As the title says, I'm looking to buy a Kayak.

Would like something that is a good all around Kayak. Probably most use would be recreational. Some possible fishing on the coast. Prefer sit on. Good mixture of quality and price.

Live in the South Austin area.

aggie4231 said:

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Good mixture of quality and price.

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In the current market pick one or the other......

WildcatAg said:

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aggie4231 said:

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Good mixture of quality and price.

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In the current market pick one or the other......

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If you can pick at all. Kayaks are a little harder to come by right now and some places may be sold out entirely. As we just passed Labor Day, I'd bet your best hope is re-sell as people off load from the summer.

Swing by ACK, https://www.austinkayak.com/,

Talk to them about what you are looking for, even if they don't have anything in stock they can point you in the right direction. They used to do Demo days with all the various brands and reps, though I doubt that's still happening with the kungflu. Depending on what you want to do will determine how long or how wide of a craft you are going to want.

Personally I have always liked the Native Ultimate FX, nice combo of a kayak and a canoe. Very stable for someone that's believes table muscle is muscle.

if this is your first adventure buy something used to see how well you like kayaking. Like all types of boats, or cars, you can drop a lot of cash into these.

Would rent a kayak and try to do some fishing from it before going out and purchasing one.

I found that trying to fish and paddle really makes it a giant pain in the ass.

I decided to go with a pedal kayak after spending 2 trips out with the paddle.

I bought a 12 foot perception pescador over 8 years ago new for $600 and a 12' wilderness systems tarpon 120 3rd hand about 5 years ago for S300. They are some of the best purchases I have ever made. I have put hundreds if not thousands of miles on them. They have been down the Rio grande, Buffalo, and Brazos. I use them to yak out baits and ride the surf back in on the beach. I have shot ducks out of them and fished for just about everything.

I walk into a place like ACK and the price tags about give me a heart attack. Not sure what the people buying those kayaks are able to do that I'm not.

The kayaks mentioned above are very well made, fast, stable, ocean capable, have enough storage for multiday trips, and are on the cheaper side of the spectrum. Make sure you get a decent paddle that is long enough for you. I prefer fiberglass.

Ditto - I must admit i get a bit of heartburn when I see people recommend AKC to people exploring buying a kayak.

Get a used WS t120 or one of the newer brands that is the same thing as the old t120. I also put bunches of miles on my old t120. Probably not 1000, but well into the hundreds.

AKC knows the boats, but it's always an option to see what they have, then try to find a used one that is a year or few old.

FYI i stopped by the Austin location about a month or so ago. They had maybe 4 kayaks on a rack outside one of which was already sold. You couldn't go inside the building but it was all cleared out anyway. There was a very limited amount of accessories on the back wall.

Kayaks are hard to find these last few months (along with lots of fishing tackle and supplies). Lots of demand and little supply.

Jackson hands down.

For a first kayak, I agree that a used boat is the best way to go. The Jackson Bite would be my first choice, but there are a lot of good options out there. If you're floating rivers and creeks, I love being able to pull out the seat and use it as a lawn chair when I stop to eat lunch. As a tall guy, I prefer adjustable feet rests (hate the molded in type). Seriously consider what type of water you plan on floating the most. This will impact how long and wide of a kayak you will be most happy with. Also, boats don't ride well once you start getting close to the weight they say they will carry. If a boat says it will carry "X" amount of weight, ideally you and your gear will weigh no more than 2/3 to 3/4 of that weight.

The new perception outlaw is getting rave reviews and is found on Amazon for around $749. Just keep checking daily and they will show as in stock. Can also be found at academy with a little calling around and effort. Watch videos on them. Probably the best sub $1k kayak out there now.

DatTallArchitect said:

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For a first kayak, I agree that a used boat is the best way to go. The Jackson Bite would be my first choice, but there are a lot of good options out there. If you're floating rivers and creeks, I love being able to pull out the seat and use it as a lawn chair when I stop to eat lunch. As a tall guy, I prefer adjustable feet rests (hate the molded in type). Seriously consider what type of water you plan on floating the most. This will impact how long and wide of a kayak you will be most happy with. Also, boats don't ride well once you start getting close to the weight they say they will carry. If a boat says it will carry "X" amount of weight, ideally you and your gear will weigh no more than 2/3 to 3/4 of that weight.

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Jackson Bite is what I fish in, inshore only. Not the fastest but very stable that I fish standing in it about 95% of the time. I think the max weight is about 400. So with me (180lbs) and gear I am no where near the max.

As said above definitely spend good money (at least $100) on a paddle. Bending Branches makes some good ones.

I have a 11 year old WS Tarpon 120 that sadly hasn't seen the water in 7 years (parenthood). I'd sell it along with a Bending Branches Slice paddle for $500. I'm in north Austin. Boat has been garage kept.

tennis 4 mark @ gmail (remove spaces) if you're interested.