Your info is about what I have been thinking regarding the 2 different boat & dive scenarios. Since this is my initial steps into small vessel venture, I am going to start with the kayak for its flexibility for the island. I can use it for shore diving/spearo and go inland for river fishing trips.When it comes to spearfishing, both kayak and SIB (Soft Inflatable Boat) have their own advantages depending on the environment and your experience level. Kayaks are lighter, more affordable, and give you great maneuverability in shallow or rocky waters.
They’re ideal for solo trips and quiet exploration. On the other hand, SIBs offer more space, better stability in open water, and the option to mount a small outboard motor, which is a huge plus for longer trips or when you need to change locations quickly.
I personally prefer kayaks for nearshore fishing, but when going further offshore or in unpredictable conditions, a well-equipped SIB feels more secure. After a long day out, I usually relax and unwind with something like 3 patti ludo—it helps me switch off and recharge. In the end, it really comes down to your budget, fishing goals, and how much gear you need to carry.
This yak I got is pretty stable and bare weight is 64#s which is manageable w/o a trailer. I don't junk up loaded with a lot of stuff just what's necessary; gear, grub and safety items.
Gotta start somewhere - crawl, walk, run, eh.