Are these an inexpensive ($100 +/-) way to get around lakes and calmer streams or simply a waste of money?
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Are these an inexpensive ($100 +/-) way to get around lakes and calmer streams or simply a waste of money?
I have one
I can't claim to have a lot of experience with it though. It doesn't get used much.
I have found that in a breeze, it's pretty hard to handle
I have a friend that bought two of the inflatable kayak models in the $100 price range for playing in lakes. They are made of fairly light PVC and soon had several pin hole leaks, even with careful handeling.
After a year of light use he probaly spent another $100 bucks on patch kits and lost time fixing them. I wouldn't want to bet my life on one. Even in a lake you might find yourself in a wind storm situation with some big waves.
If you shop around on the web for used rafting gear you can usually find something like an Aire 'Lynx' or 'Tomcat' for under $500. These are real whitewater boats that will give years of service plus the confidence that it would ride out a storm or survive getting blown into a tree root.
I'd watch ebay for a used canoe or kayak in your area. Sometimes you can pick them up for $100-$200.
I had a Sevylor Tahiti. They are junk! Get a real Kayak. If you watch EBay, you can often find one for under $200.00, near enough to pick up.
DON"T PURCHASE!!! You can get a really nice yak for just a few more dollars. Sit up higher, more control, just better all around!!!
my 2 pennies:rolleyes: