best kayak brands

Hi all

Am toying with the idea of providing clients with kayaks (running a retreat on the south coast) and would like to know what brands would fit the bill. 

I would assume that they will mostly be used in sheltered rivers by people who are not accustomed to kayaks and would like to take camera's etc out with them so stability and a water proof compartment would be important i think.

I guess i am looking for the following features

Stability

Water proof compartment

Light weight (The missus will need to manhandle them up onto racks)

Ruggedness

 

Any brands or suggestions would be appreciated, i do not want to spend a fortune and don't expect these to be fishing vessle's, although no doubt they will be used for breaming at times.

 

Thanks


Gadsy's picture

Posts: 1467

Date Joined: 01/05/10

Perhaps you could look at these options -

Wed, 2012-10-03 10:10

Malibu Mini X.

Hobie Sport.

Finn Gizmo

Viking kayaks

Ocean kayaks

Just a few to get you started.

 

opsrey's picture

Posts: 1200

Date Joined: 05/10/07

There are no free lunches in this world....

Wed, 2012-10-03 21:33

 Stability comes at a cost, normally by having a large kayak. The difference between largish and not so largish is only a bit, but you will notice a big difference in the wight of craft. Out riggers are available, but might add too much complexity for paying customers to use.

 

To have paying customers on kayaks it is my option that they should have a kayak with a full length keel, which will add directional stability in winds and heaps more stability in wind chop.

 

I have the smaller, and hence lighter kayaks, and find it a struggle to get them on top of a 4x4. Your abilities will dictate your outcomes, but I would think you will end up with a small trailer to transport them on.

 

Good luck.

Adam Gallash's picture

Posts: 15607

Date Joined: 29/11/05

Sponsor

Wed, 2012-10-03 22:36

Maybe hit up our sponsors Getaway outdoors, they offer discount to FW members but may discount that further if you are buying a few, never know if you don't ask.  I will tell Lou from Getaway outdoors to check this thread out.

Hope things are going well down there mate and business is good.

____________________________________________________________________________

Site Admin - Just ask if you need assistance

Posts: 19

Date Joined: 02/08/12

best kayak brands

Thu, 2012-10-04 10:48

Hi Guys

Sounds very interesting...I will have a chat with our GM and back to you with some more information in regards if there is anything that we may be able to help you with.

Cheers

Lou

davmor's picture

Posts: 248

Date Joined: 29/11/11

 Hey Poida, Where on south

Thu, 2012-10-04 11:49

 Hey Poida, Where on south coast. Getaway in Bunbury would be your nearest. They have Venturers & Torpedos on special $299 inc paddle.

Cheers David

poida's picture

Posts: 234

Date Joined: 08/08/05

Hi DavmorWe are at peacful

Thu, 2012-10-04 15:17

Hi Davmor

We are at peacful bay/bow bridge area.

Ads, life and things in general are terrific down there.  Baby geese, sheep and lambs, learing how to pull out bores, salmon runs, flat head off the beach's etc the place is fantastic.

The buisness will build over the years as we get repeat customer's and a reputation.  Most clients on their first trips down are more than happy to do the tree top walk, wineries have a look at the rivers etc.  I think to offer them them a bit more of whats available in the most pristine water ways would make the experiance much more memorable, in reality it would probably blow their minds and they would be back time and time again.

Yep will prob need a trailer, i have a good friend who welds so this will not be a problem.

Posts: 402

Date Joined: 06/01/12

Jackson kayaks

Mon, 2012-10-08 04:49

Jackson kayaks

the_dude84's picture

Posts: 145

Date Joined: 15/03/11

Escape Kayaks Willeton

Tue, 2012-10-09 12:51

Escape Kayaks Willeton