I need, not want, to buy a kayak!

I am still very new to this, but it was love at first sight!!! I need to buy my first kayak, and am looking for both input, an offers to sell. I have a couple issues that need to be considered, and all advice is welcome. First, my budget is not unlimited. Second, after 4 shoulder surgeries, and needing a 5th sometime in the near future, I need a yak that is easy to paddle. I would love a hobie with mirage drive, but that is a little above the top of my budget. I also need a yak that will perform well with a larger size person in it, 6'3, and about 230#........Thanks in advance for all the help, and I really look forward to fishing with everyone!!!!! Oh, and I need to thank James, "Rider," my baby brother, for getting me addicted to yet another hobby.....The wife says pay backs a re a bitch.....

Welcome!  Good luck on your quest to find your next ride!

See you on the water sometime.

If your shoulders are that fubar'd id recomend saving for a hobie just because eventually you'll buy one anyways :p keep an eye on craigs list theres some great deals

Ive had several surgeries on my shoulders and do not have a problem paddling. Have you done much paddling yet? Have you had a problem when you do? Just wondering if its speculation or already know its a factor cuz for me it has not been. With the shoulder issue I find the only problem to be loading a yak overhead like on a car top or pickup rack. So, if you are carrying the yak that way then lighter is better.

Best advice I can give and that I have heard on here is demo, demo, demo before you buy!!

Every kayak is different and every person is different, so find out what works best for YOU before you buy. 

I haven't posted it yet, but I will be selling my 2013 Jackson Kayak Cuda 14 (so I can get the 2014 model  ).

If you are interested, shoot me a PM. I've only been using it since May and have stored it inside and rinsed it off after each trip, so despite cosmetic scratches and the usual "beach rash" on the bottom it is in great shape. Will be asking $750.

I am 6' 4" and 240 pounds and it handles me, my dive gear/weights and a heavy limit of fish/abs/urchins no worries. I think it paddles great, but you are welcome to demo it if you want and see if you like it. 

Here are some pics of it, but I will be taking the FF off before I sell. The one hole I drilled will be sealed with the Hobie ThruHull Fitting so it will be ready to go if you want to install a new FF.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=46278.0

The specs and stuff are here:

http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/kayak-fishing/cuda/

Retails for like $1300, and it will come with all the accessories (hi/lo seat, front rodtip protector, rodholder for front RAM ball, 2 RAM tubes for behind seat, and a lumbar inflatable/bean bag support pad that just came out and will be standard in 2014-this thing is sweet and I can paddle for days and my lower back feels great!   )

And a little compilation vid of some of the fun I have had with it in the past 6 months...I've had a lot of fun...  



Anyways, sorry for the tangent, but demo, demo, demo and if you are interested in the Cuda at all, just let me know.

ScubaLuis is the new owner of my Cuda. 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

figure a couple grand for a used Hobie and the gear you'll need. Maybe $500 less if you go with a used standard SOT.
 You can cut some corners getting used stuff, and sometimes you might find a used deal with a lot of the gear included (paddle, PFD, wetsuit, roof rack, etc). Constantly patrol the classifieds.
You might try hitting up any of the regular shops from here too, Headwaters or MBK, to get more of an idea of what you want. Renting a yak is always a good way to try out a different model.

You can make it happen for a lot less than $1500.00.

A kayak, PFD, paddle, rod...

For a few hundred you can get started and catch fish.

Best advice I can give and that I have heard on here is demo, demo, demo before you buy!!

Every kayak is different and every person is different, so find out what works best for YOU before you buy. 

I haven't posted it yet, but I will be selling my 2013 Jackson Kayak Cuda 14 (so I can get the 2014 model  ).

If you are interested, shoot me a PM. I've only been using it since May and have stored it inside and rinsed it off after each trip, so despite cosmetic scratches and the usual "beach rash" on the bottom it is in great shape. Will be asking $750.

I am 6' 4" and 240 pounds and it handles me, my dive gear/weights and a heavy limit of fish/abs/urchins no worries. I think it paddles great, but you are welcome to demo it if you want and see if you like it. 

Here are some pics of it, but I will be taking the FF off before I sell. The one hole I drilled will be sealed with the Hobie ThruHull Fitting so it will be ready to go if you want to install a new FF.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=46278.0

The specs and stuff are here:

http://jacksonkayak.com/jk-kayaks/kayak-fishing/cuda/

Retails for like $1300, and it will come with all the accessories (hi/lo seat, front rodtip protector, rodholder for front RAM ball, 2 RAM tubes for behind seat, and a lumbar inflatable/bean bag support pad that just came out and will be standard in 2014-this thing is sweet and I can paddle for days and my lower back feels great!   )

And a little compilation vid of some of the fun I have had with it in the past 6 months...I've had a lot of fun...  



Anyways, sorry for the tangent, but demo, demo, demo and if you are interested in the Cuda at all, just let me know.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

That's a great fricken deal for someone. I'd take it in a heartbeat, but I already have one...