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kayak vs sib spearfishing

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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DeepAbyss

Active Member
Feb 11, 2018
153
4
33
Hello,
I am interested in a vessel that I can spearfishing 1-4 kilometers from the shore.
I am undecided between kayak and sib does anyone have experience with both vessels what are the pros and cons
Thanks!
 
I don’t think there is a comparison between the two vessels. They have different purpose and both have pros and cons.

Personally I love spearfishing from a kayak and it can easily take you miles out at sea of you are a confident paddler and know what you are doing.

The SIP will be faster but much more expensive to buy and maintain. It’s a hassle to take out in and out of the water unless you have a trailer but then you are limited to boat ramp entries. The main benefit is the range you get but if that is important a RIB is really the way to go.

I have considered them both and I am so happy i have a kayak. Much easier and faster when I am by myself.

I would get a RIB If I lived very close to the ocean and would be able to use it often without having to haul it around. I will probably stick with the kayak until I am 94 years old and can’t paddle anymore. I love the exercise too.
 
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I agree with Kodama above.
I don't have both, but close. I own kayaks which I use for spearfishing and a boat (23 ft Radon). One of the big benefits with a kayak is being able to launch areas I can't with a boat, even an SIB, due to the shoreline (i.e. rocks and reef mainly). I've also owned some of my kayaks for 25 plus years and they're still going strong. I'm not sure how long SIB's are reliable for, but something you can look into.
For storage, I can fit quite a bit on my kayaks and I would need probably a 14+ footer SIB to start having more room with that.

When I dive, it's easy for me to pull up to two kayaks along when swimming along the coast. Depending on the SIB size, it may be more challenging.

I've paddled or peddled with my kayaks over 9 miles round trip comfortably and could go more. This is also dependent on physical condition and whatnot. If you're unsure, take a look at the foot pedal driven kayaks as they're easier on the user.

Wind is a factor and can limit you going out on a kayak or how far you paddle. What a little nicer with a boat is you can power through the wind, although rough. Some guys here get lost at sea because of the wind, so I'm mindful of that. Just carry the proper safety gear no matter which way you go.

Diving off the boat is wonderful and more comfortable. In my specific case, there needs to be a driver at all times and I'm always concerned for how the pilot of the boat is doing, if the seas are rough. I don't like worrying about all that. In any case, you can cover more ground and in some cases, get to places very hard to with a kayak. Just depends on your area. I honestly wanted a jet ski for diving, but the limitations here can be discouraging.
 
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