What to buy??

OK, so the Local Kayak selection her sucks and I don't have the Extra money or time for the round trip to get Rawkfishs used yak  So Heres My delema I have about 650 dollars to get a sit on top fishing kayak that inclueds shipping if I have to order one ,Im 6' 3" 270 w/o wet suit and gear so I'm looking at 350 and up weight range SOT 's Ive read All the reviews and call alot of places that DON'T have what they say they do on the web, What Kind of SOT would you get if you were me,AND don't tell me save my money as soon as the wife finds it. Its as good as gone. Im Leanin to the Feel free Moken angler on sale if I can Find one with free shipping,or one of the 12 footers in the same price range,Any Idea ,Many are free shipping ,Hard to test a kayak over the web.

It's hard to answer your question because demoing them is not an option. The best way to find which kayak is best for for you is to try it. That being said REI just rolled out their kayak selection for the year yesterday. They have some very good deals on some very nice SOT Ocean Kayaks which includes free shipping most of the time. Check it out and let me know if you see one you like I'll go look at it for you. I'm 6'3 and 230 so we are pretty similar as far as fit.

Perhaps an Ocean Kayak  Caper or Scupper Pro?  An Ocean Kayak Frenzy is under $400, but doesn't paddle efficiently, but still safer than a SINK.

Perhaps an Ocean Kayak  Caper or Scupper Pro?  An Ocean Kayak Frenzy is under $400, but doesn't paddle efficiently, but still safer than a SINK.

I don't think any of these kayaks would be good for his weight capacity requirements.

-Allen

About a month ago, Alder Creek in Portland had some Tarpons in your price range but I didn't pay attention to what models or know the specs on them. Maybe give them a call.

If you have to web order I have read a lot of good reviews about Austin Kayak. I have no first hand experience. Also, REI stores ship anything they sell for free to an REI store and they have a great return policy. Not sure if there is one near you or not. It may also be worth seeing if Next Adventure or the Kayak Shack could arrange something.

If you have to web order I have read a lot of good reviews about Austin Kayak.

I haven't ordered a Yak but I've ordered a few other thiings from theses guys.   Pretty good service so far.

Rawkfish's boat seems like the best fit for your requirements. Can you not meet halfway or something?

Rawkfish's boat seems like the best fit for your requirements. Can you not meet halfway or something?

Agreed. I'm surprised his boat hasn't been snatched up yet. Solid setup and even more importantly, lots of positive fish ju ju.

Demo Demo Demo

Support your local shop if possible. Go talk to you the guys at Next Adventure. They have a ton of experience and might be able to get you in a demo.

Comfort and stability will be your first concerns and utility after that.

Try em all out and keep asking questions!!

Good luck and welcome to the family!

Derek

I agree with local support, but the issue was that jgrady could not get the time to get to Portland to buy Rawkfish's kayak - which is certainly a bummer- much less visit the local stores. That is the only reason I tossed out some other possibilities. Personally, I am as pleased as I can be with Next Adventure and I have heard wonderful things about the kayak shed.

Doh! I missed that part.

I really shouldn't post until I've woken up and had my coffee 

Kayak Shed was awesome to me. Too bad you can't make I it up here. Still think Rawk's setup is the best bang for the money you have. No way you can make your way up here to try it out?

Rawkfish's boat seems like the best fit for your requirements. Can you not meet halfway or something?

Agreed. I'm surprised his boat hasn't been snatched up yet. Solid setup and even more importantly, lots of positive fish ju ju.

+1

Have you checked out the new dive shop in coos bay off of the 101?  They have some kayak's also Turnman Takle in reedsport has kayak's.

Jgrady, if you want Rawkfish's yak and can wait till I head south to GS6 in early May, I can bring it to Yaksurfs place near Eugene where you can come get it.