Kayaks

Blue ,
Captain has it right about a seat . Your back starts to ache if you can never lean back and relax . Don't buy one of those open kayaks unless you can get a back rest with it , or it has a high moulded section behind the seat .
When you buy a kayak , make sure it is designed for flat water use . My kayak is a white water touring boat and is very hard to paddle in a straight line without experience . I had a big laugh when all the guys and gals on my recent Pilbara trip got in it and constantly went in circles .
Cheers ,
Willie .

Blue ,
I just had a look at that Viking site . Those fishing kayaks are the bees knees . I like the one with the electric outboard . I love electric outboards and have one for my canadian - brilliant for fishing .
Cheers ,
Willie .

I have heard quite bad reports about the Vikings. I have been told they are really heavy and hard to padddle and the plastic does not seem to be of good quality.

Have you found this with yours Willie?

The Hobbie kayaks the other guy talks about are just too expensive.

Does anyone have a feelfree brand and can tell me if they like it.

Hi Blue1,

I guess you are asking about my Viking, not Willies, as he dosen't have a Viking! Anyway, mine is fairly heavy at ~19kg, but i can easily lift it on my roof by myself and carry it around. While its not light, I don't class it as heavy, but if comparing to competition kayaks then I suppose it is. As for the plastic, mine has copped a hiding being dragged on the beach etc... and has survived very well. There are the obvious scratches, but overall has a new appearance, not bad IMHO.

Bottom line is I am very happy with it, I am no kayaking expert, simply bought it to have fun with the kids and it fills that bill perfectly. Its very stable, I can get 3 on board (but just about sinking it now the kids have grown!) and plan to have it for years to come. I am considering getting a second one once the kids are old enough and would not hesitate to get the same again for my needs.

Cheers

Captain

Flappa ,
How do you turn those when there is no momentum ?
Willie

Has a rudder (still doesn't help much if you aren't moving), but , you also still have a paddle like any kayak. It just means you can move without needing to use your hands , to chase that BIG fish.

Rob tagged a marlin out of his.

You can also buy a sail kit for them.

Flappa ,
I do a fair bit of fishing out of mine , but because of it's high internal volume , it's high out of the water and badly affected by the wind . You get into a posi for a cast and after that you have to put the rod down and paddle again to get back to where you were .
Maybe with the pedals you could hold yourself in position better .
When I catch decent fish , they tow me all over the place .
Cheers ,
Willie .

I would think they might.

I haven't used one personally , but I have seen the couple of shows that Rob did using them , and read the reviews Rob and his mate did on the boats and they sound impressive.

This Viking with the lecky though sounds a neat piece of gear.

Personally, Im trying to get the old man to offload his Coleman Canoe with lecky outboard to me , he is a stubborn bugger though . . .wont give it up easily. I told him he doesn't need both the Canoe and the Quinnie Car Topper.

Mostly though , I would be fishing on my own , and thats where these Kayaks would be right at home.

I've got a Hobie Tandem Mirage.

IT ROCKS!!!

We go for MILES in this damn thing. I can get up to 6 kmh on the GPS using the pedals.

Cost me $3200.00

Extra Rigging $400.00

Cheers

Wolfie

What John says makes good sense - also a lot of the guys recommending open kayaks live in warmer places than Melbourne .
Around Melbourne I would not want to have the water dripping into my crutch off the paddle .
Willie .

willie, thanks for the endorsement in this case. In Melbourne in particular you are right too!!!! You don't know what you may catch off the Yarra river water, straight off the streets. You could find your self barred from the matrimonial bed, but our goodly State Premier wishes us to drink that water..............

You may need to use a condom to paddle the Yarra to avoid diseases if you have an open kayak there;-)