Light Kayak for a Lightweight

Hi !

I am looking for a kayak and one key feature is it be light -n- easy to load and launch.  I have a tandem now which I fished out of with my Dad a bunch of times when visiting him here in WA.   He always handled it from garage to the water and back so I had no ideal how heavy it was.  It is over half my weight so I need to find something a lightweight can manage.   I fished from a Ocean Kayak for years but just had to drag it in and out of the water from our back yard.  Didn't realize how spoiled I was living just off the water.   I am not complaining since you don't have to worry about alligators and snakes here   
I know a Sit-On-Top is a must since I luv to fish off shore on calm days.    Thinking I want to demo before buying so any suggestions where to shop would be great.

Thanks !!!

 

Just out of curiosity, have you considered a Wheeleez Cart? It makes even heavier kayaks a breeze when transporting.
What weight range are you looking for?


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Someone should be making a fiberglass sit-on-top with decent quality fishing features in the 50 to 60 pound range.  I'd be all over it.

+1 on what Redneck said.  Cart makes it easy even with a fully gear laden yak to get from the vehicle to the water.

LINGerie,
Look up the Ocean Kayak Venus, it's tailor made for smaller paddlers, mainly women. With that in mind check the websites of Eddyline, Cobra Kayaks, Malibu Kayaks, Native Watercraft and Wilderness Systems... you should find plenty of SOTs designed for lightweight, smaller paddlers to choose from.

Someone should be making a fiberglass sit-on-top with decent quality fishing features in the 50 to 60 pound range.  I'd be all over it.

Current Designs used to make exactly what you are looking for, but please don't press me for a model name... @$2700.00 it was priced right up there with the higher end Hobies, so they apparently didn't sell too many. Eddyline should soon be offering their Caribbean in Kevlar composite or Fiberglass composite, at least that was what their rep Tom told me last year at the Charleston Kayak Symposium.

Yeah, well, 2700 bucks will buy a lot of tackle. I am a big fan of light/fast boats, that one reason I fish a sea kayak but it has many downsides.

I'm pondering solutions....

The Revolution 11's hull is only 57 pounds and it's comparably shorter length makes it easier to handle out of the water, find a place to store, etc etc.  I haven't had too much of an opportunity to play with mine yet since I picked it up in December, but I've been very happy with it so far.

Venus or Hobie Revolution 11 would fit the ticket. 

What's your budget? If you're looking for a great starter kayak, the Perception Pescadore 12 is about $600 at 60 lbs. It can handle the ocean pretty well. We've got one rigged up on display at our HeroesOnTheWater Booth at the WA Sportsmen's Show at the Puyallup fair, stop by and take a look.

There are quite a few of us in the South Sound Area with different yaks and can probably meet up for you to test out. Another great way to test different yaks is to volunteer for one of the HOW events. Just a suggestion.

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Thanks for the ideas.  Back home I  had a Ocean Kayak and the tandem here is one also.   My Dad liked the brand so I can't help but be  little bias towards them.  Sentimental Me.    I had seen posts about carts and that Wheeleez looks like it has sand in mind.   It is now on my shopping list.   
Weight Range ?   Are you asking a girl her weight      I googled a few of the suggestions and see the weight differences do not seem night and day.   I may need to just work on a good system to get it on / off my jeep.   Posts I have read on trailers also has my interest so to be able to haul others kayaks if needed.     I know the Hobie kayaks were popular back home and I can imagine all the advantages for fishing.  I really enjoy paddling though. 
Thanks so so much for the ideas.   I still have a lot of surfing and reading to do.
Budget,  roughly $1,200 .  I already have all the basic kayak cold water wear.  Will be shopping for a fish finder also but no rush for that. 
I am still getting used to the winter here "Burrrr"  so I think I have a few months to do some window shopping before I hit the water.   Thanks for the suggestions to see - try some before making my decision. 

Welcome, LingErie (great handle but you should get some warm immersion gear).

Just got off the phone with a new Heroes on the Water Volunteer who own a Sandpiper, only 38 lb

http://www.eddyline.com/kayak-models/sandpiper

Also, getting a Yakima Boat Loader on your roof racks could help with the heavy lifting.

Good luck,

Hobie Mirage Sport is what you're looking for - about 45 lbs I think, and a good used one should be well within your budget.

If you want to take one for a spin, you' re welcome to try mine. I live in Lynnwood.

Ah, I think your dad sent me a PM about fishing when he comes up to visit. GoTimbers?

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Eddyline is making the Carribean in a 14 footer with a fishing version.  It weighs around 50#.  It is pricie compared to other non-pedal powered craft but a boat I would like to try out.