Maintenance & Restoration

WildBirder · 02-02-2013, 01:56 PM

I've had two inflatable kayaks in the past and would hesitant to go that route again. I found they took up to much valuable interior space. They also took a lot of time to set up. Packing away time was worse. They were difficult to get clean and dry enough to put away without having to take them out again once home from the trip. (This is why I went from tent to trailer too.) Once we missed drying the interior tip thoroughly and ended up with mold. On short trips we stopped using them even though we brought them along.

Caveat, The models were very high end but older. They were probably around 45"x30"x15" and 60lbs. The linked ones above are a bit smaller and lighter and may be easier to use....I'm still too jaded though.

Most importantly is user type, it obviously works for some. YMMV.

jen b · 02-02-2013, 03:33 PM

After a couple of years of thinking about it and renting, I finally got myself my own kayak, this past fall. I've had it out a bunch of times locally around Philadelphia and the New Jersey pine barrens. I got it in just enough time to take it for two Assateague camping weekends before Hurricane Sandy wiped out those campgrounds (since reopen, though!).

I'm developing a system that works for me, for doing wildlife photography from the boat. Maiden voyage in Florida over the christmas break with the plastic tote setup and 300mm hand-holdable lens was a big success. I picked Old Town's Voyager kayak for its side-to-side stability. It's not lightning fast, but it does what I need it to do: not rock a bunch while I'm pointing the camera at something. Second photo below shot from the kayak.

Cricket · 02-02-2013, 03:47 PM

We now have four Kayaks....and a Thule rack system that fits on any vehicle (as long as we buy the right adapter)....I think (fingers crossed) that all of them will fit up there.....

Carol H · 02-02-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eggless

We now have four Kayaks....and a Thule rack system that fits on any vehicle (as long as we buy the right adapter)....I think (fingers crossed) that all of them will fit up there.....

Depending on what the kayaks are made of you may want to check your owners manual to see what the roof is able to hold - most of them have a limit - for example I havent seen one that is rated to take 2 double kayaks yet - even the lighter carbon & fiberglass ones.

Hazel in Sk · 02-02-2013, 08:40 PM

We carry a canoe and one of those small plastic 'play' kayaks on our Element. They fit side by side but add to fuel usage. Canadian Tire sell a variety of little, relatively cheap kayaks, and they are a fun addition to the camping experience. We let the grandkids use one starting at about age 8 - with us beside them in the canoe as a safety boat. The 16 year old fishes from it - hubby and I take a camera along to try to get closer to the loons and other birds. They are incredibly stable.

Cricket · 02-02-2013, 09:00 PM

Ours are just plastic rec kayaks.....

Joy A · 02-03-2013, 12:42 AM

Carry the kayak on top of the Jeep. Then Lily on top of the kayak.

Radar1 · 02-03-2013, 10:14 AM

Joy, I like Lily's PFD with the grab handle!

papas34 · 02-03-2013, 11:54 AM

Many years ago I would go to the sand dunes 4 0r 5 times a year to ride 3 wheelers.

I was member of a club, 3 young single guys went in together and purchased a large boat with a cabin, galley and bathroom.

They could go out on Lake Powell one weekend and the Jericho Sand Dunes the next......they sure got lots of funny looks as they climbed in and out of it using a step ladder out in the middle of the desert.

Too bad I do not have any photos.