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How-to for kayak buyers

By TERRY TOMALIN
Published February 2, 2007

Kayaks come in two varieties - enclosed and sit-on-top: Enclosed boats are usually made of fiberglass and are better suited for coastal touring and open-water adventures. Sit-on-tops don't paddle as well over long distances, but they are better suited for fishing. The open-cockpit design allows an angler to hop on and off, and wade the shallow areas. The lighter the boat, the easier to paddle: But the longer the waterline (length), the faster the boat will go. A short boat (11 to 13 feet) handles better in tight spots; longer boats (13 to 16 feet) perform better over long distances and in big waves. Accessories: You can rig a sit-on-top sea kayak with everything from electronic fish finders to rocket launchers. But there are two essential pieces of equipment: a paddle and a personal floatation device.

Rudders: Not all boats come with rudders. While kayak purists scoff at the idea of using a rudder, this relatively inexpensive device will keep your hands free to fish if you are dealing with a wind-driven current or tide.

New or used? Used fishing kayaks are less expensive than new ones but harder to find. One advantage to buying a new boat is you can tailor it to your fishing needs.

Lessons: If you buy a new boat from a reputable dealer, lessons are usually included. One hour with a good instructor will save you days of mistakes on the water if you go it alone.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor

[Last modified February 1, 2007, 12:14:01]