Best Compact Kayak for Remote Beach Launches

Hi NCKA,

I am a new member in the market for a new kayak. I know plenty of folks on here have strong opinions about small boats in big water, but I've been fishing a Malibu Mini-X around Big Sur and Santa Cruz for several years and have never felt unsafe because I didn't have a bigger kayak. There are obvious limitations to the mini x: it's 9'3" and slow as hell. It doesn't track all that well, but it busts through surf pretty well on the way out, carries all of my stuff without getting unstable, and has gotten me back to the beach in one piece every time. Wind is my enemy and I make sure never to get caught downswell of my recovery point when it starts whistling. You cannot plan to go far in this boat. Most of my fishing is done within a quarter mile of my launch point.

My mini x currently has several serious fissures around the carry handles. It's just an old boat that's been used hard and it's time to put it out to pasture. I am looking to replace it with a similar sized boat: under ten feet long and under 50 pounds. I drive a Ford Expedition and the mini x fits perfectly inside the vehicle, which is a great bonus when I am feeling too lazy to put it on the roof or want the added security leaving it overnight. I would honestly love to shed a bit of the kayak's weight, as I am often shouldering it down and up long staircases and dirt inclines by myself where there is no option to dolly or drag.

So far I am considering another mini-x, a used Ocean Frenzy if I can find one, or even stepping down a size to a Wilderness Systems Ripper. I am 6'0 and 150 lbs, so I don't necessarily need a kayak that floats a lot of weight. Flush mounted rod holders are a plus, but I can fabricate something like that on most hulls. What are your opinions on the best boat in this class? Should I stick with the mini-x? Thanks for your input and opinions!

Isaac

Here's another vote for Eddyline, or any of the other lightweight PVC kayaks. You could even go to 11.5' (or so) and stay below your current 50 pound weight.

well if you still want to paddle ..look for an Eddyline Caribbean 109

Specifications
Length: 10’9”
Beam: 30"
Weight: 40 lbs
Cockpit Size: 47" x 18"
Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat: Cloud 10 Sit-on-Top Seat

run you around $1200 +-

Ha! I don't want to keep paddling, and for that price the hobie sport starts to look a little more within reach, but I am often cruising through a slalom of bull kelp that would be tough on a pedal drive. This is a really cool looking boat. Didn't know much about this company, and the specs look good. Not quite as beamy as my baby 'bu, but that shouldn't be too much of an issue. Wish they made a model that was 10' flat.
Thanks for the info! It's a lot to spend on a non-primary kayak but maybe that's what the next stimulus check will go straight to.

Spiffy has a good recommendation. I can’t speak to the pedal craft, piloted one on a lake is all.

A Frenzy is fun, not as rock solid stable as the mini-x. Feels lighter in the water.

20+ years ago I started in an Otter, then a Frenzy, to an inflatable kayak and then to X-Factors and Mini-X’s. I also have scupper pros and a T-13. They all have their place. I think there is room for at least one more hull right now in my quiver.

Best advice IMO for such a decision is test paddle as many as interest you.

Spiffy has a good recommendation. I can’t speak to the pedal craft, piloted one on a lake is all.

A Frenzy is fun, not as rock solid stable as the mini-x. Feels lighter in the water.

20+ years ago I started in an Otter, then a Frenzy, to an inflatable kayak and then to X-Factors and Mini-X’s. I also have scupper pros and a T-13. They all have their place. I think there is room for at least one more hull right now in my quiver.

Best advice IMO for such a decision is test paddle as many as interest you.

Thanks for the advice! My friend that I fish Big Sur with has a Frenzy and that boat is a machine. Lighter and faster than mine and handles better taking a wave in to the beach. The big disadvantage is fishability. The mini-x is a far better platform. I would honestly snap up a Frenzy in a second, but they seem to be hard to come by (no longer made, to the best of my knowledge).
Where would you recommend test paddling? I went into CCK the other day for the first time and talked to Keith. Seemed like a great guy. Not sure what inventory they have aside from Hobies.

Most of my fishing is done within a quarter mile of my launch point.

I'm digging that.  Remoteness and quality - nice.

If your mini-X is holding you back from venturing further, something like a Scrambler XT is an option for better tracking, space for a big fish and still a pretty light yak at 51 pounds and 12' long with a simple layout.

Fisherman-X's advice is good - look around and paddle a bunch if you can.

Good luck, Isaac.

 

Where would you recommend test paddling?

C-19 has changed “regular” scheduled stuff. Previously, Headwaters in Lodi had rentals and days on the lake, Pacific Outfitters in Ukiah usually does demo days a couple times a year. Kayak City might as well.

NCKA members have been known to let other members try their craft. Tournament weekends and Fish n Chill gatherings are good places for that - when we can do them again.

 This is a really cool looking boat. Didn't know much about this company, and the specs look good.

Eddyline has been around forever. Best known for composite sit-in sea kayaks.
I really like the Carribean other than the higher seating position. For your application it was my first thought also.

 This is a really cool looking boat. Didn't know much about this company, and the specs look good.

Eddyline has been around forever. Best known for composite sit-in sea kayaks.
I really like the Carribean other than the higher seating position. For your application it was my first thought also.

Do you find that the higher seat position takes away some stability? This is definitely a factor for me, especially considering the narrower hull. Obviously there is no substitute for trying it myself, but I have a lead on a used Frenzy right now and am debating whether it is worth holding out for a much more expensive boat.

There is a Frenzy for sale on CL right now in Sausalito

There is a Frenzy for sale on CL right now in Sausalito

That one sold. I was too slow to commit. Should have bought it!
I think I'm backing off the idea of the Eddyline. Since this is really only for beach launches I am inclined to go rotomolded. Trade the life of my back for the life of my yak. Be a shame to drop over a grand on that boat and then thump a boulder coming in loaded.

Found this Frenzy, but it looks to have been ridden (and stored) a bit harder than that blue one in Sausalito. Once again not sure if I should hold out.
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/spo/d/davis-single-durable-kayaks/7172807443.html

Bummer you didn't get that Frenzy. Those Eddylines look super sweet. That is the next kayak I want go buy. Ive been eyeing a couple models and they look really high quality with outstanding reviews. If I were you I would just go for an Eddyline. Seems like a purchase you wouldn't regret