Wilderness Systems Ride, or Tarpon? Or Jackson Cuda, or Native Slayer?!?!

[Runnin]

I would love a Tarpon 120 that weighed in at 42 pounds! Mine is a beast.

[Southbound_60]

Lol! Weight is not really a factor to me. I'm not under 30, or a regular at the gym, or a particularly big dude. But I've done construction all my life, and it's not really about strength, as much as technique . Anyways my Dicovery 169 weighs 85 lbs ( dry, add 5 when it's wet. However, I'd rather work smart than hard. Is there a hull strength sacrifice with the ultralight Tarpon? At any rate, I will be taking some previous advice, and be buying used for my first Yak, I've seen alot of good deals here and on some other forums. Thanks for the input, looking forward to fishing with some of y'all, hopefully I have a boat by Sept. !

[xenolithic]

I just picked up my Native Slayer 14.5 the other day. I've been fishing out of an older Perception America I rigged until now but I figured it was time for an upgrade. We took it out for a spin this morning at the Patuxent Wetlands Park and it handled like a dream. I can't say much for rigging yet since it's bone stock but it does have 7 tracks on it for mounting. Though at 75lbs it's definitely a pain to horse it on to my Jeep. Much easier with J-cradles on our Outback. You're not likely to see many Slayers on the used market just yet given they're relatively new.

The Native in particular they claim you can stand up in, and you can. I did so today for about 5 minutes before coming off balance and nearly dumping it :P. I'm ~230lbs, which is why I went with the 14.5, and it's pretty stable. The standing/casting thing is going to take me a little bit, but I love the high/low seat, and you can easily move about the boat to get things bow and stern without fear of tipping. Wish they sold it with all of the scupper plugs so I could choose which ones to run with, but that's a minor gripe. Best of luck finding a new boat!

[ronaultmtd]

I am 67, 275#, and load and unload my Hobie Outback alone, no problems...into and out of my Ranger pickup truck- had lots of major surgeries and do not have my large intestine- big scar from breastbone to crotch, so Doc says be careful with heavy lifts...no problem with the Hobie- forget exactly what it weighs, but it isn't light- techniques is the key- I never lift the full weight of the kayak-

[Excalibur]

As a few folks mentioned, starting out used can help you keep within budget and fine tune your needs. I don't know anything about Jackson kayaks but since someone mentioned them, here's a link to a used one that's for sale on Craigslist: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/3912055142.html

From the pictures, it looks like it has been well cared for but seeing first-hand always key.

[Tyrone Shoes]

There was a Native Mariner with propel drive on DC Craigslist.......I didnt allow myself to look too closely.

[Poolz1]

Interesting discussion. I just clicked on this thread to see if anyone had any opinions on the Jackson Cuda 12. I have been kayak fishing for two years now and am ready to upgrade. My first and only yak is the Old Town Trip Angler 10'...sit in. A relatively inexpensive yak but has served me just fine as a beginner. After countless outings, I find myself really in need of more space, more comfort, more room for accessories, more stability and I love the idea of being able to stand up and fish...or just stretch out. After some research, I really like what the 2013 Cuda 12 has to offer. Any other opinions on this boat or similar ones would be appreciated.

[On the fly]

I tried both the Cuda 12 & 14 and bought the 14. I did also look at the native slayer but decided on the Cuda just because I liked the cuda. However they were both good kayaks. If you fish smaller waters then the 12 would do well. I am also 6'1" 240lbs so the 400lb capacity was good. I did get the rudder on my 14 and is great for drift fishing around the bay. I do like the seat and is very comfortable as I do have some lower back issues but have fished in it for 5 hrs without an issue.

Read reviews and opinions but you need to paddle them yourself because only you can decide what works best for you. Everyone likes something a little different, good luck.

[Poolz1]

Thank for the tips fly. I think a 12' is the way to go for me. I do a lot of upper Potomac river fishing and even some larger creek fishing. Good advice though about trying a few out. Will dealers allow you to try them out?

[On the fly]

Yes. I bought my at Delaware Paddlesports. But if you are a lot closer to Germantown, md then Valley Mills might be your choice. I have only personally dealt with Delaware Paddle Sports and they have been great.

[xenolithic]

Will dealers allow you to try them out?

Annapolis Canoe and Kayak, where I picked up my boat, will allow you to try any kayak for $10. If you end up buying a boat there it goes towards the purchase of it.

[Jeff Little]

That's a great deal! I always encourage people to attend a Demo Day to try them all, but getting to do this on your timetable is cool.

[Strummerfan]

Another vote for Delaware Paddlesports

[d16daily]

Annapolis Canoe and Kayak, where I picked up my boat, will allow you to try any kayak for $10. If you end up buying a boat there it goes towards the purchase of it.

Thanks for that info. Might have to go demo some Wilderness Systems'

[Boondock_RES]

Haven't paddle many kayaks, but I do have the Ride 115. Like others have said, its a heavy yak, but to me, thats its only downfall. Incredibly stable platform, I have friends that way close to 300 lbs who have stood and fished from it with no issues. The newer ones come with an elevated seat to make standing and sitting back down easier. Manuevers great in the rivers I fish and has plenty of storage space. Would highly reccommend.

Not sure on your location, but I picked up my yak at Eastern Mountain Sports just across the Delaware line. Tax free!