I *really* want a kayak. I live 24 miles from the launch on the lake mead. I even know the perfect (for me) kayak to get: a jackson journey. But.... realistically, when I look at the number of trips I make a year, the numbers favor renting instead of buying (for now).
Anyhow, this is what I look for in a kayak:
- A really big thing is how aggressive the bow line is and how wide the boat is. Narrow boats with a strong 'V' shape will require you to actively flex your core mussels often to maintain stability (but you gain speed). For some folks, that's a non-starter. Wider boats with a 'U' shaped hull will be slower but with lots more stability. If you ever plan on fishing from your boat, you want wider and 'U' shaped.
- I prefer sit-in style kayaks.
- I like webbing in the front, so that if I need both my hands, I can stash the paddle in the webbing without worry.
- I like having bulkheads separate the passenger area from the cargo areas. This gives me peace of mind that even if I roll, my boat won't sink. and my gear will stay dry.
- Make sure the access portal on your cargo area is large enough for your gear to fit through the opening- 35 liter dry bag, sleeping bag, tent... etc.
- Seat and knee padding is a must.
- adjustable back support is important.
- I like having a retractable rudder. I've repaired a rudder on a rental journey in about 7 minutes using improvised tools, so bonus for repairability in the design.
- I like quality plastic boats more than fiberglass. fiberglass can crack if you step into the boat on dry land.
- I like 14 foot boats for the kind of paddling I do, and the places I go.
if possible, RENT the boat you plan to buy BEFORE YOU BUY IT.
Good points, but no need to rent. Find a place selling it that will let you try it out instead. :)
First decide your primary use: Day trips? Weekend trips? And your primary location: Sea? Rivers? If rivers, are you thinking Whitewater? Creeking? Or Playboating? Those are VERY different boat shapes, so make sure you know what you'll use it for before you buy.
I second getting a boating that is sit-in, not upon (as a kayaker....sit upons are only just barely above inflatables in terms of the hierarchy of boats). You'll be more comfortable, stay dry even when raining etc, particularly if you learn to roll your boat. (ahem. Safety tip. Don't wear a skirt until you've done one wet exit. We did not let my 85 yo grandmother wear one because we weren't going to dump her in the water.)
In regards to the hull...I bought a narrow kayak because I had a whitewater background in college. My parents bought at the same time, and my mom opted for the next up in terms of length (adds to stability and makes it easier to track straight). I prefer the quicker turning and more dynamic handling, based on whitewater exp. My parents and I agreed on a storage: I store my kayak at their house near a lake. In exchange, they can use mine whenever they want (and I can use theirs+the guest one), but if so used, my mom and I must trade kayaks rather than let guests use our kayaks. If they kayak with another couple, my mom will paddle my kayak. My mom has now gotten used to my kayak and where she once considered it more tippy, she now can't tell a difference. You'll get used to it too - even if fishing.
Properly used, you probably only use a rudder about 5% of the time. It's really not necessary, so if you want to save money, that's an easy one. Learn to turn and paddle straight without one.
Agree webbing is good. Great for waterbottles etc. I find I don't drink as much as I should, so easy access is important to good hydration. It's not a necessity though.
Yes, a life jacket is a must. I'd check for one that gives a good range of motion on the arms. Look online at whitewater ones as compared to the standard el cheapo red U version and you'll see what I mean. If you need the life jacket, it can save your life, so again, don't skimp out here. (If you are not planning on running whitewater or going sea kayaking, it may not be as necessary.)
Spend money on good drybags - you get what you pay for! If debating between two medicore and one good drybag, get 1 good. And get a dry bag to put your sleeping bag in if you plan on overnight trips. You do NOT want a wet sleeping bag most of all.
If you are kayaking in colder weather, booties are well worth the investment. You don't need things like poggies or a wet suit unless you are boating in *really* cold weather. Also no need for a helmet unless doing whitewater. You probably can reused outdoor/hiking gear, so no need to buy unless you can't find anything that isn't cotton.
Paddle. Splurge for a carbon fiber one. Get seconds if you want to save a little. I got mine direct from Mitchell Paddles, as my college has a relationship with them. You WILL appreciate not having a heavy plastic paddle in the long run. Just don't then lean on it to get out of the boat.
Make sure you get a boat that you can carry by yourself if needed. Doesn't need to be for long (I've carried a whitewater boat up the mountain and would never choose to do it again!), but you need to know you aren't dependent on others.
Fiberglass isn't worth the extra cost, unless you have a medical issue. My friend who had leg cancer has one, per the rule above (be able to carry it yourself). That and he likes it.
Then look around for a used one.
