Budget entry level kayak

I am looking at a budget, entry level kayak / canoe, primarily for my young son to paddle around on dams and rivers, but could double for both of us to do some fishing and perhaps some overnight camping such as the donnelly river.

 

Something like a Hobie is definitely out of the budget!

 

BCF have a Lifetime Angler 3.0 kayak for $499.  Basic stuff. ~27kg weight.  200+ kg capicity.  rod holders.  storage clips for paddles inc.  extras available inc rudder, sail (i think, not sure if available), anchor(?), seats.

 

has anyone owned / used these and if so are they a good entry level to yakking? and if so your opinions.

 

Also, is anyone aware of BCF's policy on try before you buy?  Do they allow demos?

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Fish! HARD!


Posts: 6454

Date Joined: 08/08/11

Comments on the Outdoor

Wed, 2012-08-15 19:58

Comments on the Outdoor Expedition Escape Kayak 2 person as well?  haven't looked at it yet and just researching the comments online....  i see the lifetime angler was on special so the price just went up $200! might have to ask for the mates rates when i finally make the decision!

____________________________________________________________________________

Fish! HARD!

justa_fisho's picture

Posts: 118

Date Joined: 19/07/09

finn gizmo fisher

Wed, 2012-08-15 22:54

how are you mate, just reading your post and i thought i dont use my kayak.

its a finn gizmo fisher in camo green colour.

17kg weight, i made hand straps for the side, have a small anchor for it, paddle, view glass in centre.

had for about a year now, have only taken it in the river and once in hillary's marina.

scraping on the bottom as usual. they retail for over $900

willing to sell for $450, ill even let you test it in my pool.

 

thanks mate, pm if interested, dean.

 

 

justa_fisho's picture

Posts: 118

Date Joined: 19/07/09

finn gizmo fisher

Wed, 2012-08-15 22:54

how are you mate, just reading your post and i thought i dont use my kayak.

its a finn gizmo fisher in camo green colour.

17kg weight, i made hand straps for the side, have a small anchor for it, paddle, view glass in centre.

had for about a year now, have only taken it in the river and once in hillary's marina.

scraping on the bottom as usual. they retail for over $900

willing to sell for $450, ill even let you test it in my pool.

 

thanks mate, pm if interested, dean.

 

 

justa_fisho's picture

Posts: 118

Date Joined: 19/07/09

sorry its a single kayak

Wed, 2012-08-15 22:55

sorry its a single kayak

Posts: 6454

Date Joined: 08/08/11

thanks, i will keep it in

Thu, 2012-08-16 05:49

thanks, i will keep it in mind. and i already have another offer of single yak, but i really want to look at all the double+ options first.

____________________________________________________________________________

Fish! HARD!

Posts: 44

Date Joined: 05/10/09

downside to a tandem is that

Tue, 2012-08-28 09:16

downside to a tandem is that it will be alot harder to paddle if you are ever on your own and definately no easier to get on the car on your own also. never used one of those yaks but would be curious to see how stable they are since they appear to be a fairly shallow yak and from the photos it looks like you sit more on the yak than inside it(Not enclosed but lower in the hull to get a lower centre of gravity).let us know what you find out! 

sarcasm0's picture

Posts: 1396

Date Joined: 25/06/09

Have a look for a second hand one of these

Tue, 2012-08-28 09:38

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tandem_kayaks/malibu_two/

The can take two people, sometimes three depending on the size of the kids.  The seat position is changable so that it is quite easy for one person to use as well.  The float well, stable, handle easily and hold a fair amount of kit also. I have used these guiding 1/2 day and day trips around exxie before, good for novice and more experienced people too.

Seabreeze has a good for sale section: http://www.seabreeze.com.au/Members/Classifieds/Results.aspx?search=Bb6dZYZ7XYYshPmUMdEQ%2fonnhBQGtI%2b%2f

Also Gumtree and Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-OCEAN-KAYAK-MALIBU-TWO-TANDEM-SIT-ON-TOP-RECREATIONAL-KAYAK-12-FEET-YELLO-/390454087843?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae8e090a3 $645.00 Brand new, with free postage to aus from the states.

You would obviously need lifejackets, paddles, leashes, anchor, clip in seats for comfort etc. But I reckon well worth it.

If you want to try one, I believe some of the local kayak tour mobs use them in the river and around Penguin/Seal Island.  PM me for a contact if interested.

 

Bryan

2twistd's picture

Posts: 3

Date Joined: 12/08/12

Angler 3.0

Tue, 2012-08-28 13:54

Matey do your self a favour and have a look at the angler 3.0 from BCF, i got mine second hand a few weeks ago and cant fault it.i spoke to the young fella from the midland store and he was saying there that popular that as soon as they come in there either sold or put on layby!!!! Im heading up to Horroks this weekend and gonna head out to the reef and test it out on some tailor, It is a versatile yak myself and my partner fit on it comfortably im 125kg and she is 70 kg plus fishing gear and is stable as ever i have a back rest and a 5Kg anchor as for mods go thats it. For now. When i get back on Tuesday ill do a trip report and let you know how it performed.. Ive had it in the cockburn sound and the river the only down side is the tracking isnt spot on when you paddle but you get used to it.. i have a Lifted Patrol with a tracklander roof rack and i can lean it on the rack and push it up with ease.. Any questions dont hesitate to ask mate..

Brody