Hey guys, I was thinking of maybe up-grading boats or possibly making an addition.
Right now I am using a Perception Pescador 12 that I have rigged out for fishing. I really have no complaints at all with it. But I know there are probably better and nicer boats out there that may make my day on the water more enjoyable. So I was considering the idea of maybe selling it and getting something else.
What I like about my boat is it makes decent speed and it tracks well. One thing I dont like is that it almost tracks to well and can sometimes be a pain to change direction as quickly as I would like. But I think if I had to choose tracking or turning, I would take the better tracking. I am fine with its storage and I have it rigged out well enough for my fishing skills. I am also fairly happy with the comfort level of it. I have only stood in it a couple of times and it is a tad spooky but I am not sure if I would want to trade the boats speed for something that had better standing capabilities.
I am not sure if it would be worth selling and getting something else or not since I really dont have any major problems with it. But I am looking for your thoughts on boat suggestions or if you guys think I should just stick with what I have now.
My other thought was maybe picking up one of those little Old Town 119 Pack canoes to use some when it cools off and I could also throw my daughter in it with me on occasion too. One thing I really like about that little canoe is it is only a 40 pound boat. Due to some back issues, I have to watch the weight that I put up on my Jeep. I cant handle anything really heavy. Also from what I have read, it seems to get good overall reviews.
Just looking for thoughts and ideas from all of you. Thanks ahead of time for any input.
quote:
Originally posted by rigger1
I am not sure if it would be worth selling and getting something else or not since I really dont have any major problems with it.
Whatever you end up getting, keep the old one as a buddy-boat. 
Lots of good kayaks out there if you want to upgrade.
-Lewis
Jackson Kayak Cuda
WS Ride 135
So if I decide to up-grade my kayak to something a little better and nicer, what would you guys recommend?
I would want something that is at least as fast as mine is now. I surely dont want to step down an any performance or comfort levels. I would like to have something that would turn a little easier than mine does but I dont want a boat that does not track well. (I know it is hard to have both of those.) I really dont need any more storage than what I have now but it is always nice to have more. Weight is also an issue for me. I cant really do a boat much heavier than what mine is now.
Any ideas? Or should I just paddle on with what I have now. I would hate to dump a bunch of money at a new boat and after I spent some time in it, I say to myself, “For the money spent, this really isnt much better than my old boat.”
The Pescador 12 is really a nice boat for the money. It’s basically a prior generation Wilderness Systems Tarpon 12 with a few minor changes to sell at a big box store.
My suggestion is enjoy what you have. If you want to be more comfortable, spend a few bucks on a good quality seat. As soon as you go longer, you have a heavier boat, a faster boat, but you lose turning ability.
Get comfortable in your boat so you can lean it to make turning faster. As soon as you get the boat up on edge you should be able to make turns pretty fast. The big mistake most people make is trying to spin a boat with it sitting totally flat on the water.
It’s a crap video, but it shows what I’m talking about
http://youtu.be/KdaCVxHjoSQ
Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com
I have a Perception Caster 12.5 that I am told is also from the mold of a previous Tarpon model and is smiliar to your Pescador. It paddles great and is a good little kayak. I bought a Ride 135 earlier this year so my son could fish the Perception and I would have a SOT because the other yak we had was a SINK and was not a good fishing boat at all. Performance wise, I think the perception is a little faster and turns a little better but that is mainly because it is lighter than the 135. The 135 is heavier, more stable and has a bit more storage room plus the cool slide trax already installed for rod holders, accessories, etc… I added a rudder which greatly enhances steering/turning. If you are dead set on buying a new kayak, I would check out the Ride as well as a couple others.
I just picked up a Jackson Cuda last week. Had it out yesterday and today, great boat! I stood in it for a long time casting, ALMOST felt like I was on a boat. Not the speediest kayak in the water, but not a slug either. Go check 'em out!
Key West 1720
E-Tec 115
Tailhooker, are you/were you a Naval Aviator?
D, my Dad (aka World’s Greatest Fighter Pilot) was an F-4 pilot in the Navy. I named my first boat the Tailhooker after him and or spot tail bass.
Key West 1720
E-Tec 115
Jackson Cuda Kayak
Cool, my Dad was an S2-F pilot. The S2 is basically the S3 (Viking) but prop driven. Yes, he has been out of the Navy a while now. Your Dad was in a while ago if he was flying Phantoms. My Dad had over 900 carrier landings. I have the tailhooks off of his planes from his 500th and 800th landings. Welcome aboard.
Thanks D! My dad served from 1957 to 1981. I got a cat shot in an S-3 when I was a kid on a father/son cruise on board the Kennedy. Back seat of course! Still an extremely fond memory. If memory serves me, my dad had 1041 traps, something like that. A lot! One for me would be enough. It’s funny you mention tail hooks, there was always one in the garage or backyard, not sure if they bore any significance, I still have one out in my backyard.
Key West 1720
E-Tec 115
Jackson Cuda Kayak
I had a WS Tarpon 120 & 140 and a Native Ultimate 14.5. Loved all of them, but the 120 was my favorite. Sold all 3 earlier this year and am now wishing I had kept one. If I were to buy again, it would definitely be another tarpon 120
I will probably end up sticking with what I have. I was just thinking of a new boat just becasue. No real need for one. I have it pretty well set up for the way I use it and I have a feeling that I would end spending twice what I spent on my current boat and probably end up wishing I had saved the money for something else.
Below is a picture of her.
I was also still thinking of maybe getting one of the Old Town 119 pack canoes from Dicks. I like how light that little boat is and I could throw my daughter in it with me on occasion for a short paddle. And it would give me a buddy boat too. Anybody ever try one of those? I have read good things about them. I had a bigger Old Town Guide a long time ago but it was way to heavy for me now and was really tuff to paddle if the wind got up at all. I wont get another big heavy canoe again.
