Low profile seats are also popular with anglers who cross the surf line or bounce down rocky rivers. A low-profile seat offers a more ergonomic paddling position lower to the water with solid back support for paddling long distances. Sit-on-top kayaks come with two seat choices: elevated or low-profile. A bow hatch is great for dry storage below deck, but a molded-in bow well is better to hold tackle boxes and gear you’ll need to access all day. Once the sit-on-top kayak’s length and width are matched to the intended use, it’s time to consider cockpit layout and features. To fish open water and paddle long distances, a 12- to 15-foot-long, 28- to 35-inch wide boat passes through the water with less resistance and is easier to paddle in a straight line. The short waterline lets the kayak sneak into tight places and the wide beam is stable for standup fishing. Our advice is to use a 10- to 12-foot kayak with a 35- to 40-inch width for short trips in mostly sheltered water. However, a heavier kayak is usually more stable with a larger capacity to carry more gear than a smaller kayak. Not only is a heavy kayak harder to paddle or pedal, but a big boat is more difficult to transport and store. Weight is another important consideration. The general rule is long and narrow kayaks go faster and straighter while short and wide kayaks are more stable and easier to maneuver. The open deck and elevated cockpit also offer more options for rigging with fishing gear and accessories. Sit-on-top kayaks are generally more comfortable and user friendly. With a sit-on-top kayak, as the name suggests, the paddler sits on top of the deck instead of inside a cockpit. Read kayak reviews to make a list of high-quality kayaks from reputable brands that will last for years.įor more tips on what to look for when selecting a used fishing kayak, read our article How To Buy A Used Fishing Kayak. It is very common for new anglers to purchase a cheap kayak and quickly realize that the boat isn’t comfortable, efficient and it doesn’t meet their needs. The most important question to ask is why the previous owner is selling the kayak. Make sure the seat properly fits the base and moves freely through positions. One of the most common problems is sagging material that no longer supports the paddler. Inspect the seat for damage and excessive wear. The seat is the weakest link in a sit-on-top kayak. Direct sunlight is plastic’s worst enemy, breaking down and weakening the material. Excessive fading is a sign the kayak has been left in the sun and the plastic may be brittle. These high-use areas are often weak because their complicated shapes can make it difficult for the plastic to fill the mold. Look for cracks in the plastic, especially around the scuppers, seat base and pedal drive. Some scratches and even gouges are expected, but weak spots from thin plastic could lead to a leak. Hull truthĬheck the condition of the hull, especially around the bow and stern for damage from being dragged across the ground. As owners grow in the sport or change their focus or preferences, used kayaks go up for sale to make room for a new kayak in their garages.Ī few words of caution before buying a used sit-on-top kayak. With years of development and dozens of manufacturers producing hundreds of models of sit-on-top kayaks, there are a lot of used boats on the market. Shopping for a used sit-on-top fishing kayak?
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