Kayak Selection for Marshes

[C.Crisp]

I'm not far from the Charleston area, and I'm looking into buying a kayak to broaden my access along the salt marshes. My second floor apartment has no option for trailer parking, or a garage, so storage will be relegated to the balcony, and transport via roof. Hoping a few locals could share some insight since I'm looking to save on weight, space, and keep the cost modest.

 

-Is an inflatable vessel a viable option with all of the oyster beds?

-What is the shortest practical length if I'm not using it out front?

 

My preference is 10' maximum, SOT, paddle driven. Have seen a few like this on auction sites in the $100-150 range, basically anything pelican makes. I know that's inexpensive for what most SOL members utilize, but anything would be better than being stuck on the few banks and docks down here.

Thanks

Edited November 9, 2022 by C.Crisp

[Skunkoff]

Depends on your budget.  If you're just tooling around bays, marshes, etc., 10' would work.  You'll definitely want the lightest you can find if you're going to be hauling that thing up and down balcony stairs.  Sit-in or sit-on?  Paddle or pedal?  Lots of options at different prices.

[C.Crisp]

10 mins ago, Skunkoff said:

Depends on your budget.  If you're just tooling around bays, marshes, etc., 10' would work.  You'll definitely want the lightest you can find if you're going to be hauling that thing up and down balcony stairs.  Sit-in or sit-on?  Paddle or pedal?  Lots of options at different prices.

Understood, I guess I should update the original post!

[Connetquot]

It's been a while since I was into kayak fishing, but I'll give you my thoughts.  My fishing kayak was a Heritage Sea Dart.  Had two, one (little used) for the wife, a couple of Ocean Kayak Yak Boards for the kids and a Scrambler XT.  The paddle driven boats were really new then, so I don't have any comments except that I've seen a number of comments about Hobie's getting hull cracks.  I liked the Ocean Kayak boats as they were pretty rugged and stable.

 

In your price range, I think you should watch the local sale boards, CL, Nextdoor, etc...  grab one around 9 - 11' and try it out.  Sell it if you don't like it of find an upgrade.  Smaller is lighter too.  Bigger boats are heavier (duh) and harder to handle.  With a shorter boat, you might be able to rig a pulley to store it on your balcony and haul it up and down.  Cartopping is harder the heavier the boat...  We got a trailer pretty quickly which was really helpful.

 

Jeff B.  

[C.Crisp]

39 mins ago, Connetquot said:

It's been a while since I was into kayak fishing, but I'll give you my thoughts.  My fishing kayak was a Heritage Sea Dart.  Had two, one (little used) for the wife, a couple of Ocean Kayak Yak Boards for the kids and a Scrambler XT.  The paddle driven boats were really new then, so I don't have any comments except that I've seen a number of comments about Hobie's getting hull cracks.  I liked the Ocean Kayak boats as they were pretty rugged and stable.

 

In your price range, I think you should watch the local sale boards, CL, Nextdoor, etc...  grab one around 9 - 11' and try it out.  Sell it if you don't like it of find an upgrade.  Smaller is lighter too.  Bigger boats are heavier (duh) and harder to handle.  With a shorter boat, you might be able to rig a pulley to store it on your balcony and haul it up and down.  Cartopping is harder the heavier the boat...  We got a trailer pretty quickly which was really helpful.

 

Jeff B.  

Hey thanks a ton Jeff. I should have mentioned, my wife and I had a 12' tandem when we lived on a lake. It was a pita to transport alone, so it only saw the back bay a handful of times. It was useful for getting to spots, but I fished from it very little. I guess I'm just curious to hear other angler's situations, but I'm sure a lot of it is preference. 

[gellfex]

The thing about a long narrow kayak is it's fast, which not only extends your range, but makes it easier to paddle against wind and current. a 10' will get you on the water, but it will be slog compared to a faster boat.

 

I agree with @Connetquot pick up a used boat and get wet. You'll learn a lot and be able to sell it for basically what you paid if you find you want something different. Get a good paddle though, no heavier than 32 oz or so. The aluminum shaft ones that typically come with cheap boats are heavy crap.

[G8trwood]

Depending on your definition of marsh, draft can be crucial. Limited rocker and wider within reason especially given shorter length. Inflatable around oysters? Can you walk back?

[C.Crisp]

2 mins ago, G8trwood said:

Depending on your definition of marsh, draft can be crucial. Limited rocker and wider within reason especially given shorter length. Inflatable around oysters? Can you walk back?

Wasn't sure if the middle road models had a special hull design, or if they all rip. I know some have a dual inflation system, but as far as I could see online it looks like std material all around.

[Mmart]

I have an inflatable, it’s a SeaEagle 350fx, the denier PVC it’s made of is ridiculously strong, I won’t say “indestructible” because that’s just sounds cocky. I have slammed into bridge pilings covered with sharp barnacles up here in NJ and have barely a scratch. As far as draft, other than the removable skeg, it basically can run in a puddle. I got it because although I fish in NJ I live in Philly with very little storage. This is a 12’ boat that folds up into a bag. 
 

As far as inflatables go, you just don’t want a cheap one. SeaEagle isn’t the only brand but they make rugged ones and they’re a reputable company.  It’s really versatile, I have two seat types for it so depending on if I’m just paddling or fishing. I also got the motor mount so I can use one of my two motors (24lb thrust TM or a 1.5hp outboard) depending on where or how far I plan to go on any given day. 
Here’s some pics of the setups and also it deflated in the bag. 
 

 

[Jmp74]

Definitly a tough storage situation. A particular river right near you offers some really good and accessible fishing for kayakers. I don't have any experiences with pelicans or inflatables but I'd imagine they would do okay in those waters. 

 

IMO, I would go with something like a pelican over any inflatable. You wont want to cheap out on an inflatable for obvious reasons so they can get pretty pricey if they are quality. If you ever find yourself with some decent storage options, I would totally recommend the Hoodoo Tempest 12p. Great pedal yak for the price, and pretty light.  

[cheech]

We had a 34lb. 9’6” Pelican Wave SIK for many years, it was fished everywhere. Used 10 footers are a ‘dime a dozen’ on FB, CL, etc.
  Ten foot SOT yaks like the Tarpon 100 and similar are more $$, and heavier. But they are easier to get on and off, and can’t fill with water.

  Another option; a used Point 65 Swedish yak.(very pricey new). It comes in two sections, more can be added if you want a tandem, a triple, etc.

[C.Crisp]

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies. My wife let me use her Facebook account to access Marketplace and I was able to find something that I think will fit my needs. I ended up spending more than I initially wanted, but I now own a rotomolded SOT with an aluminum seat. The young man who sold it to me was quite the southern gentleman, provided a pfd, paddle and rod/reel at a great price. It's fifty pounds but I am able to get it on the car without issues, getting it onto my second story deck isn't convenient since I have to walk through the apartment. I think all I need at this point is a UV cover, foam blocks, and a locking system. 

 

Our (locking) utility closet is on the deck, and the ceiling is tall enough to store the kayak upright, but I am wondering if the emissions from our water heater will degrade the polyethelene body of the kayak. I have never stored a kayak upright before, so I will have to take a look at that. Anyone have any insight on either scenario?

Edited November 13, 2022 by C.Crisp