[RichNH]

Hello all, I started this topic for anyone who is interested in hybrid kayaks. These are kayaks which are a cross between true kayaks and canoes. Last summer I took my Otter kayak and paddled for 5 hours on the Connecticutt River with some friends. By the end I was so sore I had a hard time standing up. The Otter had no foot rests, a hard seat and like most kayaks, once you were in position, you were there, no other options.

So I started looking for a kayak where I could have more fexibility in my seating options. I settled on the Wilderness Commander 120, a hybrid kayak.

Regarding that specific kayak, I have tried it twice now and have a few observations. The alternate seating options are good. Being able to change the angle of my theighs to my hips seemed to relieve the stiffness from my arthritis somewhat. The fact that it has a keel does help with tracking however this feature in specific cases turns out to be a flaw. Yesterday my wife and I paddled up a feeder stream to the local lake. There were times where the steam made a turn just where the water flow speeded up because of some constriction (mostly, old beaver dams). So the flaw is that when the water is moving fast under you, that keel prevents you from easily getting the boat pointed in a new direction. You just have to paddle hard and muscle it around. With a normal kayak with a rounded bottom, even in fast water it is easy to get it pointed in a new direction. I'm think that a canoe paddle would be a big help here.

Other than that one issue, I really liked this kayak. Wish it had a flatter floor but once you work with it for a while, it's not as bad as initially thought. It's got a lot of storage space because of the open design and it's easy to get in and out of. Wish it had more options available for the rail systems, but it is what it is.

Anyway, I know there are other brands of hybrid kayaks, now we had a topic for them.

Rich

[Majer:Danjer]

My neighbor has a Native hybrid that he really enjoys. Yes, there is copious amounts of storage space because essentially it is designed like a canoe but like you said, without rails mounting Scotty rod holders, a fish finder or anything for that matter is nearly impossible. He did say that he doesn't mind sacraficing those things for the added stability and having the ability to sight fish in the flats.

On the flip side. I have both a sit inside and a sit on top. The sit inside is great for paddling from point A to point B because it tracks great and it ultra streamlined, however limited dry storage and not much rail mounting options. And after about 2 hours I have to get out of it, I'm a big guy at 6 feet tall and I have to get out and stretch. The sit on top I currently have is the most versatile boat I have ever paddled. It's a Prowler Big Game that has multiple hatches to reach the in hull sotrage, is super stable with a 36" beam and more decking lines/tie down spots that I know what to do with. And the best part is because of the wide beam I can actually swing my legs over the side and dangle my feet in the water without losing any stability. Which is great for when I'm set up on a great fishing spot or I need to cool off or I just need to stretch.

I guess every yak has their pros and cons.

Great write up Rich.

[dudley]

I got myself a new (to me ) kayak this year as well
A vintage 1979, 18 foot, Klepper Expedition 'folding" kayak.
I haven't tried it yet, I'm a little intimidated by the size
.... now all I need is the sailing package
http://www.klepperamerica.com/

Here's what a Klepper frame looks like without the "skin"

[ronwagn]

My Sevylor Ocean kayak holds 800 pounds. It is 17 foot long. It is inflatable but very tough. There are smaller models available also. I like the portability of inflatables. I own SOTs and Sit in kayaks also. Like Majer:Danjer, I like being able to sit on the side. It is also possible to sleep in it if desired.