400 used. They
are a little Tippy but, It's like riding bike. Worst case a P13 would
be the third Yak just for short range and, a P15 for longer Trips.
  A Yak can please some of the People some of the time Etc..
                                                                        Sea-ya at VanD
                                                                        Ernie

P.S. KISL "Keep it simple and light"!

My 2 cents

More of the same advice, think about how you would load/unload something bigger than 11'.  I have a marauder like the one you just tried out, I can lift it up over my head and put it on my rack, but almost never do any more.
I chose the marauder at the time because it is pretty light for it's size.

I have a few aids  (straps, pads, bar) I use so that I only lift one end off the ground at a time, and occasionally drag it a few feet, it's gonna get scratched up to a certain extent no matter what.

It's safer this way, it also in your case would open up the option of a larger boat. I'm not suggesting you get something like a Marauder, too big, some of the 13s are great tho. 

And now with all that said don't get a boat you're uncomfortable handling out of the water. Whenever I demo'd a boat I considered handling it out of the water as part of the demo.

Be safe

Don't think NCK will have any problems getting her Kayak loaded plenty of Certified Baggage Handlers in NCKA 

Hi NCK:

         Make sure to do Elk Derby and, have good sand wheels!
                                                                          E