newbie intro and questions

I have been a lurker here for a couple months and I think it's time I introduce myself.  You guys run a great looking site and i have learned a lot by reading the articles and forums posts.

My name is Bill, I'm 53 years old and I live on a houseboat on Lake Union in Seattle.  I have only kayaked a couple times in rentals on the lake.  I grew up in the Seattle area and am familiar with almost all the fishing in the area from Puget Sound salmon to Lake Washington salmon and trout to the local rivers for salmon, trout and steelhead.

Since I live right on the lake, I'm looking to get a couple of kayaks.  One for me and one for my girlfriend.  Both will probably be SOT's.  Most of the use will just be on Lake Union early in the mornings before other boat traffic.  I also would like to try fishing Puget Sound and Lake Washington.  I get to Bend Oregon some too so maybe the Deschutes River is an option for me.

I have watching Craigslist in Seattle and Portland and some of the on-line retailers.  I know SOME about O.K., Cobra and the Tarpons. 

Anyone have any suggestions on when and where might be good choices to actually try them out and ultimately buy?  My timeline is between now and spring 2010.

I'm sure you will hear more from me and I look forward to any responses here.

Thanks,
Bill

Hi Bill...
 Welcome to The Madness as we say at NCKA, The Greater Bay Area sister site to NWKA,

 I'm not sure of the scene there but, Craiglist is Great, but ya got to act fast, you are also coming into the off season, sport shows etc... so your in a Great position to get a Great deal on new.

 If your not in a Hurry, the best is to " Try before ya buy..."  It becomes such a love affair once you find your yak.

 I would advise going to a retailer as to get customer service and know where your Love has been    

and again, that new prices this time a year are close to quality used...

 Careful though, The Madness can make you do Crazy things  
  ( see pic... )

 Haven't visited this site in a while.... Looks like all is well...

 Great Job Guys/Girls....  Hope to get up that way soon........  

Anyone have any suggestions on when and where might be good choices to actually try them out and ultimately buy?  My timeline is between now and spring 2010.

Many shops will let you demo or at least rent with an option to get your rent fees back if you buy.  I would simply call around to the shops nearest you that carry the kayaks you're interested in.

There are also "paddle days" hosted by various shops, usually in the spring, where the shop and a bunch of invited kayak companies gather in one place for a day full of demos and classes.  This is probably the best way to try a bunch of kayaks at once.  Here in the greater Portland area both REI and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe Shop host these kinds of events in April/May at Vancouver Lake, WA.  Look/ask around there may be something similar in the Seattle area as well.  I imagine at least REI has a paddle day there.

Brian

There are also "paddle days" hosted by various shops, usually in the spring, where the shop and a bunch of invited kayak companies gather in one place for a day full of demos and classes.  This is probably the best way to try a bunch of kayaks at once.  Here in the greater Portland area both REI and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe Shop host these kinds of events in April/May at Vancouver Lake, WA.  Look/ask around there may be something similar in the Seattle area as well.  I imagine at least REI has a paddle day there.

That would be worth a long weekend trip to PDX.  Hit Powells and Bridgeport while there too.

I work at the south end of Lake Union, and use an OK Trident 13 Angler.  At some point I could bring the boat and let you try it out on the lake.  You should try out both paddle and pedal boats before you make your decision.  On what side of the lake do you live and what are the launch conditions like at your houseboat?  Easy cart pull, easy 2-person carry, long gruesome stairs, etc.?

Personal question:  billfrombothell lives on Lake Union?

you can demo any time at our Alder Creek PDX Jantzen beach shop if you are in the area.

Jason
503-285-0464