Need Suggestion for a 2-man, portable boat

DuckFan · 05-07-2006, 05:55 PM

Hey everyone,

I would like to get a 2-man portable boat for my son and I to fish small lakes. My requirements are that it can be lifted to a car top by one man (me), and easily ported to the water by one man (me). That kind of rules out canoes. Does anyone have a kayak they could recommend?

I was thinking of a Pelican Paddle boat, but again I think they would be too heavy for my Thule rack, and too big for one person to load/unload.

The best thing I have found so far is this:
http://www.smallwatercraft.com/oz/4/com/kl/fb/yak.html

What other options do I have?

TIA!

skein · 05-07-2006, 06:12 PM

How about an inflatable? There's lots of sizes and they're stable, collapsible, and can come with or without a floor. Here's mine:

They really are pretty versatile. My wife and I routinely flyfish out of this one, and since it has a floor we can even throw in a battery and electric trolling motor. I've had a 9.9 Merc on it, but that's mostly overkill.

Something to think about....

Skein

DuckFan · 05-07-2006, 06:16 PM

I suppose that's a strong contender. How much can you pick one up for used? How long does it take to inflate? What brand is yours? How well does it row? I'll be spending a fair amount of time on waters that do not allow motors. I do have a MinnKota though.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Cliff · 05-07-2006, 06:44 PM

talk to waterready about his toons. he has some pretty sweet 2 mans, and they are so easy to row and so very very nice...

heres a link
http://www.waterready.com/

DuckFan · 05-07-2006, 07:03 PM

I'm sure those are sweet. However, I'm trying to stay under $500. It's looking like a small canoe is the best option.

bobberdown9321 · 05-07-2006, 07:10 PM

try a pram type

DuckFan · 05-07-2006, 07:20 PM

I just thought of that. I've seen a few come up for sale. I think it would be perfect, if the price is right. Also, how much do they usually weigh? I'm limited to 100 pounds on my Thule rack system.

Thanks!

clacksteel · 05-08-2006, 07:02 AM

I think that small water craft would be a better choice than a pram...it probably weighs less as well.

MacFish · 05-08-2006, 10:15 AM

I have a Coleman 15' canoe that weighs 75lbs and is fairly easy for me to load and carry for a short distance. The only problem I ever had was the day with my son when I instinctivly reached for a rod that was going overboard. Once they start rolling, you can't stop 'em. We were both OK but it wasn't a situation I ever wanted to put my son in. For that reason alone I'd try to find another alternative.

PDXSteelhead · 05-09-2006, 06:22 AM

Creek Company ODC 1220.

uhmw · 05-09-2006, 10:09 AM

I just got a travel trailer and also need a smaller boat to take with us when I cant tow my big one. I think I am going to get a 2 seater high quality inflatabe kayak the kind used for white water rafting they are very sea worthy-I have taken them down class 4 rapids and find them very portable and easy to paddle. If you plan on using it for lakes only you can get one for about $250 at gi joes the higher quality ones run about 500 and up. Im dreaming about puting it in my bike trailer pedeling up stream and drifting back to my trailer on the dechuts this summer or hiking it into a high lake with my son to pound some trout