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I'd just about bet you that a SOT (sit-on-top) would fit your needs better than any other yak. I have a SIK (sit-in) but I've been considering the SOT for the kids. They just look very stable to me. Also, once you get the feel of your yak you'll probably never spill it. Stay in the shallows for the first time or two if you feel like it will help. :)
As for your leg, just strap it down on deck. Throw it under the bungee, so to speak. :wink:
:)
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Kayak Stability
I agree with a SOT. I had an Eddline Wind Dancer sit-in which was light and paddled like a breeze, and described as stable for fishing, photographing etc. It was 16 'long, 23.5 wide and a real quality kayak but it was not stable enough for fishing. Not even close. Tom
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Rodgerole-
I have a friend in Louisiana who sails, kayaks and is also one legged. I think he uses a SOT rather than a SINK.
If you will email me directly I'll put you in touch with him and you can get some info from someone in ( so to speak) the same boat.
He also runs a website with clothing (tee shirts) for amputees, with some humor involved. Called
http://www.wheresmyleg.com/
He's getting responses from vets coming back from Iraq- seems they love the site :lol:
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CharlieJ, pm sent...check yer box,thanks. :D
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Kayak?
You're not going to dump the Yak just casting. I think to roll pretty much any make of Yak, you have to lean in excess of 45 degrees. Unless you hook a 500 pound seal, a fish will not capsize you.
If you're nervous about rolling, just practice on the rolls, and you will not be afraid anymore. It's a great confidence builder. If you learn how to use one, I think a Yak is the safest, most sea-worthy and unsinkable water-craft that has ever been designed. Other than practice, I have never rolled my Yak. I have never capsized, even when boat wakes come over the transom. I don't even use my spray-skirt most of the time.
As far as SIKs or SOTs, it's probably a matter of personal preference. I use a SIK, but I plan on buying a SOT, just because I've grown fond of Yaks. A SIK is faster and will allow you to cover more distance and explore more, and keep your gear dry. It is also the only choice for White-water because the hull offers more protection from rocks, and has much more manueverablility. A SOT has trhe advantages of being pretty much insinkable and self-bailing, user-friendly and convienient. An SOT is basically just a recessed surf-board with a seat. It's a good design.
Just find a Yak that appeals to you and hit the water. You'll be happy. I wouldn't get hung up on the stability issue. They're all good.
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As weight is an issue I would suggest you look at the Wilderness Systems Pungo Duralites. They weigh about 40 lbs for the 12 footer and to get much lighter than that you need to spend alot more money. They run about $650 on sale.
jed
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Pungo
A friend of mine who is also one-legged and a flyfisher uses one of the original Pungos as her platform. She doesn't use a second leg at all so storing it isn't the issue for her but you could very very easily stow one under the front deck of the Pungo. Use a carabiner and attach it to a deck bungee. Be VERY careful about tying things onto the kayak with lines that hang loose. If you actually do capsize, it's too easy to get tangled in dangling lines. I'm a big girl with lousy balance and I found the Pungo was rock solid stable as a casting platform. Mine was rotomolded 14 ft... too long and too heavy probably for what you want. Jed's suggestion looks like a good one.