Expecting a kayak next month.

Thanks for the input guys!

I will say.. I've been looking around at some of the awesome threads and seeing a lot of nice kayaks. Part of my definitely wants to go a bit bigger..

Price really isn't the ultimate factor in deciding on the tamarack. I have significant "handyman" experience and really enjoy creating 1 off anything for myself. From all the research I've done the tamarack really sounds like a solid platform for expansion.. the price allowing me room to spend hundreds to modify it and ,on paper, exceed the performance of other sub $800 kayaks.

Though, I am nagged by the idea that maybe starting a bit bigger and ultimately nodding that platform a bit further down the line will offer me more long term use/enjoyment.

Heading out to Lodi sounds like a good idea. Since I can push the budget I'll give that serious consideration.

@tehpenguins
Did you ever take it out on the ocean? I absolutely want to hit the ocean for a broad range of things but either tuna or hauling bug pots will likely be the hardest.

like moo said, it's a very flat water kayak.  it's great for the small lakes that I went out bass fishing at, but for the ocean I wanted a peddle drive.

It looks like you're considering other options now,
while it's a pretty good kayak, especially for 200-300 dollars, adding more rigging options/features doesn't change it's baseline performance through the water.

definitely go test a hobie before you buy one, see if you can get it on top of your car, they're heavy.

Yeah I'm gonna try to visit Headwaters soon.. hopefully I'll find some time this weekend.

As far as loading one, I'm no stranger to loading my truck with HEAVY and oversized loads. I'm not at all worried about that.