I’m thinking about getting a sit on kayak for lazy rivers, lakes, and light ocean. I’m 6’4 and 225 so might need to be 12 foot long.

I’m not sure if I want avpeddle design or a paddle design. Peddle ones seem to cost a fair bit.

Which brands and models have you guys had good luck with?

Peddle for sure. Be sure reverse is just peddling in opposite direction not pulling a rope. Leaves hands free for fishing. Riot Mako 12 peddle is a light cost effective choice. Be aware of weight. The wide fishing yaks are very stable but at over 100 pounds difficult to solo car top especially as you age.

In my book, a kayak on the ocean counts as a suicide attempt. I use a sit in kayak but it's a cheapo and just for gathering dead ducks and decoys. Good luck in your decision.

I used my Dirigo 140 to chase snook when I lived in Tampa. Paddle like hell to the boil, put down the paddle and start false casting. Just as you're about to present, expect some jackass in a Jet Ski to come around the mangroves and put everything down. Reel up and repeat.

Bump

I got a Crescent Lite Tackle 2 earlier this year. It has a good size covered storage area up front and open storage behind the seat. It has a high and low position seat very comfortable. Tracks very well with just the paddle and is plenty stable. Made in USA.

Alright guys I ran into a hobie kayak today. It was at a chain store and was damaged in shipment. Apparently someone stuck a hole in it with a fork lift.

For 200 I couldnt pass it up. Hopefully I can figure out a way to patch it. For now a piece of flex tape got me through a one hour paddle session.

If anyone has any experience patching a plastic boat please let me know.

I had to weld up a colman canoe. Need a sodlerimg iron, I used a home made one from a heavy nail.
Also need some plastic milk jugs and some metal window screen. Melt the plastic on the plastic boat with the hot soldering iron and place a precut piece of screen over the break. Push the hot iron againct the break till the plastic melts through the screen, that will hold the screen patch in place. Cut strips of plastic milk jug and melt it over the screen smoothing out the repair. I do the outside and inside of the break. When it was all done I used spray paint to repaint the whole thing.

From the savings you have n that deal, it would probably pay to buy one of the plastic welding "guns"

I might try this stuff

Got it all glued up.

If epoxy or glue don’t work a heat patch may be your best. Then I would flex seal it every year.

Nothing going to stick to HDPE, except melted HDPE/LDPE. I've done a fair bit of plastic welding.

I'll be curious how well this patch job lasts.

Here's some bathroom reading material
https://sites.google.com/site/hobbyhintstricksideas/home/beavertail-stealth-2000-keel-repair