Test driving Kayaks

I was going to head over to California Kayak this weekend (Oakland Jack London Square) and try out some nice sit-on-top kayaks. I was bummed when I found out their only sit on tops were Hobie.
And no SOT Wilderness Systems. The place seems cool though cause they let you try out the kayaks.

I'm trying to decide from a Tarpon 160, Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 or maybe a used Necky Dolphin.
I hear nothing but good things about the tarpon.
I hear the Prowler can get you a little wet.
And since I'm like 6-3 the dolphin might be too small. But I really dig them though. I will mainly be using the kayak for fishing and camping trips (touring).

Anyone know of any other places specializing in Kayak Sot's and maybe let you try them out?

Thanks

We do demos by appt., just send us an email and we can set something up.

Thanks buddy. A little far but I will keep you in mind 

Jughead where are you located? Watch the hookups cause a lot of peolple will let you test paddle there boats after they go fishing.

Hey Bill I'm in Sacramento.
I've tried out my friends Tarpon 160. Going to rent a Ocean Kayak from CSUS aquatic center at Lake Natomas.
And I tried out my boss's pungo 120 at lake natomas.
I will watch the hook up section. Thanks for your advice.

At almost 6-3 and 240lb am I too big for a Necky Dolphin?

nice one on craigs list http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/188059575.html

jughead....there are several "Goliaths" in our NCKA Crew and most of them paddle the Cobra Marauders, Cobra Fish & Dive and the Malibu X-Factor.....


just my 2 cents 

Welcome to the Madness 

The drive to Ukiah to hook up with Sean GWKC is well worth the time and gas. If you end up with a kayak that doesn't end up to be what you really wanted, you'll soon realize you spent too much money and not enough time looking. (I have two kayaks sitting next to the garage gathering spider webs)

I love my XFactor MalubuKayak I bought from Sean! I'm 6' and 195 lbs. and it fits great.

Good luck with your quest.

CHEERS!

Ditto what Mahi Mahi said.  Make a day of it at Lake Mendocino.  That's what my family and I did and we had a blast.  We ended up with an X Factor and a Pro Explorer.  That was before the Cobra Marauder was out - wish I would have had the option to try that one out as well!  Sean (and staff!) will not disappoint.

Forget the Necky Dolphin. You will not be happy with that kayak.
I weigh in at 193 ( ugh ) and I have a prowler 15. Suits me fine.
I also have a tarpon 160 ( the original ) and it is fine too.
I am expecting to have a brand new Cobra Maurader immediately following the ELK tourney as well..Yea, I said it!!!!!!

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Tote-you go boy!!!  Its in the shop now, and its a beauty 

Jughead -- Sounds like you are in the Bay Area.  If you don't want a Hobie and I can understand.  I know Outback Adventures demos Wilderness systems and Ocean Kayak in Marin and San Jose.  I've tried boats out in Marin cuz it's right on the water.  Good luck.   

Try Adventure sports in Sac....wilderness/OK/ and others

I am looking at a hobie. what are the downfalls of a hobie paddler? I am 6 ft and 230 lbs.

Hobie are slow.  I have the Outback and only use it for lake trolling.  Also a round bottom so it is not made for the Ocean.  I have paddled my Tarpon 160 for years and only take my Hobie out when I want to get a leg workout.

Ken kickfish