Ocean Kayak vs. Cobra Fish & Dive vrs. Whatever Else?

[Mr. X]

...Ocean Kayak has a new solo S.O.T. kayak called the "Side Kick" I've not tried one yet but it looks to be an excellent design for tank diving. Rated capacity is 300 to 350 lbs. ...

I have been looking for a kayak. Yes the side-kick looks handy -- adult + small child or pet or dive gear.

The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 & Cobra Tandem also look interesting to me -- both 2 seaters & not much bigger than a single. 2 Adults or 1 + dive gear.
http://www.oceankayak.com/malibutwo.html
http://www.cobrakayaks.com/kayaks/cobracat3.html
Malibu2 capacity is only 400lbs -- so no good for 2 big guys, they have a heavier version, the O.K. Malibu2 XL -- but quite a big bigger & heavier though.
http://www.oceankayak.com/malibutwoxl.html
Cobra Tandem appears to have much more capacity (about 500 or 600lb I think) & is lighter -- although using manufacturers claims for comparison is risky in my experience (caveat emptor).

Also: http://www.cobrakayaks.com/kayaks/cobracat4.html

The Cobras are quite a bit more expensive that the O.K. in the UK (100 pounds+/$180 difference) - and OK's are not cheap here :waterwork (I guess we should manufacture our own in the UK/EU-- we seem to have given up making things in the UK). Both companies have several other models that might fit the bill, especially the fishing models (e.g. http://www.oceankayak.com/anglers.html) or adaptions ... so many options it makes it hard to choose (and there are several other good companies too).
http://www.cobrakayaks.com/kayaks.html
http://www.oceankayak.com/kayakinfo.html


Have you looked at those inflatible, sit on dive kayaks (sometimes see 1 & 2 seaters on ebay being sold from the USA). Sevylor Diveyaks.
[ame]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7146156342&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1[/ame]
[ame]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7146156352&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1[/ame]
http://sevylor.com/diving.html
They look quite good, are cheaper, smaller packed with a high carrying capacity (of course, you have to inflate & deflate them & they could puncture). You can even fit a small motor. One of the antipodean forums has a discussion including the experiences of somebody who is using one.


[I also found http://www.kayakdiving.com/ very helpful].

 

[Krysta in MKE]

Re: required gear for a kayak

> (Other things to consider : compass / flare / tow line / spare folding
> paddle / anchor / buyancy aid(often legally required to carry one in the
> kayak somewhere - normally on the deck...), kayak-wheels..... whistle,
> map, kitchen sink....)


I'm working on a presentation about legally-required equipment to give at
our local Paddlefest in May.

All boats must have:
Life jackets for everyone aboard
Sound-producing device (a whistle tied to your life jacket works)

If you're out kayaking at night, add:
A white light, visible for at least a mile, "to display in time to avoid
collision" [I suggest shining it on yourself & your boat]
Visual distress signals rated for night use. This could be 1 flashlight that
automatically flashes SOS, or a minimum of 3 flares. More is better.

If your kayak is over 16', no matter when you're out, add:
A throwable PFD (seat cushion is nice)
Visual distress signals rated for daytime use. This could be 1 flag (orange
w/ black ball & circle) or a minimum of 3 flares or smoke flares. Again,
more is better.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends wearing your life jacket whenever
you're under way. (And no, a wetsuit doesn't count.) You wouldn't have
time to put a seatbelt on in an emergency, you won't have time to put a
life jacket on, either.