Kayak advice needed...

colbysmith · Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 8:13 pm Post subject:

I really don't know if I have room on my roof for an inflated boat. Two options, hanging it off the side, or perhaps on the port side roof beside the "high top". Towing it behind in the water is an option also, when traveling at slower speeds. I just think I'm limiting myself to a transportation problem if I get two hard sided Kayaks. And my wife prefers solo kayaks over a tandem. With two inflatables, I'd likely have to either transport them deflated, or being looking at ways to hang them both off the sides of the boat, or one on the port roof as mentioned and another off the side. I may or may not have room on my roof. I have a radar antenna mounted on the roof, and then a mast light behind it. My two VHF antennas or attached on the side of the high top, just above over the helm. My thought process is I could possibly store one or two deflated, folded up, kayaks on the aft portion of my roof. Or possibly on the bow... Colby

Pandion · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 8:14 pm Post subject:

Colby, with Thule racks and J saddles (kayaks on edge), do you think you might be able to fit kayaks on either side of your radar?

colbysmith · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 9:42 pm Post subject:

Probably not, due to my VHF antennas. All mute now. I sprung for the Hobie i11s today. I'll see how it pans out in Isle Royal next week. Everything about the Hobie just looked fun and workable for my use. A little pricey, but Hobie has a good reputation. Colby

Pandion · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2017 11:09 pm Post subject:

They are great fun. Hope you enjoy it!

colbysmith · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 2:52 pm Post subject:

Just a follow up. I did purchase the Hobie Marage I11s a few weeks ago and took it with me to Isle Royal last week. It was a blast and worked for just what I intended it to. Several others tried it out and also liked it. And the comments from onlookers were all positive. It was very stable in the calm to 1 footers I used it. Pumped up just fine with the included pump, but another C-Brats electric pump worked even better.😉 The mirage drive was easy to pedal and the kayak clips right along. To transport it on my 22, I simply folded it up and strapped it on the roof, storing the seat, drive and paddle either in the cockpit or cabin. Pricey at its list of $2199, but if you can afford it, its equivalent to one of those reclining bikes! With the seat in the top position I stayed very dry. Dry in the lower position also but your butt is hanging close to the board if any waves come over. Colby