Kayak for Altona area

Questions new members commonly ask e.g. Which kayak should I buy?
thelastreject
Apprentice
Posts: 42
Joined: 17 Nov 2014, 14:38
kayak: Hobie Compass
Real Name: Dave

Kayak for Altona area

Post by thelastreject »

Hi All,

I am hoping to get some advice on a fishing kayak for the Altona / PPB area.
Currently I have a small 3m cheap kayak that is just awful (bad tracking, hard to move etc.)

I am looking for something around 3.5-4m so I can paddle around the bay. I don't expect to go too far (no more than a few kilometres).
I am not interested in a pedal system and something I can transport on my Hyundai ix35. If possible, lightweight would be great.

Thanks for any input!!

Dave
User avatar
laneends
Vyak Addict
Posts: 6641
Joined: 25 Jan 2013, 15:59
kayak: Quests 11 13 Adventure 16 Revo 16 ORSki epic k1
Real Name: Keith
Location: Melbourne, Bundoora

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by laneends »

You looking brand new or are you open to secondhand, and whats your budget?
thelastreject
Apprentice
Posts: 42
Joined: 17 Nov 2014, 14:38
kayak: Hobie Compass
Real Name: Dave

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by thelastreject »

laneends wrote:You looking brand new or are you open to secondhand, and whats your budget?
Budget of about $1,000. I'm open to new and secondhand.
User avatar
laneends
Vyak Addict
Posts: 6641
Joined: 25 Jan 2013, 15:59
kayak: Quests 11 13 Adventure 16 Revo 16 ORSki epic k1
Real Name: Keith
Location: Melbourne, Bundoora

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by laneends »

Theres a few on facebook market place. Rtm k largo/ wavedance kingfisher / aquayak rangers, for half the price of your budget
Brett
The force is strong in this one
Posts: 59
Joined: 28 Nov 2015, 14:09
kayak: Kingfisher
Real Name: Brett

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by Brett »

laneends wrote:Theres a few on facebook market place. Rtm k largo/ wavedance kingfisher / aquayak rangers, for half the price of your budget

There's one still listed on here ;)
thelastreject
Apprentice
Posts: 42
Joined: 17 Nov 2014, 14:38
kayak: Hobie Compass
Real Name: Dave

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by thelastreject »

laneends wrote:Theres a few on facebook market place. Rtm k largo/ wavedance kingfisher / aquayak rangers, for half the price of your budget
Thanks, legends! I'll check them out.

How is the Aquayak Ranger?
chunk9000
Qualified Fish Monger
Posts: 314
Joined: 21 Jan 2015, 09:23
kayak: Pro Fisha 525
Real Name: Trent

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by chunk9000 »

thelastreject wrote:
laneends wrote:Theres a few on facebook market place. Rtm k largo/ wavedance kingfisher / aquayak rangers, for half the price of your budget
Thanks, legends! I'll check them out.

How is the Aquayak Ranger?
I've had one, was my first kayak. Good if your are certain you won't be covering any distance. Personally I'd be looking for something a bit bigger and faster. Weight will be similar to the ranger but will open up more options. Some times you need to paddle a distance to get a fish.
thelastreject
Apprentice
Posts: 42
Joined: 17 Nov 2014, 14:38
kayak: Hobie Compass
Real Name: Dave

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by thelastreject »

What would be the distance limit for a ranger? I only really want to got for a couple of KMs.
Would it suit my needs?
choppers
PHD in Yakology.
Posts: 2359
Joined: 22 Jul 2014, 17:56
kayak: prowler elite 4.5
Real Name: rob
Location: Korumburra

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by choppers »

thelastreject wrote:What would be the distance limit for a ranger? I only really want to got for a couple of KMs.
Would it suit my needs?

I would say the Ranger is a good step up.
Capable and reliable
"Ye old town" Yak captures - gummy (116) salmon (32) flatty (35) yakka (28) silver trev (25) couta (38) plus all the garbage fish

Prowler victims - squid (30cm) Gar (36) Snapper (80 :yahoo: ) kgw (39)
thelastreject
Apprentice
Posts: 42
Joined: 17 Nov 2014, 14:38
kayak: Hobie Compass
Real Name: Dave

Re: Kayak for Altona area

Post by thelastreject »

A quick update on my search (for any who are interested in beginners fumbling around).

I've spent a lot of time reviewing a lot of kayaks and spent some time talking with the folks at Capacity Sports in Moorabbin for all things Viking and Native and everything in between.
I even checked out a very reasonably priced second hand Malibu Pro explorer.

My goal of keeping the weight under 25kg (to lift on the roof of a car), less than 4m and wanting decent tracking and a bit of speed, has left me looking at Aquayak ranger (thanks for the tip) and maybe a hobie Quest 11, which are far more reasonably priced than I would have expected.

If anyone can give me a short review on either or both, that would be awesome.
I really like the hobie but worry about its ability to put in a few kms from shore.

Again, thank you for everyone who gave advice. I really appreciate the time.

Dave
Post Reply