Need kayak sugestions

Hey all Finally making the jump from being a shore and boat diver to a kayak diver for several reasons. Mainly for ease of launching from just about any where if you have a set of wheels. My uses with this kayak will be strictly spearfishing and abalone diving, I plan on putting a fish finder on it to find the reefs. I am wanting to get a 13fter big enough that it is not a pain to paddle and keep straight and not so big it is a pain to maneuver on my own, I used the 15ft'ers and they can be cumbersome. my budget is about $800 + or -  and I do not mind buying used eihter open to both new and or used So my question to all of you what model and where to buy one ? thanks for your help and advice.

Try an X-Factor 

Look for a used ocean kayak scupper pro. I have the TW which means it has a tank well in the back and a hatch in the front. 26 inches wide.  Fast and not too heavy. Divers love this and the dual hatch model. A little over 14 ft. tracks very well.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/spo?query=scupper+pro&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=

I just found this on Craigslist great buy Matt Unmolested. Do not put a round hatch in front of the cockpit. the deck flexes too much

Im no expert, but I love my T13 for diving, having the rod pod to store your gear, with easy access is hard to beat.

I use a Wilderness Systems T-160 (16 ft) for diving, and it works great for me.  They are a bit heavy getting them off the car and stuff, but they're fast, stable and seaworthy-- and you can carry a ton of stuff.  For long range trips (to remote dive sites) there's no better sit on top.  Well, for paddle boats anyway.  You can get one new for about $1000, and they are pretty common used.

I wouldn't necessarily let size limit your choice.  Big boats have some advantages.  As an old timer, I also agree with Craig, the OK Scupper Pro was a great dive boat, for the same reasons.  All the free-dive competition guys seem use them a lot.  They're fast for a sit on top--even when Craig paddles it

Thanks for all the input guy's. It is sounding and looking like I am thinking of a trident 13 or a ocean prowler 13 I think that is what it is called. Is there a place local near santa rosa where I can go see some of these suggestions in person ? And I will keep an eye on CL list and here as well.

Clavey Paddlesports in Petaluma Matt. REI will be having their paddle ady on April 7th at Spring Lake in Santa Rosa. Ill be there with the Ocean Kayak lineup and other vendors will be there too. Only brands that are sold at REI will be there. if you want I can bring my scupper pro there also for you to try. Talk to Tom at Clavey in Petaluma 707-766-8070

Thanks Craig but I will not spend my money at REI they are big supporters of the MLPA and closing us out of our coast, but I will check out Clavey's

Ocean Kayak sells alot of places. The REI paddle day is to try boats out. You dont have to buy there.

I suggest  the wilderness systems T-140.  Not too long,not too short,just right. You could probably get one used for500-600 bucks.

T-13 with rod pod and sonar shield.

Im selling my T13. I want $750. call if interested. 707-293-4858

Anthony

Thanks Craig but I will not spend my money at REI they are big supporters of the MLPA and closing us out of our coast, but I will check out Clavey's

Really?  Where do you get this mis-information.

From Michael Collins, REI VP, Public Affairs ...

REI has not endorsed the MLPA and does not take public positions on matters of public policy or state/federal legislation without a thorough review from our Government Affairs department.

-Allen

Thanks Craig but I will not spend my money at REI they are big supporters of the MLPA and closing us out of our coast, but I will check out Clavey's

Really?  Where do you get this mis-information.

From Michael Collins, REI VP, Public Affairs ...

REI has not endorsed the MLPA and does not take public positions on matters of public policy or state/federal legislation without a thorough review from our Government Affairs department.

-Allen

I have heard from several reliable sources, that I trust and believe, but I have never looked for my self. They  REI say that but they may be helping groups that do support the MLPA so indirectly they could. I will have to do some home work and confirm as well as call my source.