sit on top kayak - ...
 

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[Closed] sit on top kayak - any experience?

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I'm slowly ticking off visiting the Scottish Islands (Haswell-Smiths) but there are quite a few small ones too far from the home mooring / with poor anchoraes for the big boat & exploring by calmac not possible.

Contemplating getting a couple of sit on top touring kayaks and using my bikepacking gear to explore with the gf.

Anyone with experience of these? Concerned at lack of bracing you get in a sea kayak, but possibly outweighed by increased stability and easier self rescue ability...


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 8:55 am
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You've pretty much nailed it. Also remember that a SOT leaves you much more exposed to the elements, particularly any cold winds.

Having said that, I have an Ocean Kayak Prowler that's not being used. Make me an offer, collect it from Aviemore and you could try out SOTs at little cost.


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 8:59 am
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I could be interested scotroutes, what prowler is it?


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 9:08 am
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Prowler 13, angler. Comfort seat. Can be fitted with a rudder.

https://flic.kr/p/o49x4F

Lots of pics if you want them

Not been used since I bought a packraft 🙂


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 9:14 am
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Colin, That's pretty much what I've been looking for, can you let me know how much you're after please? Email in profile, or I'll email you if you think I'm being cheeky/lazy... 😆


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 10:01 am
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Nobber - I'll let scruff have first dibs now that I've mentioned it here but I'll PM you anyway.


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 10:10 am
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Thanks buddy.


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 10:16 am
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I'll pass thanks Colin. Looks great but after breaking open my piggy bank last week to buy a new car, its going to be a winter / Xmas purchase really...


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 10:36 am
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Had a great day on my Bic SOT Kayak around poole harbour the other week with the G/F. Managed to do a lap of Brownsea Island and cover 8 miles in strong winds. Great fun but in exposed seas in strong winds a proper sea canoe might be better..??


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 10:49 am
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You can buy straps to brace your knees/legs against for a lot of the SOT, so you can have a bit more control of the roll. Exposure wise, full wetsuit and a good Kag have always worked for me, oh and boots!


 
Posted : 07/09/2016 4:43 pm
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I had an OK prowler13 for a few years that was rigged up for fishing, depth sounder, anchor, etc. It was a bit of a slow boat and for touring I'd prefer something faster. But for sitting at anchor or drifting for cod etc it was good.


 
Posted : 08/09/2016 5:41 am
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We've got a Tarpon 130T (tandem).

Great boat for family days out & exploring - river, estuary, beach... Not done any major coastal / sea kayaking on it, but it's very stable - been rolled coming in through surf, lol, as the stern lifts and the flared bow sheers off to one side.

We tend to use it as a "safety boat", with 2 in sit ins and 2 on the Tarpon.


 
Posted : 08/09/2016 7:21 am

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