18 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

How does an ocean kayak differ from other kayaks? Aside from costing more, what makes it different? And what features do you look for in a good ocean kayak?

[ThatJoeGuy]

An ocean kayak is full closed. Instead of sitting in it, you sit on top of it.

[Kayak Diver]

Good questions! There are many types of kayaks to choosefrom so you have to decide how you plan to use it. If you’re planning to usefor long trips on the ocean, lakes, or going through the mangroves then youwant a longer kayak with cockpit and hatches to store food, clothing andequipment.

As for features, I would stay away from inflatable kayaks.This is my personal option but I think they are a waste of money, plus this isnot something you want to use for scuba diving. With that said purchase a plastickayak, its durable and will last a long time. Since this is a scuba diving siteand your question is geared towards using a kayak for scuba diving you want aset-on-top kayak 12ft or longer.

A single kayak such as the Ocean Prowler is a great kayak itcomes in 13ft and 15 ft and has one hatch to store items inside. This kayak has a 28” width which meansyou can travel faster through the water. The down side is balance you have toget use to the narrow width especially when putting on your gear and then gettingback on top.

A tandem Ocean Kayak Malibu I think is the better choice,its 12ft long, 34” width, making this kayak very stable on the water plus twopeople can ride on top.

The Ocean Kayak XL is even better, the difference its 13ftlong. A longer kayak gives you better tracking as your traveling through theocean.

In terms of features look for kayaks with handles on theside, already equip with bungee clips and bungee. Also look for kayaks thatcome with a seat and/or paddle. Another feature, which is nice, is a kayak thatis equip with a rudder kit. I have never personally use this feature but itsnice to have when you’re fighting the current. Plus it gets you to from point A-B faster. There is a pricetag with all extra features so you have to ask yourself how much money do youwant to spend.

Mike

[WreckWench]

Cool! And thank you! Great info.

So approximately what would the Ocean Kayak XL with a rudder be? Sounds like that is the way to go if you can swing it.

And what kind of kayak do you have Mike?

[Kayak Diver]

I have the Ocean Kayak Malibu price $600-$700. The Ocean Kayak XL price is around $879, add $250-$300 for the rudder kit.

[WreckWench]

Thank you! So for $600 to $1000+ we could basically have our own dive boat!

[WreckWench]

So the rudder helps navigate in current eh? How does that work?

[Kayak Diver]

Kamala,

Someone starting out in this sport will most likely not purchase a kayak with a rudder. It's a nice feature but with proper use of paddling stokes can provide all the control of your kayak that you need. On the other hand if you live in California and plan to kayak in the ocean where you are exposed to a lot of wind then yes, you might consider this feature.

The rudder is attach to the stern of the kayak and controlled by using your foot pedals. When considering purchasing this feature it all depends on the level of the person experience with kayaks, and how they plan to use the kayak. I have been ocean kayaking/kayak diving for 6 years and never considered purchasing a rudder.

[WreckWench]

So a rudder is more useful with wind and wind related current? What about tidal current?

And think in terms of strength vs skill....

Will a rudder require more skill or strength? And can it help compensate for lack of strength???

[Diver Ed]

As for my experience with tidal current, the best results came when I mounted the electric motor to the kayak. It helped with steering as well, and I could even drink a beer while kayaking. Ed

So a rudder is more useful with wind and wind related current? What about tidal current?

And think in terms of strength vs skill....

Will a rudder require more skill or strength? And can it help compensate for lack of strength???

[Kayak Diver]

When using a rudder it will cause more drag on the side of the kayakthat the rudder is turned to, thus slowing that side of the kayak, while theother side maintains its rate of speed. While the rudder makes"steering" easy, it is in fact consuming your forward momentum, thusmaking you work harder to get from point A to point B. The benefit with usingthis feature it’s like having power steering in your car.

Another thing to consider a rudder has moving parts and are subject tofail. While most rudders do not conk out it can happen. They are quitedependable, but if it does fail you will have to rely on your paddling skills.Failure of a rudder is never planned, it will happen by surprise, most likelywhen you need it the most.

So a rudder is more useful with wind and wind related current? What about tidal current?

And think in terms of strength vs skill....

Will a rudder require more skill or strength? And can it help compensate for lack of strength???

[WreckWench]

So a small electrical motor would be the solution if you needed assistance with current or the prevention of alcohol abuse! LOL!

[WreckWench]

Ok on a serious note...how common is a small electrical motor? A good idea? Overkill? Defeats the purpose??

And if it is a viable option how many horsepower would you need?

[Diver Ed]

I do not know of anybody else that has mounted a motor on their kayak. It basically defeats the purpose of kayaking, as people use their kayak for the enjoyment and exercise. Of course, I do not always follow the conventional path. I dove a river with a friend, using his jon boat last summer. I had a wonderful time. I wanted to do more diving, and my best option was using my kayak. Between two shoulder surgeries and a back surgery, paddling the kayak against the flow of the water was not possible. Paddling with the flow actually hurts me. I wanted to dive, so I chose a workable option for me. Mounting a motor allows me to run against the flow, to get to a dive site. For a normal person, and yes, I acknowledge a lack or normalcy with me, a motor eliminates the main reason that a person goes kayaking. For me, it allows me to do some diving in spots that I would be unable to access without the motor. Ed

Ok on a serious note...how common is a small electrical motor? A good idea? Overkill? Defeats the purpose??

And if it is a viable option how many horsepower would you need?

[WreckWench]

Its like a power assist bike...you bike as much as you can and you use power assist IF you need it.

Although I am starting to seriously consider getting in shape to consider kayak diving (of course the fact that I hope to purchase a 2nd home in Florida making an ocean kayak feasible) I am always concerned about currents, or being hurt and not being able to get back for example. An electric motor would be an ideal back up plan to all the aforementioned concerns.

Again I understand that purists might not approve BUT it might also mean the difference between someone partially in shape starting kayak diving and delaying until the are in more perfect shape....

For me it would be a level of redundancy that would be calming since I currently do a fair amount of solo diving.