Introduction and a couple questions...

Just found this forum while researching kayaks and I'm really glad I did.  There's tons of great info here!  I live in Port Angeles, having moved here last summer from South Florida with my wife.  We really love it here.  With that being said, we're on the hunt for a couple kayaks.  We're both completely new to paddling, so there's a bit of a learning curve going on.  She doesn't much care about fishing, but I am already getting a bit obsessed with it and I've never even done it!  The kayaks I've mainly been looking at are the Native Watercraft Manta Ray 12, the Malibu Pro-Explorer, and the Tarpon 12.  I've been to the shops here locally and sat in a Tarpon and Pro-Explorer, but there aren't any Native Watercraft dealers around.  Comfort-wise I kind of like the Tarpon better, but I'm still quite undecided.  I keep finding myself going back to the Manta Ray.  I really like the layout, and people seem to like it from the limited number of reviews I've found.  Our budget is <$1000 each (less is definitely better!).  Naturally we'll spend a good bit of time on the lakes just learning how to paddle and getting comfortable, but my end goal is to be able to fish out in the strait.  We're both average sized folks, so 12' seems like a good size for us.  Any input or suggestions are greatly appreciated, and thanks again for the wealth of info here!

welcome to you and the missus, smitty. you sure picked a great area to move to..check the native website, look in the dealer locator. i think the nearest one to you may be on bainbridge island down here by seattle. you can email them by clicking the "contact us" button there.

seems to me we have several members who live right in that area. floating_cowboys comes to mind first.

even if you get a tarpon or a malibu pro, i think you'll be happy. but, best bet, find a few more dealers and look for kayak demo days locally and try out more boats..

i think you'll enjoy being a member. this is a good bunch of people who are extremely helpful.

Thanks!  I actually called all three Washington dealers listed on Native's website but none had the Manta Ray unfortunately.  I had planned all week to make the drive to Bainbridge or Bellingham today.  Glad I called first!  I've read a lot of posts from floating_cowboys since he also lives here in PA.  Hopefully he can share a bit of knowledge of the local area.  There's a symposium here next month, so I may just wait until then so I can demo a few models first, but I'm having a hard time being patient!  Otherwise maybe a trip to Seattle since there's many more shops and opportunities to possibly demo a few.  We'll see if I can hold out that long.  Anyway, thanks for the help and the warm welcome!

Welcome to NWKA, smitty!

Before eliminating any options, I would get out there and demo as many yaks as you can, before committing. And be aware, that if you are new, your perceptions (of boat performance) are going to be different than they will be after you've gotten some sea time.

If you have a chance, chime in and tag along on a planned trip, even if you don't already have a boat. A bunch of these guys have spares and are good about giving folks a chance at trying them.

One way of stretching your dollar is by going with a used boat. Often they'll come with a bunch of accessories (seats, paddles, etc.), saving you even more.

 I wouldn't limit your search to 12 foot model, especially if you plan on being out in the straits.  Definitely try out some longer models.  You'll notice a diffference.

Welcome to the site!!!

-Allen

smitty, i couldnt find anyone local that had decent price on WS tarpon...i found a place in WV that shipped me one for less than anywhere local off the shelf stock...i bought a WS tarpon 160i w/ rudder and its great out in the salt after you plug up the seat scupper holes...i think total cost with shipping and rudder was under $900

Welcome, good luck with your shopping as you said there is a pile of information out there.  I to am new to this and was blown away with all the reviews, opinions, and information out there.  The advise to go to a demo day is good (although I couldn't wait that long ).  I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the boats your looking at.  That's the beuty of being new to paddling, they are all really cool .  I went with a Ocean Kayak Trident 13 and love it, my neighbor went with the Tarpon 12 and I gotta say that is one purty boat.  Maybe you should just buy six or seven different yaks

Wow, thanks everyone! I'm going to try and wait until the upcoming symposium here so my wife and I both can get out and try a couple first.  Of course I know myself, and if I find a good deal I may just jump on it. I would like to see the difference between a 12 and a 14 though.. Only concern there might be transporting them both on a jeep wrangler. Or maybe that isn't an issue. Not sure. I have been looking at the trident 13 as well. Seems pretty nice, well thought of, and just a bit longer than the others I was looking at. Definetly another one going on my list. Dang, I'm trying to narrow my list down and it keeps getting longer! Anyway, thanks all for the great info and warm welcome!