I have this great idea... but no guy to help me figure this out.

I want to either get 3 kayaks or 3 hobie cats for the lake. I have to purchase because nobody rents them out here. What would be easier for storage/travel/(un)loading?

I have a small SUV with ski racks and if I need a trailer, I have to buy a hitch from the dealer.

what do you think would be easier?

Kayaks can be carried by hand so would not need a trailer.

Check out the book "Building The Six-Hour Canoe", and the books on "Instant Boat Building", also books on stitch and glue boat building.

I could go on if you want.

we have kayaks - we leave them at the cottage.

They are fairly light but big and awkward
I don't know what to suggest.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad of 3 + 3:
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Check out the book "Building The Six-Hour Canoe", and the books on "Instant Boat Building", also books on stitch and glue boat building.

I could go on if you want.

thanks Dale, I'm going to look into it at the library this weekend. I know my youngest would love to build a boat he can sit in.

quote:

we have kayaks - we leave them at the cottage.

Harmony... I wish I could do that. I'm contemplating the big awkward part myself.

This area doesn't have many water recreation unless you buy them and store them in the garage.

I think I may just have to go to the coast to rent something.

I have those books and more in my own library.

How far from water are you?
Are you near a lake? Big or small?
River?

Different types of water ways need different types of boats.

I'm about 30 minutes away from a 23,000 surface acre lake. Creeks feed into it (no rivers or streams) and I don't think there are any currents--seems calm

I looked at a few kayaks at the sporting good store and it looks like it will take a good year of bugeted savings to afford all 3.

Ok, looking at 2nd hand.

Kayaks would be more exercise but small sail boats would be more fun.

How deep is the lake and do you know the slope of the bottom?

For shallow lakes and bays there is a style of boat called a cat boat, not to be confused with a cat rig but that is where the rig came from.

Did you give up on building?

You can get books on sail making too, I have a couple. (I have a book on almost everything just ask)

The lake depth is max 40ft. There's no topo map from the parks and wildlife site to show me where the shallow areas are. grrrrrrr....

I haven't given up on building yet, I've picked up the books at the library and will start reading them at the pool this afternoon.

I miss my hobie cat I had in the bay I grew up near. It was just me, the wind and the water. (OK except those annoying jet skiers splashing)

I'm going to vote kayak. Here's why:

1) more flexibility: You don't need a wind to operate one (but they can be a LOT of fun on windy day, once you get comfortable using them.
2) easy to use: most people can get in a kayak and within minutes understand the basic prinicples.
3) easy to transport - toss them up on a roof rack, tie them down, and you are off.
4) more flexibility, Part 2: you can use them on a river, should you get near one. Try that with a hobie cat.

What kind of kayaks have you been looking into, Tessmit?

Is it possible to get one single kayak and one tandem, to cut down on the cost and transportation issues?

I own a River Runner R5, and it was one of the best recreational investments I ever made. Light (35 lbs), maneuverable, almost indestructible, can be used in whitewater, very stable, and pretty cheap (about 1,000.00 Cdn). The downside to it? It is slower than ocean kayaks (but still faster than most canoes), and has no rudder. It does have a skeg, for directional stability. Also, it has no cargo hatches. You can still haul gear in it, but it has to go in via the cockpit. I think there is a model that does have hatches, but it is heavier and more expensive.

A few helpful hints for you.

- make sure that you get lifejackets that will clear the "sprayskirt".
- rotomolded polyethylene (or a similar plastic) is probably the best way to go, if you don't want to worry about potential damage to the boat. Fiblreglass is lighter, but you have to be a little more cautious with it. Plus, it is usually more expensive.
- try out a few different paddles, to see what kind works best for you. If you can get a two piece model, it is easier to store, and can often be set in two or three different positions.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Midcanuck why would a Hobbie have a problem with a river?

The Willamette river runs through down town and the Columbia runs next to town, dinks are sailed on the Willamette and on occasionally the Columbia.

I can sleep 5 or more on my Catalina 22 and have been out for more then a week with kids.

I like mono hulls but the something like a Hobbie Cat will give more thrills, more like my Coronado 15.

A canoe can be rigged for sailing if one wants.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad of 3 + 3:
Midcanuck why would a Hobbie have a problem with a river?....

3 + 3: I was thinking more in terms of the rivers in my area (Manitoba being the center of the known universe ). Small, very winding, with beaver dams, rapids, portages, and so forth. I couldn't see a sailing vessel being much fun in those circumstances.

Point taken, and lesson learned. Research before speaking.

Hey guys,

Sorry for not getting back quicker. I'm taking another vacation in a few weeks to Branson where we'll be able to rent. This way I can try both and even canoeing without worrying about storrage. LOL

I have 45 saved days of vacation over 5 years so I have to start using them or loose them... maybe I should sell them back.

I'm going to keep your take on the kayak and sailing for next year. I want to get out on the water on the weekends by then and would have budgeted enough to enjoy it peacefully.

Thank you for your input.

quote:

Originally posted by Dad of 3 + 3:


(I have a book on almost everything just ask)

Is it just me,....or does this sound like a challenge?

I agree . . . it sounds like a challenge. We could start a thread that says "Ask Dad 3 + 3 anything" hehe

Tessmit - we have kayaks and there is this foam that you can buy and you also need tow straps. You put the foam on the top of your car, put the kayaks on top, then use the tow straps and wrap them around the ceiling of your vehicle. It works well and isn't permanent. The foam stops the kayaks from tipping over.

For my Kayak I used something like that in all honesty you can use some packing foam and get the rachet straps that slip on the lip of your door that way you dont have straps running through your car...

I kind of wish i never sold my Yak