We are looking to buy a plastic kayak. Would it be better to get two or a double? this would just be something to play around in while at anchor. Thanks. howard
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Two singles are probably better
I've seen 26' sailboats on our lake keep a pair on their coach roof when at the slip so I have to figure that it is easier to manage 2 singles than a double for use with a sailboat. We have a tandem kayak that my wife and I use to paddle the lake, or the Delaware River is really fun up north of us. But it is like a tandem bike, it is useless to use alone. Also, it is too long to manage on the sailboat. There are some cheap, open seat designs that can be used both tandem and single, but they suck either way because you interfer with each other when used tandem and they respond poorly when used as a single. Single kayaks are better suited for the kids. They like to go their own way!
I've seen 26' sailboats on our lake keep a pair on their coach roof when at the slip so I have to figure that it is easier to manage 2 singles than a double for use with a sailboat. We have a tandem kayak that my wife and I use to paddle the lake, or the Delaware River is really fun up north of us. But it is like a tandem bike, it is useless to use alone. Also, it is too long to manage on the sailboat. There are some cheap, open seat designs that can be used both tandem and single, but they suck either way because you interfer with each other when used tandem and they respond poorly when used as a single. Single kayaks are better suited for the kids. They like to go their own way!
Kayak experience
Whether to get two singles or a tandem is likely going to be decided by how you plan to transport them. Two singles will take up more room, but are going to be easier to haul up on deck. You could store them port and starboard up against the stanchions. If you are going to tow, I'd go with a tandem and definitely get one of the 'sit on top' style. I've got an Ocean Kayak Malibu II tandem that I tow behind as my dinghy. Tracks extremely well and you don't even know it's back there. I also have two OT Sport singles, a Helix and a Stoker. One is a sit-on and one is a sit-in, but these my kids use just around the marina or for small lake stuff. I'd agree with Scott on the kids liking the singles. But would have to disagree on the tandem. Ours works well with one or two on board, and with adjustable backrests is comfortable in both positions. At anchor we even load up three and use it as a shuttle back and forth to shore. T J
Whether to get two singles or a tandem is likely going to be decided by how you plan to transport them. Two singles will take up more room, but are going to be easier to haul up on deck. You could store them port and starboard up against the stanchions. If you are going to tow, I'd go with a tandem and definitely get one of the 'sit on top' style. I've got an Ocean Kayak Malibu II tandem that I tow behind as my dinghy. Tracks extremely well and you don't even know it's back there. I also have two OT Sport singles, a Helix and a Stoker. One is a sit-on and one is a sit-in, but these my kids use just around the marina or for small lake stuff. I'd agree with Scott on the kids liking the singles. But would have to disagree on the tandem. Ours works well with one or two on board, and with adjustable backrests is comfortable in both positions. At anchor we even load up three and use it as a shuttle back and forth to shore. T J
"Yaks"
Definitely buy single kayaks. My husband and I bought Pungo 120s (12' long) and are able to lash them to the foredeck of our Catalina 27. There are many times when it is not a saling day, but we are able to paddle around the harbor where are marina is located and visit our neighbors on other docks. Also, when anchored out, they are a great way to explore along the coast or rocky-bottom areas not accessible by the mother boat. I would recommend getting "real" kayaks and a couple of Thule roof racks for your vehicle. Our boat is not trailerable, but we have a helluva lot of fun when we come across a lake while on vacation in VT. You want yaks that track well and are stable. That is why we selected the Pungo 120s by Wilderness. They also have an after waterproof storage compartment for extra clothes, a swimsuit and towel or a picnic lunch for more extended excursions. Make sure the seat is comfy and adjustable and that you can sit upright for some serious paddling. We found some plastic-coated cables and waterproof locks at Home Depot - just for security and the cost was around $45. Also, we paid about $600 each for the yaks and about $80 each for the paddles. Each roof rack was around $90, but it may cost you more if you don't have a rack on your car already.
Definitely buy single kayaks. My husband and I bought Pungo 120s (12' long) and are able to lash them to the foredeck of our Catalina 27. There are many times when it is not a saling day, but we are able to paddle around the harbor where are marina is located and visit our neighbors on other docks. Also, when anchored out, they are a great way to explore along the coast or rocky-bottom areas not accessible by the mother boat. I would recommend getting "real" kayaks and a couple of Thule roof racks for your vehicle. Our boat is not trailerable, but we have a helluva lot of fun when we come across a lake while on vacation in VT. You want yaks that track well and are stable. That is why we selected the Pungo 120s by Wilderness. They also have an after waterproof storage compartment for extra clothes, a swimsuit and towel or a picnic lunch for more extended excursions. Make sure the seat is comfy and adjustable and that you can sit upright for some serious paddling. We found some plastic-coated cables and waterproof locks at Home Depot - just for security and the cost was around $45. Also, we paid about $600 each for the yaks and about $80 each for the paddles. Each roof rack was around $90, but it may cost you more if you don't have a rack on your car already.
T.J. - I retract ...
The Ocean Kayak Malibu II is very versatile, well made, and not cheap! It is a good choice for this use. Better than the tandem that we have in this respect, which we selected before having a sailboat and was intended for other purposes.
The Ocean Kayak Malibu II is very versatile, well made, and not cheap! It is a good choice for this use. Better than the tandem that we have in this respect, which we selected before having a sailboat and was intended for other purposes.
little transom trick for tie-up
My boarding ladder is on the transom and last year I suddenly realized that a cleat of some kind down at the base of the transom would let the kayak or dinghy tie up conveniently at water level while getting things in order. My choice was the flush-mount folding cleat from Accon (see link below).
My boarding ladder is on the transom and last year I suddenly realized that a cleat of some kind down at the base of the transom would let the kayak or dinghy tie up conveniently at water level while getting things in order. My choice was the flush-mount folding cleat from Accon (see link below).
Kayaks
If you are considering the plastic Kayaks you might want to consider the Sterns 500 inflatable Kayaks. We recently purchased a couple from West Marine. Cost less than $200 each. Took them on our trip to Key West. Great fun, these are NOT toys. I get a numb behind after an hour in the plastic Kayak; these are much easier on the butt. Of course, they are not as tough as the plastic kayak, but are still very durable and just the thing for small sailboats. They deflate and fold into a carrying case. Just the thing for taking the dog ashore, setting an anchor, paddling around the marina, or snorkling over the reef. Go to this link for more pics of this Kayak. http://www.kobernus.com/kayaks/index.html
If you are considering the plastic Kayaks you might want to consider the Sterns 500 inflatable Kayaks. We recently purchased a couple from West Marine. Cost less than $200 each. Took them on our trip to Key West. Great fun, these are NOT toys. I get a numb behind after an hour in the plastic Kayak; these are much easier on the butt. Of course, they are not as tough as the plastic kayak, but are still very durable and just the thing for small sailboats. They deflate and fold into a carrying case. Just the thing for taking the dog ashore, setting an anchor, paddling around the marina, or snorkling over the reef. Go to this link for more pics of this Kayak. http://www.kobernus.com/kayaks/index.html
George... Great images 
You have done a great job documenting the West Marine inflatable kayak. I was wondering how it would look with a pet aboard. It sounds perfect for my schnoodle "Ernie" and me.
You have done a great job documenting the West Marine inflatable kayak. I was wondering how it would look with a pet aboard. It sounds perfect for my schnoodle "Ernie" and me.
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