I want to try Kayak before venturing into the tragedy of motorboats.
My fishing will be 100% inshore/nearshore.
I prefer the Hobie because years of running and cycling have given me good lower body strength/endurance.
Question is porting the thing:
- Is there a rig which will allow me to mount this atop a Prius? Trailer hitch invalidates Prius warranty.
- Can any of 1) be operated by one guy with pretty good lower body strength (300#+ dead lift) but only moderate upper body strength (150# bench press)? FWIW, I am 66YO so not likely to get stronger.
You’ll have no problems with pedaling a Hobie if you can do all that. Contact Time Out Sports in Mount Pleasant - they have demos you can rent, and give it a test before you purchase.
I used to fish with a guy who had a Hobie Outback that he car-topped on his small Volkswagen car…you can get an aftermarket rack made by Thule or Yakima for your Prius.
Let us know how it goes…
Lowcountry Kayak Anglers - http://www.lowcountrykayakanglers.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups/lowcountrykayakanglers/
I just got a Thule rack for my Optima and that thing works great. It is a pain to try and put together because the instructions are very vague pictures but it’s worth it. I would highly suggest going through the Thule fit guide because there are different parts for different cars and you don’t want to get the wrong ones. After you figure out the model #'s for the parts you can go about piecing it together on Amazon if you would prefer if you want to try and save a few bucks. The rack is expensive but it’s extremely solid.
There are hydraulic type lifts that will assist you in raising the yak to your car roof (I forget what they are called but I think they are Thule also). Not cheap though.
You could alternately look for a beater vehicle to carry the yak on/in. Keep your nice Prius from the dripping salt water, and the bad stuff that happens to the underside around the typical kayak landings. Even with spraying off afterwards, that salt will take a toll (it does not get rinsed for a few hours, depending on how long you leave it at the landing). After five years of yakking, when I needed a new ride, that is what I did and it is worth it. Costs more insurance, but keeps a lot of mileage off the main car and a lot of wear, so your resale is going to be higher. It’s not just the outer wear on the vehicle btw; wet bathing suits, wet feet, all your gear, etc, take a big toll too. Just a thought.
Stratoyak,
I do have a ‘beater’. It is a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 2WD V6 5-speed.
This thing has carried 1700# in the bed and has towed 5000#.
Amazingly, less than 60K miles and has the original clutch despite the tow/carry. It will outlive me.
If I use the truck for toting the yak, do I get a trailer or just stuff the yak in the bed with lots of bungees and red flags? Or other?
ericpret
Put it in the truck bed. Get a Harbor Freight receiver-mount bed extender if it hangs out too far. Cam straps to tie it down and a red flag to hang off the back and you’ll be set.
Lowcountry Kayak Anglers - http://www.lowcountrykayakanglers.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups/lowcountrykayakanglers/
Whatever works for you. Depends on your living arrangement and where you can store your yak, if you have room and money for a trailer, etc. I am fortunate enough to have a raised house and can back a trailer up underneath. If I need to use the mini van beater for something else, I unhook it. Otherwise I leave it hooked up and just hop in and go fishing, it does not get easier. but the bed extender will work too no doubt.