hoit80
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Registered: 04-2005
Location: Melbourne
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which double yak ?
Guys,
I'm looking for a double yak to
1) go for a casual paddle with my wife and other inexperienced paddlers so I'm going to need a stable yak
2) fish off either by myself or with a buddy. I don't intend to carry a lot of fishing gear and will generally release my catch. A double yak that I can easily carry & paddle by myself is important.
I will mainly use the yak off Cowes in Western Port, Victoria.
The Feel Free Gemini (Short Review here) is one candidate. Other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Grant
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Viking Ozzie
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13/Jul/2005, 8:57 pm
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The Mariner
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Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Re: which double yak ?
Hi Grant,
Paddling a kayak meant for 2 on your own can be a real chore as your weight will be biassed to one end of the boat and un-balance it. You have a few of options:
1).. Put up with it but it'll slowly eat at you & make you bitter !
2).. Carry a 20l container you can fill with water & stick in the front. This will try to re-gain some of the balance but it means you'll be paddling the extra dead weight.
3).. Get a tandem that 2 people can paddle but will allow you to move a seat more into the centre for balance. Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 & Cabo both have a central depression in the deck that is meant to allow this or you can simply use a traditional tandem & add the extra position yourself if the deck layout allows it. I think it would be possible on a Cobra Tandem & I know it is on the Malibu Pro 2 tandem but you may be sitting on the big rectangular hatch lid.
4).. Get a 3-person kayak so you can use the front & rear seats when there are 2 people or the centre position when there's only you. Expect a 3-seater to cost more & weigh more 'coz it's a bigger boat. The Feel Free Tri-Yak would probably be the cheapest 3-seater around at around $1100.00 and it's only $150 or so more than the Gemini. I haven't paddled either so I cannot vouch for their performance.
The weight on dry land will always be an issue to move yourself (especially as you have been spoiled by the Ozzie), just as it would if you owned one of the larger/heavier solo boats like a Malibu X-Factor etc. You can buy or make a cart for under the back to make moving from A to B a lot easier, but lifting it up onto the car will always be a chore on your own.
Have you though about using your Ozzie for your wife or mates when they want to come along with you & buying yourself a new solo kayak ? That way when it's just you on your own you don't have to put up with all the down sides of using a tandem/triple but you can still take company out with you if you need to.
Hope this helps...
Last edited by The Mariner, 14/Jul/2005, 6:34 pm
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Phil.
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14/Jul/2005, 4:49 pm
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PoddyMullet
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Re: which double yak ?
G Day Grant, I've got a sit-in-tandem for sheltered work if you never need to borrow it. It's good for rivers and estuaries, and the front seat slides back for solo paddling if needs be.
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Perception Swing & Dagger Drifter II. Wouldn't one yak be enough?
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14/Jul/2005, 5:41 pm
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hoit80
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Re: which double yak ?
Hi Poddy,
many thanks for the offer. Being a lazy bugger I was planning to leave the yak at the in-laws house in Cowes.
Hi Phil,
I will take a look at the tri-yak and the other doubles you mentioned. A cart would also help. Now if I could only convince my wife we need 3 yaks. A single & double at Cowes & a single here in Melbourne...
Regards
Grant
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Viking Ozzie
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15/Jul/2005, 6:43 pm
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sam60
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Re: which double yak ?
i have a swing double by perception and my g/f and I take it out when work permits and the weather is agreeable. They weigh about 35 kgs and are about 4.7 mts long so a hassle on your own to load and unload.We are happy with it so far. If anyone is contemplating a double i would say the swing but we did get the extra hatches and a rear pod so it allows us to either fish or if we feel inclined to go for a paddle when its warmer and take a packed lunch other gear too. but for fishing it has it so far appears to suit our needs. When we have been out a few times i will let you all know my thoughts.
Shane
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Shane
Swing double 470
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16/Jul/2005, 10:10 pm
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outerlimit
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Re: which double yak ?
Hi Grant,
Have you considered the Hobie Tandem Mirage. Because it uses the Mirage pedal system it can be used by just one person.
The other advantage is that you don't have to worry about sychronizing your paddle strokes and the person in the back isn't constantly getting wet from the paddle of the person up front. Plenty of "free hands" on board also means you can flick lures as you move along.
Check 'em out.
Darren
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Darren
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Hobie Quest Fisherman
Hobie Mirage Outback Fisherman
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www.outerlimit.com.au
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17/Jul/2005, 4:15 pm
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hoit80
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Location: Melbourne
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Re: which double yak ?
Hi Darren,
after having paddled with my wife several times I agree it would be far easier not having to worry about sychronizing our paddle strokes. 
But she would really have to annoy me a lot more before I could justify the $2890 for the Hobie Tandem Mirage. We are going to trial a couple of double kayaks. You never know she may just convince me the Hobie is the way to go. 
Regards
Grant
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Viking Ozzie
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18/Jul/2005, 8:18 pm
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