Kayak Advice Needed

[tsande00]

So I've been exploring the idea of getting a kayak or canoe for the past couple of years. The price however keeps driving me away. Even used ones seem to start around $350 - $500.

Well today I stumbled across the Otter Outdoors Kayak Cruizer...for only $140, brand new (factory second). This is a sit on top style kayak which I guess I'm OK with for the price, but it still seems way to good of a deal to be true.

Anybody familiar with this brand of kayak? I know they sell great flip over ice shelters. Why is this so much cheaper than others? Even in brand new condition (Not factory seconds) they run for only $200.

I would be using this mainly for floating down rivers (Crow and Mississippi), and tinkering around some local lakes with the kids. Would this fit the bill? What might a kayak in this price range be lacking?

Any thoughts or input would be appreciated. I think I'm going to go look at them tonight.

[redogman67]

It's carrying capacity of 250lbs is kinda low, if you are under 200lbs it will probably be OK with some gear just take note of what you might carry in it. It also is a very strange looking kayak, I myself would probably pass on it because it looks like it isn't going to be really comfortable, but if you live close by I would stop by and check them out in person. $140 is definitely cheap but I think in this case you are getting what you pay for.

[Chode2235]

Theyre a bit of a barge, you wont get far very fast. But hey, it gets you on the water!

I would go for it, and probably find a way to rig up a trolling motor or something (but then be careful of the weight capacity).

[Chode2235]

I see the add online, they look like better duck boats than fishing boats...

[tsande00]

Thanks for all the replies yesterday. I ended up buying it. Heck, for the money the kids can use it when we go camping and pay for itself.

Some of the cons I noticed right away:

*The seat is not that comfortable, especially if you plan to lean back and relax for a moment between paddle breaks.

*They don't sell a padded seat upgrade as an option. (the slightly larger model they do, but not for the Cruizer)

I dumped it into a local lake for a minute yesterday to make sure the thing floats and it handles very well. It actually moves through the water reasonably fast too, and due to the odd pseudo tri-hull shape is quite stable.

My initial impression is that it is worth the money, if nothing else the kids will get use of it during camping trips. The first test will be to see how my back feels after 8 hours on the river.

Definitely not a kayak for the seasoned vet or regular user, but it seems to be more than adequate for an entry level boat at a fantastic price.

[Chode2235]

Great, congrats and welcome to the dark side. It can be an addiction.

Keep us posted on how you feel about it after some more time in it.

[tsande00]

I'm pretty excited. Already have the first trip planned - An overnight on the North fork of the crow. We'll park a car at the campsite ahead of time so we don't have to haul so much gear.

One thing I'll say is that it looks a bit different in person that it does in that online ad. It actually isn't as goofy looking from the top as a person would think, although the hull is definitely unique. My guess is it is quite a bit more stable than your standard model, but not as fast or fluid.

I bought a set of paddles today so I'm going to dump her in a lake tonight and give it a go. A hopefully pleasant sunset cruise. Might even bring the ice fishing pole with and try to nab a crappie over the side.

[tsande00]

Well I took it out yesterday evening for about 90 minutes. Seems to cut through the water just fine and goes about as fast as any other kayak I've used before, within reason.

Biggest complaint: I got pretty wet. The drip catchers on the paddles didn't do nearly enough to keep my exposed legs dry. Fortunately right before I was ready to leave I seemed to find a certain stroke that allowed me to go at a reasonable pace and stay reasonably dry. (sounds kind of dirty, lol)

[Redlantern]

I use kayak paddles in my canoe and have just come to expect getting a bit wet. Not soaked but some water on me.