(Part 2) Best products from r/Kayaking

For recreational use an inflatable is probably just peachy. Don't expect it to be fast, because it won't be. And don't expect it to be exceptionally maneuverable, because it won't be that, either. It will be different from your rental kayak.

For what it's worth, I have the newer version of the Intex Challenger K2, which is very similar to the model you linked in your post. It's perfectly adequate for tooling around in still water like a lake. You could also remove the skeg and try it in a river or creek, but I'd advise against it. The bottom is pretty thick and it sags when you sit in it, so you need fairly deep water, at least 14" or so I'd say, otherwise you'll be dragging your butt on the bottom. (My dinky Future Beach Fusion can pass in about 6 inches of water with me sitting in it, by comparison. Maybe a little less if I don't care if I scrape a bit.) I think the specs say that thing can handle up to class 2 whitewater and people have said they've taken them up to class 3 but again, I wouldn't try it. There is obviously no way to fit a spray skirt, no way to fit any kind of thigh braces or even foot rests and it'd be very easy to get dumped out, I think. Also, once water gets into an inflatable it's very difficult to get out. You'll probably still float, after a fashion, even if you completely swamp the thing because of the air chambers but that'll make you sit even lower in the water...

Anyhoo, for one person use I think the "two person" inflatables are great. Just like a tent, the number-of-people rating is a little generous. Not only will you push the weight limit very quickly with two people on board (and sit even lower in the water!) but you'll find it very cramped. You can use it as a one man boat just fine. That leaves a lot of room to throw all your gear in the remaining space in the boat if you want to bring a dry bag or a cooler or whatever. I prefer to install only the rear seat and sit in the back, sort of like soloing in a canoe. If you do that you will loose the benefit of the Mystery Green Triangle that comes with the boat, which you're meant to stuff up into the bow and use as a foot rest for the front seat. Since there's nothing to brace your feet against you'll have trouble paddling with anything resembling a really powerful stroke.

You'll want to do three things if you buy the Intex: Drill a hole in the included skeg and tie it to one of the lashing points on the boat with some paracord or something. If you scrape it likes to pop out of its slot and if you lose it you're in trouble. The boat will not track without the skeg in open water. It just won't. Also, glue the end cap onto the included pump or buy a different one. It works just fine, but mine liked to blow the end cap off all the time when I was trying to inflate the boat which is annoying as hell. And lastly, ditch the included paddles and buy some different ones. Even some cheap paddles from Dick's or something would be better. The included paddles work, for suitably small quantities of "work", but the blades are very bendy and the shafts are pretty bendy and rattly too, and you waste a lot of energy flexing the paddle around rather than moving the boat. The only advantage the included paddles have is that they break into five pieces and fit into the carry bag. You can get ultralight carbon fiber paddles for hardcore pack-nuts that'll break into small pieces like these if you really want to, but if you can handle carrying the paddle separately a $40 Chute paddle from Dick's will be perfectly adequate. When you buy a paddle for this thing make sure you get a nice long one, because the Intex is very wide and you will scrape the sides of it all the time if your paddle is too short. (If your paddle is good and long you will only scrape the sides of it most of the time, which is marginally less annoying.)

The Intex K2 was my first kayak, at least the first one that I actually owned and didn't borrow from someone. I bought it for the same reason as you, mostly. I was broke, I wanted a boat, and I didn't really have anywhere to store a boat or a way to transport one. It served me well for a while, and I still have it to use as a loaner. I will say this about it, too: A buddy of mine who is super into outdoor gear and equipment just bought one despite the fact that he owns not one, not two, but three "real" hard sided boats. The ability to roll the thing up and throw it in your trunk really can't be overstated. He got the 1 man version, and loves it for being able to just drive to the local lake after work and throw it in the water for a relaxing afternoon out there.

I see a lot of people on the local lake with Sea Eagles. Most of them seem to be having a blast with them. I've never sat in one, and they're more than twice the price of the Intex. They're probably better built. Someone else can probably chime in with some info on those.

Okay, so believe it or not there are factors here that haven't been brought up in the other comments.

First off, what kind of kayaks are we talking about? For whitewater boats, the Thule Stacker or Yakima Bigstack are the obvious choices, but if you're carrying fiberglass touring boats, you won't want either of those.

Second, why is it that you want to fold down - just for aesthetics or do you need to clear an overhead obstruction, like a garage door? If it's just for aesthetics I might encourage you just not to worry about it - carrying your boats safely and loading and unloading easily is a lot more important.

If you're carrying touring or rec boats and want a fold-down solution, the Swiss Cargo carrier is a good option. As far as I know it's really an in-house brand at Dick's Sporting Goods, there's a link elsewhere in the comments. It's essentially a fold-down two sided J bar. Great for what you've described. But I wouldn't recommend it for whitewater boats.

An Expedition is very tall. Loading boats on your roof can't possibly be a pleasant experience. If you're loading heavy boats, I'd really suggest looking into a Thule Hullavator. It's crazy expensive, but it stays horizontal and has a relatively low profile, while greatly simplifying access to your high roof. But because it's so expensive, it's really targeted toward touring paddlers with heavy boats and old shoulders.

My buddy uses [Thule Stackers])http://www.amazon.com/Thule-830-Stacker-Kayak-Carrier/dp/B0001FUAXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1459269597&sr=1-1&keywords=thule+stacker) on his Tahoe and loves them, but loading is an ordeal that involves a lot of climbing. The Stackers fold out of the way, and unlike the Yakimas they've got a slot in the middle to hold paddles. I use them on my VW when I'm not carrying the boats inside the car (for best fuel efficiency). But for easiest loading for touring and rec boats, you'd be better off with a set of j-bars for each boat. Thule now offers the Hullaport Aero which is pretty nice - J-bars that fold flat. But still a bit pricey. You can get non-folding j bars on ebay for $50 a set.

As you have whitewater kayaking experience, your biggest obstacle is learning more about the ocean and getting experience paddling on it in safer areas than the Inside Passage.

As you live in the Rockies, that would probably consist of some more trips to the PNW, for several days at a time. I'd buy a 17" sea kayak. If you can find something on Craigslist, great, but there's a lot of overpriced junk on there too. Then again, if you're in no rush, you can wait for something good to come along.

Here's a great guide on buying a kayak

The best how-to book on paddling the Passage is Alone in the Passage. It tells you everything you need to take, where to camp, where to send food packages ahead of time, etc. It's great.

The best book on ocean kayaking I've found is Sea Kayak. It covers a tremendous amount of material in a concise, clear manner.

One more book I'd recommend is Sea Kayak Navigation.

The three books together will give you a lot of what you need to know. They're worth reading and re-reading during the winter months while you plan your summer trips.

I know you mentioned that you don't have garage room, but this hoist ($25) works great for storing up off the floor. Easy to assemble and strong parts.

The site you really have to check out for traditional boats is Qajaq USA. I'm not sure if they have a German site but this is a fantastic organization. Go read the forums for lots of great advice.

I'll second the Chris Cunningham book as it was what I used for my first SOF at it turned out great (perhaps a little over-built).

I will probably base mine off of one of the designs from here: http://www.yostwerks.com/

They are all free, although you do have to draw them up yourself. There are a few other sites like http://kudzucraft.com/ where you can buy plans though.

For the traditional style I would definitely recommend the book by Cunningham http://www.amazon.com/Building-Greenland-Kayak-Manual-Contruction/dp/0071392378 as it helps you custom-size the kayak to your height/weight.

You can get 3 kayaks (maybe 4) on a properly setup "Stacker" system - Malone, Rhino, Thule and others make such systems (basically two poles that mount ontop crossbars that can fold down when not in use) Example

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Prerequisites - you'll need a good set of crossbars & mounts that can bear the weight of 3-4 kayaks. Then get the stackers, good cam straps (6), some minicell foam blocks (6) ( two sets usually come with the stackers) and bow stern ties (6) and you'll be set! Tip - if you get Crossbars that extend past your roof by 6"+ or so inches, you may be able to fit 4 kayaks on your roof...just be sure to be careful on your turns ;-)

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This is the stacker we used and carried 4 kayaks for a while, until we moved onto a KariTek system

Well, I paid $150 for my used rack but then bought clips, straps and locks which was more money on top of that. You can try to look for some used racks online for $100 but they will be harder to come by. Still you never know you may get lucky. I would look and see what you can find. Or just buy the foam blocks and straps and be done. Go to Amazon and search for "foam racks for kayak" you will find a few options there. I have no experience with these so read the reviews to make sure you're not buying junk.

EDIT: I like these straps since they have rubber surrounding the buckle. I can throw it over the kayak and not worry about breaking one of my windows in the process.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000AT0KC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502316433&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yakima+straps&dpPl=1&dpID=41S6I1L1YnL&ref=plSrch

I LOVE my Flo its a Kayak PFD and has indents for your breasts so they don't get squished. I absolutely love it. its totally adjustable. I live in Georgia and it gets really hot, this one has never bothered me. If you have a local outfitter, go try one one.

I have a Stohlquist women’s model. I picked I up as a last season color for like $50ish. I love it, super comfy, big pockets, comfy for all day paddling.

Edit: I have this one in orange: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LJRW4Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1527033459&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=51r2uZsT2vL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

I drop a bicycle at one end and drive to the start. I toss an empty backpack in the kayak to carry all my more expensive gear on the bike but most of the time I just stow my gear in the hatches. I have a cable lock like this for the kayak. Overall the places I am leaving my kayak are places that like minded people are hanging out as well, I have never had an issue with gear being taken.

Edit: This is the exact lock I have, works well.

This is always my suggestion for anyone asking the best way to have removable but effective tie down points.

Use these underneath the hood and hatch for quick non permanent tie down points. Sherpak 078115 Quick Loops (Pair) , Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024AVPO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JDZIBb99AK3JQ

And these so you don't have to worry about dealing with knots. Sentry Ratchet Kayak and Canoe Bow and Stern Tie Downs 1/4" Grow Light Heavy Duty Adjustable Rope Hanger (2-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVFDM5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IFZIBbHAJX6WB

weren't they just sevylor inflatable Kayaks? I have 2 - great fun (but you need the optional skeg)

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https://us.amazon.com/Sevylor-Inflatable-Tahiti-Classic-Kayak/dp/B000K8R1AE

I highly highly recommend any of the spiderco salt series. Especially if you can catch one on sale. They can't rust due to their type of material.

I had an NRS one along with a couple of others, all rusted quickly with salt water (even after rinsing them after every paddle)

This is the one I got over a year ago, never rinsed it, always on my PFD, still looks new and is ridiculously sharp.

Spyderco Atlantic Salt Rust Free Serrated Edge Knife, Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FLTP0A/


Btw, I added a comment to your thread about lights with my usual setup.


Cheers!

Yes. It is great, and you can find it for $35 on Amazon!

Nice score!. Looks like a Taimen 3 maybe?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taimen_(kayak)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014AEFFZG?tag=techforgeek-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1?tag=zumosports-20

https://zumosports.com/products/taymen-3-folding-kayak?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtf_tBRDtARIsAIbAKe3aI-WcfshSJvOW1hiDkD5HgpsL9hU2hsLeDCJZtmrx9ttxM5u6a2YaAttXEALw_wcB

Not complex at all. When I used this system I'd put a couple of these:
https://www.campmor.com/c/seattle-sports-14-inch-deluxe-kayak-replacement-blocks-pair-58613
on the boat - one in front and one in back - and bungie them to the boat. Then put the whole thing on the roof, and use two camstraps - https://www.amazon.com/CARTMAN-Lashing-Straps-600lbs-Carry/dp/B017902W8G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525876929&sr=8-3&keywords=cam+straps&dpID=51vBDO3xI0L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch - to secure it to the roof. Note that without having side rails on your roof you'll have to open the doors and run the camstraps through the inside of the vehicle and back out the opposite door. If you want to feel REALLY secure, put a bow line from the front of the boat to somewhere on the underside of the front of the car, like the bottom of the bumper bracket.
If you're having trouble getting the boat on the roof, try putting a big towel on the roof hanging over the back of the car. Lean the kayak up against the towel, and use it to protect your car as you push it up onto the roof. Then stow the towel and get the camstraps attached.

My wife and I hauled two 14 foot kayaks from Ohio to Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota with no problems using this method.

Good luck.

Depends on how you like to secure boats. The 401 will probably be a tad quieter since it's keel down. The jayhook style 400 is an angled keel.

Both systems are t-slotted, btw. Do you have aftermarket bars? You need bars that have the channel/trench for these systems. If you don't, here's a link to a Yakima product, the jaylow. It's a jay-hook with a convenient universal fit, and folds down out of the way. Yakima JayLow Folding J-Cradle Rooftop Kayak Rack with Tie-Downs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FUHDYZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VfTbBbSD9D5CE

That looks solid AF. But it also looks bigger than what I need. I am looking at that brand, though..

Edit: thanks again for your comment. I think you convinced me

You can get something like this and it will go in your hood and/or trunk: https://smile.amazon.com/Thule-530-Quick-Strap-Black/dp/B001EOZD26/

Those are by Thule, so you will probably want to get an off brand and save some money...

I like the Stohlquist Cruiser for women. It fits very well, and it doesn't crush my boobs. It's allows more freedom for movement compared to the crappy generic PFD I had before.

http://amzn.com/B006LJPBOY

I have a fusion and let me tell you these cars are not made to carry kayaks so you have a few things to buy. I'm gonna attach everything I bought for you and I've had great results with it so far.

Roof rack SportRack SR1002 Complete Roof Rack System, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHWMDSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_63UbzbPVPJJQX

Kayak rack Thule 830 The Stacker (4) Kayak Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001FUAXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_k5UbzbKX7MW08

Under the hood bow and stern tie points. The whole car is plastic and there's no safe spots to tie them. Thule 530 Quick Loop Strap,Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EOZD26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_X5Ubzb54HDK4S

On top of the moisture-wicking fabrics, I picked up a Purple seat cushion to help with that problem. It keeps me mostly above any moisture that gets into the seat, let's air circulate a bit more, and it's way more comfortable than the thin pads on most kayak seats.


https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Simply-Seat-Cushion-Relieving/dp/B01CKMP2Z8?th=1

This is the one I have:
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047THVIO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm very happy with it.

I bought a Thule and couldn't be happier with it. Buy [these] (https://www.amazon.com/TMS-J-Bar-Carrier-Mounted-Crossbar/dp/B003V57NUQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468343275&sr=8-2&keywords=kayak+rack&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011) attachments to mount your kayak to the rack as the Thule ones are pricy. Check craigslist often for attachments. I picked up two bike attachments for about the price of one.

Edit: Yakima's are on prime day.

This one seems to have pretty decent reviews and isn't too expensive.

Challenger K2 Kayak https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00177FIJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_o9Nr1kUT5m41R

If you're in Canada here is the link to the one we bought. 10/10 would recommend

I have J bars and a set of these ratcheting cords to secure them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XVFDM5W?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Is this the Swiss Cargo rack you're referring to? I'm new to kayaking, so I don't have a lot of experience yet. I have one of these folding mounts and really like it. Here it is on my wife's car with my kayak on it.

> do not want to mount forward or aft lines to the watercraft for stability

I'm not sure what you mean by this.

I had the same issue. I bought these for my bow and stern. They're simple and very solid. I wouldn't fuss with anything else.

Thule 530 Quick Loop Strap
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EOZD26/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ME..tb043BW07

I bought and installed this a while back. No problems and it works great.

Well, thats the wrong boat....

It's This one, I think that one is their older one? I'm not sure.