lightweight 11'-12' sot

[somdsparky]

Last year my wife and I got started with flimsy 10' sinks from Dick's. If memory serves, the pair were out the door for $375. I was able to upgrade to a moken 12.5 this winter and have been very happy with it thus far. I'm looking to get the mrs a new ride as well that is more suited to her needs/wants. My moken is right around 70 lbs and she has expressed that is more than she is willing to deal with. I have been looking at elie gulf, eddyline caribbean, and the hurricane skimmer. She's looking for an 11'-12' that is under 60 lbs. We fish tidal rivers and the bay. Does anybody here have any personal experience with the yaks mentioned or have any I should add to the pool?

[Cowpokey]

No experience with them, but that Eddyline Caribbean is a sweet looking boat. I had one of those on the wish list...until I went Hobie.

[Mike]

If you don't mind going down to a 10' the Moken 10 Lite is a great option. It might be a little small in teh waves of the bay. I've heard good things about the Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11, its only 47 lbs and not too expensive.

[J.A. Veil]

Last week I bought a Native Watercraft Manta Ray 11. I had a chance to test it out last Sat in moderate wind and 1 ft chop. It paddled very nicely and has an extremely comfortable seat. It weighs 56 lbs and is 10'10" long.

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[Redfish12]

The tarpon 100 comes to mind as a good option as well, good luck with the hunt!

[YaknBass]

i havd owned two ELIE KAYAKS and could not be any happier with them one was a sit in and my current is a 13' sot the Elie is not roto molded it is thermo formed the are a bit stiffer than a roto mold. very good warranty my 13' is @70lbs. i have not looked at some of the shorter kayaks they have... but i would not have any reservations about buying a third yak from them. ULLERS in DALLASTOWN PA. is where i bought both of mine the owner is CRAIG and he can not be any more gracious he treated me well above any expectations i had. great guy to do business with he handles hobie and wilderness and a lot of touring yaks as well his number is 717-747-0095 not sure if it is convienient for you but may be worth a call. nice guy and beyond fair with me regards pricing and service. best of luck with the process.

[somdsparky]

I appreciate the input :-)

Maneuverability -10
Deck storage - 6
Hull storage - 5
Speed - 8
Tracking - 8
Stability - 7
Mounting options - 6
Weight - 10

This is how she rated the desired functionality of a kayak. I've been studying the trident 11 today, and it looks like a decent boat that falls within these parameters as well. For whatever reason, she has been adamant that she doesn't want another 10'er. from what I see this doesn't jive too well with the desire for light weight and maneuverability, but I will do my d*mnedest to find the kayak for her that will keep her out on the water with me.

[kevinfry]

Several guys here have bought their wives an ocean kayak venus. Camelbird for one. That boatbis designed for ladies and pretty light. I also know many ladies who love their scramblers....two choices far cheaper than hurricanes or eddylines. Both 11'+

[imagine29028]

just remember...not one kayak does everything, you gotta comprimise on some stuff

[camelbird]

As Kevin said we bought one for the wife.. Ocean kayak Venus 11ft. She loves it. Light, good tracking. Our factory 2nd (saved about 150) didn't come with a preconfigured bow hatch although I think the standard ones do.

Good luck

[Fishtank]

My wife has an Outback but also wants a paddle kayak. I’ve been looking at the Viking Profish 400. L 13’3” / W 31” / Light Weight at 53 lbs, although it’s bit longer than what you had in mind.
Viking Profish 4.JPGViking Profish.JPGViking Profish 3.JPG