Does anyone make a Yak that would be a good choice my young son and I? Or would I be better with a JON boat or Canoe?
How old is your son? What does he weigh?
Is this something you’d plan to do for a good while and want a boat that you can live with for a good while?
Any preference between sit in and sit on top?
There are some good tandem yaks available that can also work as a single.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
He is almost 2. I know he is still on the young side just trying to weigh my options for getting him started fishing. I was thinking a Yak would be a good option since most of what we would be doing is short trips, since he won’t be able to stay out but so long, and there would be little set up and clean up time. I would think a sit on top would be better. He weighs about 25lbs.
You could sit him on almost anything.
I’m a Wilderness Systems guy so I may be a bit biased. I like the Pamlico tandem sit in just because it paddles so well. Other options would be to sit him on the forward deck of most any sit on top facing you. the Ride 135 has plenty of carrying capacity and it’s really stable without being a chore to paddle. Besides, it’s a great fishing platform when you take it our by yourself.
Talk to Dave over at Time Out Sports in Mt P. he can walk you trhough a bunch of different options and manufacturers.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
Im by no means an expert on various yaks, but a friend of mine had an xfactor and installed the “gator hatch” up front and it was an awesome lil fishing yak for him and his son. check it out!
I bought a Wilderness Commander hybrid at Too Busy’s suggestion, and think it would be great for you. Low seat for your son which can slide forward and a raised fixed seat for you. Not a surf or rough water boat, but you can stand in it-very stable.
Tommy might add to this post-he is the man with his knowledge of kayaks.
www.wildernesssystems.com
Thanks Bill
The Commander is an AWESOME hybrid. Definitely not a rough water boat, but a great stable easy paddling boat that’s very user friendly. It’s a tad on the small side at 12 feet, but would work while your son is small as a tandem.
I’m not aware of any demo days coming up, they are your best opportunity to look at and play with a variety of boats. I am pretty sure the guys at Time out apply rental fees toward a yak purchase though.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
Take a look at the Native Ultimate 14.5 tandem. Great tandem, and maybe even a better solo. Not a rough water boat, but very stable and comfortable. Talk to Tim buck 2, he and his son fish out of this boat all the time. We do have a rental at time out if you would like to try this boat out, on me if you want to!
Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and Be Happy!
Thanks for all the input I will be checking them out. Just testing the waters right know to seen what my options are. Sounds like a few rentals might help the decision.
Ditto, what Dave said about the Ultimate. I have taken my son out a bunch (he’s 13 now)
Pro: Super stable in good conditions. Plenty of room to stretch out. Seats are probably the best in the business. I have sat in this yak for hours without being uncomfortable. Carries a ton of stuff if you so desire. Converts from single to tandem in just a couple of minutes.
Cons: (Most relate to questionable conditions) Doesn’t track well in high winds, and does take on water when waves are present. (Keep a pump and sponge handy) It is a bit heavy when it’s you and a young lad trying to get to the water. The skirts are are bit expensive and I have not bought any to reduce water intake so I can’t tell you positive/negative on those. In fair weather, sunny conditions, and poor fishing, you could easily fall asleep in those seats and get a sunburn.
Overall. The positives outweigh the negatives if you plan on using with a younger child in good conditions. If you’re properly prepared for questionable conditions you will do fine. Much more stable platform than a canoe.
Do I recommend this yak for fishing with your son, Yes. Take one out for a test paddle, worth your time.
I can send you photos of how I have mine set up if your interested,
TB2
TB2
TimBuck2
Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5
Jimmy Buffett can have Margaritaville, I’m going to Redfishville!