Which kayak for me?

I want to buy my first kayak.   I will use it in lakes that are too big for my float tube, the Delta,  along with parts of the S.F. Bay.   Probably won't go off shore.   Stability and weight are my two most important requirements.   I'm a fit 67 years old, 5'7", 160#, but my 67 year old back is not going to like getting a 60+ lb. kayak on top of my Acura MDX (suv).   I've looked at the "WS Tarpon 120 UL" (ultra-lite) at 43#, and have seen on line, but not in person,  the "Hurricane Skimmer 128 Fishing" at 43#.   The Skipper is 3" narrower and I don't know how that affects stability.  So, I welcome any and all suggestions for what to buy from all of you that are wiser than me.  Thanks for the help.   Bruce

First off wttm (welcome to the madness),as far as recommendations go ill have to leave that to some of the other more experience members

Malibu mini X

Eddyline makes some super light boats.

Welcome Bruce!

You might consider trailering your yak. I find it really clumsy putting yaks on top of my wife's CRV. It's perfectly doable, but not fun, and less so at the end of a long day.

I'd guess your MDX is similar in height? A trailer would free up your options in terms of kayaks. You end up doing lots of distance in lakes, and in the Delta/ SF Bay you have to add the tide to your calculations. Efficiency should be a bigger driver in your choice than weight, imho.

Ben

Consider one of these:

http://www.rack-it.com/thule-hullavator-kayak-carrying-system-897xt-p78623/

Another option is Thule Hullivators for the car-top rack.  They assist the lift with gas cylinders that lift about 40 pounds of the load.  I use them to put my Hobie Revo on top of my Subaru Outback.  After a long day the water, they're a miracle.  They are pricey but worth every penny in my opinion.


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  There's always a trade off, but for stability , there's only one I'd recommend  . 

Disclosure. I represent Wilderness. With that said, the 120 UL is a nice, light boat. It will be much more stable than the Hurricane. I did some research on the hurricane lately and there is another thread with some of that in it. It does not look all that enticing to say the least. There are a couple nice lightweight boats out there that a few members here paddle. We always say test before you buy. I'm not sure who might have the Tarpon to test out around here. The regular Tarpon being heavier will test different than the UL, but you can see the layout is very similar if you go look at one.

Even until this day I have not tried to put my kayak on top of my wife's mdx. The height difference is way too much, but not saying it can't be done. I'm just a lazy bastard as well. Wttm buddy

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WTTMadness!
DEMO a few different ones to be sure you fit it and it fits you. I am an ex-float tuber myself....andONCEyouYAK,youWILLnotGOback!

Get something in the 13Ft. or more range. They are all stable enough for your specs. 

A couple years ago I "lost control" of my yak as I was putting it up on the rack, luckily this time no harm done, (the first time I loaded my first yak (for the first time) I lost a mirror) anyway I've now gone to a one end at a time loading procedure.

I have a truck with sport rack now so it's easy. But prior to that I had a little SUV. What I did was make a support that attached to the roof rack and rested a bar back far enough to the rear so that I could lift one end of the yak and place it on the support bar then go back and lift the other end and slide it forward into place on the roof rack. 

This method does require some care tho as the ground end during the first lift does like to slide away as you're placing it on the rack.

The only reason I mention all this is that like the hullevator it gives you options to select from a wider range of yaks.

 

  Welcome to the maddness (WTTM) and the site!  Good luck with your selection. 

WOW!.    You folks are great.   Lots of great ideas.    Thanks for the help.   Bruce

There is something to be said for light yaks at the end of a long day... I have to load, sometimes not one, but two hobie outbacks on top of a F250 with a four inch lift and 35" tires... and of course the rack is slightly higher than the truck.  I am only 36, but I can already see how that noise isn't gonna fly forever.