anyone here have an ocean kayak?

[spaceman]

thinking of getting a 13 foot ocean kayak for my fishing adventures til ice over and into next year.
this one is an ambush angler or something, i can get it used for a good pirce..
im just curious how these are on rough waters and how manageable they are with one person.

 

[spaceman]

no replies.
wow.

 

[Jzero]

The 13' Angler probably weighs 50-60 lbs. Not unmanageable, but you probably would not want to have to overhead-carry it too far. You can make or buy carts to wheel them.

You should be OK in swells of 1-3'. Choppier water is going to depend on your own sense of balance. As you get used to using the boat, you will be able to instinctively adjust your weight as the swells hit you. I have a surf boat (Yak Board) which is a bit wider (and thus more stable) but I can easily ride over 5-6' swells without a second thought.

The boats are self-bailing. This means there are holes in the cockpit area that let water out. But, they also let water in - you will be sitting in a puddle. You can (and probably should for fishing) buy a set of plugs...you can get them straight from OK. The boat will also ride higher with the plugs in. There will be less stability, but also less chance of getting swamped by a breaker.

You can also get a rod holder which you can mount right on the gunwale. Highly recommended. You can also get a clip to hold your paddle while you are fishing.

The boats are nigh-on indestructable. I have had mine for 6 years now in very rough surf, and have never had a problem with the hull breaching. Other than rinsing it off with fresh water, I have never had to do any maintenance.

If you can get a good price, go for it...and enjoy!

 

[Maluno]

I have a 14 foot Cape Horn by Wilderness Systems. The boat is a great value, and it handles like a dream. It tracks straight, yet turns responsively when edged. How big are you? The Cape Horn is a great boat, but it is suited to smaller paddlers like myself more than larger ones. The cockpit may be a bit snug if you are going to fish out of it. I sometimes take this thing out with my rod and the intention of fishing, only to completely forget about it and just end up having fun with the boat. What type of water are you planning on kayaking in? Also, do you have any experience with any other boats?

 

[spaceman]

Originally posted by: Maluno
I have a 14 foot Cape Horn by Wilderness Systems. The boat is a great value, and it handles like a dream. It tracks straight, yet turns responsively when edged. How big are you? The Cape Horn is a great boat, but it is suited to smaller paddlers like myself more than larger ones. The cockpit may be a bit snug if you are going to fish out of it. I sometimes take this thing out with my rod and the intention of fishing, only to completely forget about it and just end up having fun with the boat. What type of water are you planning on kayaking in? Also, do you have any experience with any other boats?

im 5 and a half feet and a buck 65.