Comments on: Buying a Fishing Kayak – My Decision Process

By: DEV-TV Outdoors

DEV-TV Outdoors — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

Steve, I think you've probably nailed down the decision process. Also a lot of the flaws with other kayaks. I too noticed the problem with the Compass early on and it steered me far away. To me it is nothing more than a cheap Wal-Mart-type version of a real Hobie. (Sorry Hobie fans!) The last thing I want to do is spend my RARE and sweat earned money on a kayak I have to fix 2 days after I get it. Part of my decision making process is now to wait at least a year before ever CONSIDERING a new kayak, so all the fails and shortcomings (the Pilot for instance) will come to light. For me the FD would fall into this "wait a year" category).

I think it all comes down to a few things really. 1) Cost. That makes or breaks most peoples decisions. 2) Comfort. Like you mentioned things like the seat. But also is it comfortable on the water a full day? That last thing I personally would need is to come home hurting all night. 3) Features. Does it have everything I'm going to need for my style, or am I going to have to spend another small fortune adding stuff? 4) Is it easy to upgrade or add stuff to? If it has no where to mount/add anything, than its automatically future proof. Tech changes constantly. Especially today's fishing tech. 5) Does the total cost justify buying it? Kayak prices are so ridiculous today that I really have to weight every single option, just like you did, to figure it its really worth it for a poor guy. and perhaps more importantly 6) how does it paddle? What if something happens and the peddle drive breaks down in the middle of the lake, on the ocean, etc.? Can you paddle several miles to land? Or is it like paddling a barge?

Those would be my main concerns.

But I think you will nail all of that on the demo. Demos are essential because they can tell you more in 15 minutes that a weeks worth of Q&A visits in a shop some where!

By: gibbsforest

gibbsforest — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

I’m not as analytical as you, but it interesting that we ended up with the same two boats. Most of my six months of research has been word of mouth and watching videos. I don’t so much listen to what people say on videos, but watch what they do and how things work. And I talk to good kayak fishermen. Rather than demoing, I have booked a half day fishing trip with two guides, one will put me in an Outback and the other in a Coosa fd. As you know, paddling (peddling) around a demo lake for 30 minutes is just not enough. Four hours will show you where that spot is that aches or rubs after two hours. I have fished all my life, but not from a kayak. The guide days are also to learn tips and tricks before I start outfitting my own boat. One criteria I missed on your chart is personally giving me pause. Both these boats have a reverse, but the Coosa’s is hands free, no lever to pull, just reverse peddle. No need to take one hand off the reel handle. I don’t know how important this is yet but it is something I want to feel for myself. Really enjoyed you video and you thoughts. Isn’t it great to have something you are so passionate about that even the research is a BLAST! Good luck with your pick.

By: smithmal

smithmal — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

Just wondering how you scored "Easy to Handle Out of the Water?" This may not be an issue if you have a lot of accessible ramps/launches, but if you don't or like to try new places, I can see this being a big issue.

By: Raxxy Yak Gear

Raxxy Yak Gear — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

Hi Steve, did you make a decision yet on the new Kayak?

By: darkomen42

darkomen42 — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

I guess my choice is a lot easier since I'm not looking for a pedal drive. There are relatively cheap options with lots of features.

By: Wesley Hackney

Wesley Hackney — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

I am a lean six sigma black belt consultant for manufacturing for 25 years and this is best statistical data driven approach I've ever seen for selecting not just a kayak but any fishing equipment . You have done a fantastic job and I'm going to use your template for picking my next kayak. In trying to find one that will meet my needs for river and inshore fishing. Can't wait to see your next steps in this process

By: Dick Lowater

Dick Lowater — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

Steve, I had a chance this week to demo the Coosa FD and Radar 135 this week (it was still on my list). The drive on the Radar just didnt cut it for me even with the quick "up periscope" button. It did however paddle very nicely. I was disappointed in the Coosa drive I demoed. Unfortunetly for me it was an earlier version that Jackson has updated. The gentleman that allowed me to demo said he felt that the internal drive system (he thought was chain) in that particular unit was not as tight as others that they had received after it. Looking forward to your thoughts on it. Make sure you carry it with someone (one on the bow and one on the stern) it's noticely heavier than I would have expected but did paddle decent; not nearly as well as the Radar though. I noticed on your spread sheet you added 4 gear tracks for the Outback. Is this just the track that will sit up about 3/8 of an inch off the yak? If so does it concern you at all about snagging things? If not this type, what are you thinking? I havent demoed the Outback yet but when I do I am going to seriously consider the H rails as an option to tracks (unless I find where I can recess them or find some type of low profile track). Good stuff…look forward to your next step!

By: Joe Hays

Joe Hays — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

I thought I would add an item that has not been mentioned. It has made a great deal of difference as a Hobie PA14 and Outback owners. My wife uses the outback mostly. We added the Hobie sail and Amas as she has had a knee replacement. I can say now after two years with the sail option, it is the fastest , easier mode of getting from one end of a reservoir to the other. It does not make any difference as to the depth of water. It is very easier to install and the furling option makes it a snap to close up the sail and be ready to cast. Hope you can find a demo with that option to try. It takes about 15 minutes to learn.

By: jeremy pierce

jeremy pierce — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

I get to demo the 2018 hobies this Sunday and am super excited. I am between the outback Jackson fd and the predator pdl. This summer will be amazing.

By: Michael S

Michael S — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 11:42:01 +0000

I have a Hoble pro angler and an adventure. I fish a lot in shallow estuaries. I really like that you switch to super shallow mode just by pushing one leg forward and still fish with both hands at the same time. Not much chance of your line getting caught if the fish goes under the boat either while still fishing with both hands. I also like that you can pull out the entire drive and hose it off and spray lube with wd40 very easily. The drive is also so simple it is easy to repair if there is a problem. I dont like the scupper wheel system. Too hard to get on. I use strap on large balloon Wheel Eezz dont need to unload or tip kayak.