Canoes/Kayaks

Hi John and Helen,

We have a couple of sit in Kayaks that the kids don't want and were looking at selling. They are very stable due to the fact that they are sit, and not sit on type- perfect for the open water or meandering up the river.

The kayaks are Riot brand sea kayaks 3.9m long with two water tight hatches, rudder, paddle & leash, skirt & PFD's. Similar style of boat to the Griffinn, but a bit more upmarket. Three years ago they cost $1300 each without the accessories.

We live in Perth, North of the river. Please contact me if you would be interested in having a look and making an offer on them. Geoff@abrsecurity.com.au

Many Thanks
Geoff

Hi John,
I've done a lot of kayaking, mainly in NZ, both river and ocean,I don't know Finn Griffin but would make a couple of observations.
2.7 is very short. In kayak terms more water line (length) is easier to paddle and faster thru the water. A 2.7 kayak tends to "screw" on every paddle stroke. 4 metre is a good compromise. Weight?..anything over 25kg is hard to get up on the roof unless you can fit rollers etc?
In your decision on sit in vs sit in...consider buoyancy. Sit ons are more buoyant...I've bent one in half, but have never sunk one! Also if you are not a regular kayaker...a sit on or semi sit on is often easier to get in and out of.
If you have a sit in you need to use a spray skirt to maintain bouyancy..which means from a safety point of view you should take some lessons and learn the ëskimo roll.

If you are using them for casual exploring...it's the ease of access of hatches and fittings and equipment such as lunch box, cameras that counts.
Finally where ever you go...keep a weather eye on the wind...windage can be exhausting even dangerous.

Good luck and enjoy...it's a marvelous form of exercise

After reading about that guy in Africa in his kayak who got taken by a croc. no way will I ever get that close to nature which includes sharks too, just the thought, tip over, shark-bait

How about a small Porta Bote?

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My wife & i have a Hobie Kona

It is not what you have specified but it works for us and worth a look at if your specs change http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/paddle/kona/

Regards Don

They would be great fun, as long as they don't use them in Far North Qld.

.

John and Helen, I agree with Witi above, your short water line length will limit how much touring distance you will want to do. The selection is short sighted in my opinion. Go to a kayak warehouse and ask. I found some very good ones in Queensland and NSW and bought from them.

The Griffinn is a play boat for fast turning, NOT touring

Some camping shops have days where you can try out the range of Kayak's they sell ( i know thar Ranger do)

Perhaps you should paddle a few different configurations before making a decision

A lot of people who fish use the Hobies with the Mirage Drive that you can pedal & fit a sail to as well as paddle so that they can hold the boat in position in moving water while fishing

If fishing is a priority have you considered one of these http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/mirage/oasis/

Regards Don

hi westskip
mainpeak.com.au
in w.a
sell kayaks and have 3 shops cottesloe/osbourne pk and perth with experienced staff
i have no connection except a mate who was very impressed by there sales /service recently and i think they conduct demo days as well
cheers

Hi John
Have a look at the Hobie Mirage Sport. We have a couple of the Hobie Outbacks and find them great for fishing and touring and the Sport is a smaller model of them.
The Sports specs. are:

Length: 2.92 m 9' 7"
Weight: 21.77 kg 48 lb
Width: 0.75 m 29.5"
Capacity: 102 kg
MirageDrive Weight: 3.27 kg 7.2 lb

There are some great online Kayak Fishing Forums which are full of info re Kayaks.

Cheers John