Newbie

I am considering getting a fishing type kayak.  Right now I'm looking at the Native Watercraft FX 14.5 tandem as a kind of dual purpose kayak.  One purpose being occasional fishing in flat water and the other for taking friends out kayaking, bird watching etc.  I like the FX for it's very comfortable seat (I'm 6'4") as most kayaks I've ever paddled get uncomfortable after a short period of time.  I'd be interested if anyone out there has had experience with the Native Watercraft line.   

My other big question is about hauling a kayak.  I know from experience if it's a pain to do I won't do it.  I have a 2012 4Runner and getting a 70 pound kayak up on the roof by myself isn't going to fly.  I would love to hear about how people haul kayaks, either what kind of trailer they've found works well or if they use some kind of load assist for getting it up on a roof rack.  The 4Runner has an extension on the back of the roof that protects the rear wiper and it's not very solid so sliding a kayak from the rear on that part isn't going to work either. 

Thule Hullavator. Not the cheapest, but definitely first class! Otherwise a trailer set-up is a good option also.

Welcome to the group Fred...

I have a tandem also....not Native Watercraft...
You're right...loading it on top of a rig is a real pain in the...well you know...

If a top rack is out...I'm thinking you might look at a trailer...many of the folks on here use a small multi-purpose utility trailer...some have went all custom build for their kayak trailers too...

I'm still loading mine on top of a Suburban...a small trailer is in my future I think   

I have a Jackson big tuna tandem and love it, at just shy of 100 lbs it goes on top of a subaru outback by myself most of the time. I'm in Garibaldi just north of Tillamook if your in the area give me a shout we can go fish out of my yak to see if you like it, also the seats are very easy on the back and my bad hip.

Thanks to all for the feedback.  And Jojopotato, I'd love to take you up on the very generous invite and may send an email in the near future to take you up on it.  Which brings up another question;  I understand you need to dress for the water temp and not the air temp in case you go over the side.  So what do you use when out on the ocean for protecting yourself in case you go over?  I'm very familiar with the dangers of hypothermia from readings and when I was a paramedic decades ago. 

Hey Fred,

I used to have a Hobie Oasis, which is a pretty hefty tandem.  I hauled it on one of those clamp on yakima roof racks on my Ford F250 pickup.  I got the Yakima BoatLoader which is an extension bar that pulls out of the rack so you can load from the side.  I could load and unload it by myself, by simply putting one end of the yak on the bar, then lifting the other end and sliding it on. 

Those big tandems can be a little awkward to manhandle around but this option worked reasonably well and was affordable.    I think someone else mentioned the Hullavator, also a nice option, although more $$$.

I have the Yakima boatloaders on a Yakima rack with 60" bars on the wife's Dakota. I went this set-up for her so she can do paddle trips solo. They work alright, she can get it up there, but they can still be a bit  awkward and scratch your rig as you have to lean it against it jockeying it on. Then there is getting it strapped down on while standing in the doorsill or needing a step-stool etc... This is all works ok for tall burly fellas and those with good upper body strength, but this has not worked out so well for my wife. Now I have a trailer that works better for her (and me too) since its all manageable at ground level, but I'm definitely putting a Hullavator on her next rig when she sells the Dakota.

Since you are talking about going out in the salt... you should stay away from the Native Ultimate since it is a sit-inside type kayak. Not that it can't be done, but you should be looking at SOT (sit-on-tops) for their self-bailing attributes. The Hobie or Ocean Kayak brands tend to be the most popular for us here in the northwest, but there are many others... I would also suggest using the search feature for "immersion gear" threads for what is recommended for safety. Then come back here and ask any specific questions you have. This is great that you are asking this question though!! Welcome!

<Edit> I'd be happy to let you try out any of the kayaks and gear I have as well. As a suggestion you should come to ORC and see how we roll! You don't need to enter the competition, but you would be well off and prosper a great wealth of knowledge just by attending and meeting us. You can also probably "demo" just about anyone's plastic if you ask them. We are a friendly group.  We are camped on the Silietz- no immersion gear needed!

What when and where is the "ORC".   I'd love to stop by and check out the various kayaks. 

Saturday the 12th at depoe bay oregon plan on spending the whole day and Friday before lots will be at chinook bend camp ground

When would be a good day and time to show up at the campground to check out people's kayaks?

Check the ORC threads and pm one of the guys that are staying there for the event I'm not I'm just popping in in the early am. On another note I'm in Garibaldi and can take you out in my yak it's tandum as long as your not over 250 lbs.

Sounds like a lot of fun and a VERY generous offer to a total stranger.  Thank you.

I'm 200 # soaking wet.  I sent you an email through the NWKA website about coming up there to fish.  Did you get it?   

Fred

Sounds like a lot of fun and a VERY generous offer to a total stranger.  Thank you.

I'm 200 # soaking wet.  I sent you an email through the NWKA website about coming up there to fish.  Did you get it?   

Fred

Sent ya a reply , as for total stranger I have fished with a few members here and including myself you can't get much stranger then what we already got going onaround here. 

Sent ya a reply , as for total stranger I have fished with a few members here and including myself you can't get much stranger then what we already got going on around here. 
[/quote]

 I resemble that remark.

 Fred,
 There will be a bunch of people at Chinook Bend Campground starting Thursday night. some will be pre-fishing the salt to get an idea for "hot spots". If you call to reserve a camp site--tell them you are with NWKA ORC and you'll get a 20% discount.
 There will be a few people playing around in the Siletz River too. Come on over..... as has been mentioned...... we are a very generous group.
 If you see a kayak you'd like to try -- just ask. Odds are pretty good you'll be on the water soon after.
 If you have any questions about rigging a boat---just ask. Lots of gear-heads on here.
 If you have any questions about Kayak fishing, just ask. You might be overwhelmed by the answers.
 If you can make it--- be there. Lots of good times, hook-ups, shared knowledge, and fun with like-minded folk. You'll come back for more...

Sent ya a reply , as for total stranger I have fished with a few members here and including myself you can't get much stranger then what we already got going on around here. 

 I resemble that remark.

 How did you know I was talking about you? Was you the one that borrowed my deer lighter at the tilly tourney?