Kayak Buyers Guide

How to buy a kayak?

From Wal-mart:

Walmart does not have a buyers guide like some of the other website, but it does break down in categories like inflatables, youth, fighting, recreational.

One I find I liked is:

Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4 Sit-In Kayak Sea Blue, Paddle Included

Average rating: 4.3507 out of 5 stars, based on 134 reviews reviewsSun DolphinWalmart # 566026842 $239.00

Get out and enjoy the water this summer in the Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4 Sit-In Kayak Sea Blue. It features adjustable step-lock foot rests for peak comfort. The cockpit is non-confining and offers plenty of space, and its large size helps make for easy entry and exit. The Sun Dolphin sit-in kayak was designed to move with ease across the water and is ideal for trips of any length thanks to the blowmold unibody dihedral hull. Other features of the recreational kayak include an ergonomic adjustable padded seat, rear rubber extra deep storage compartment, a dashboard cupholder and storage compartment, and high-quality adjustable back rest and foot pegs to offer you a ride in comfort. This item is a dependable tool on rivers or lakes. It comes with a paddle so it’s ready to go immediately.

Phoenix 10.4 Sit-In Recreational Kayak:

Maximum weight limit of 250 lb
Adjustable backrest, foot pegs and foot rests
Sun Dolphin sit-in kayak with paddle included
Available in pink purple and Sea Blue

Specifications

Features	High performance super stable dihedral hull, Includes paddle
Brand	Sun Dolphin
Manufacturer Part Number	53362-P
Color	Sea Blue
Assembled Product Weight	45 lbs
Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H)	124.00 x 32.00 x 11.50 Inches

If you want to buy the one I talked about from walmart please follow the link: Walmart – Nextday Free Shipping With Orders Over $35.00

Here is some information from Dick’s Sporting Goods:

Next I find Dick’s had a guide in finding how to choose which one was right for you, but I am not going to talk about the kind you sit on top, only the sit inside. “

Sit-In Kayaks: These “traditional kayaks” are designed with an interior seat. They offer easy paddling on the water and can feature storage space for your belongings.
Inflatable Kayaks: Make storage a breeze. Just deflate your vessel and skip the boat rack. These kayaks are stable and effective on the water, made with high-quality, abrasion-resistant materials as well as multiple air chambers.
Sit-on-Top Kayaks: Great for beginners or those who may have difficulty getting in and out of traditional kayaks.
Fishing Kayaks: Often come with rod holders, built-in tackle boxes and other storage features for anglers. They also offer extra stability-so anglers can stand up to cast or get a better view of activity below the surface.
Whitewater Kayaks: Compact and agile for taking on rapids and more technical water conditions. Skilled kayakers can best handle these boats.
2-Person Kayaks: Share you next on-water adventure with a tandem kayak with plenty of space for two. Choose an adjustable option to accommodate kids, pets or solo paddling.

Sit-in kayaks are more “traditional” and designed with a cockpit.

They give you some shelter from the wind and water. You can add extra coverage with a spray skirt. A spray skirt is a flexible waterproof cover with a hole for your waist. They can help prevent water from entering the kayak as you paddle.
These models tend to offer more storage space.
Sit-in kayaks are usually constructed with foot braces.
Contrary to what some may think at first glance, sit-in kayaks are actually pretty roomy. So, don’t worry about feeling confined in a small space.
The sit-in kayak can be more efficient to paddle than the sit-on-top variety due to its lower center of gravity.” https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/water-sports/how-to-buy-a-kayak

Dick’s also talked about weight capacity, haul shape, and lenght:

WEIGHT CAPACITY

It’s important to keep in mind the capacity of each kayak varies. This should be clearly listed when purchasing your kayak. The capacity includes the paddler’s body weight, as well as additional items in the kayak. This can include coolers, fishing tackles and gear.

LENGTH AND WIDTH

Generally, the longer and narrower the kayak, the faster and straighter it will go. A kayak is more stable and easier to turn if it’s wider and shorter, but it may sacrifice speed. If you are new to kayaking, then a wider kayak can be a good beginner’s choice as you grow accustomed to being on the water. https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/water-sports/how-to-buy-a-kayak

Here is some information from REI Co-Op:

Kayak Categories

Boat categories are worth noting, but be aware that not all kayak makers use the same terms. And one brand’s “recreational” boat might be comparable to another’s “day touring” boat. That said, here are some general guidelines:

Recreational kayaks (sit-ins and sit-on-tops): Affordable, stable, easy to get in and out of, and simple to turn. They’re for flatwater fun or meandering rivers, not for longer trips, waves or rapids. Storage is typically limited to stash spots for a few essentials.

Shop Recreational Kayaks

Day touring kayaks (sit-ins): These versatile boats are sleeker and more efficient to move than recreational boats—and will often have a higher price. Day touring kayaks also track straighter and give you more control in rough water than recreational boats. Because they are shorter than sea kayaks, day touring kayaks will be easier to transport and handle. They offer a moderate amount of cargo space.

Shop Day Touring Kayaks

Touring kayaks (sit-in sea kayaks): These long, robust touring boats are super efficient over distances. They track well and have a rudder or skeg to deal with wind and currents. You’ll find ample cargo space and higher prices in this category. (Note: If you’re absolutely committed to long trips and coastal kayaking, then you’ll save money by going to a sea kayak at the outset. If you’re not sure, a day-touring boat will cost less as an introductory boat, and make it easier to develop paddling skills.)

I would use information from all four sites to do my research but buy from Dick’s Sporting Goods do to the extra help they give me.

Do I need insurnace to have a kayak in the water?

I would say no, because the folks at kayak dave educated me on the insurance coverages and it a very standard things. Alex Russo writes for kayakdave.com and he said, “

This series is designed to give an informational insight on some of the most commonly asked questions involving insurance and kayaking. Can you insure a kayak? Do you need separate insurance policy to cover gear? What if your kayak is stolen, will you be covered? These are just some of questions that will be addressed and answered throughout this series.

Can you insure a kayak?

Yes. In fact, most people who currently have an active homeowner’s policy are already insured for up to $1,500 (some companies $1,000 limit) for certain types of watercraft and accessories. This includes canoes, kayaks, row boats, and small sailboats. Although most inboard and outboard watercraft is excluded from a standard homeowner’s policy, coverages against property loss of canoes, kayaks, and sailboats (26 feet or under) are covered. Your homeowner’s coverage will even cover losses to the kayak of a friend who the insured borrows.

Where is my kayak covered by my insurance?

The great part about most standard homeowner’s policies is that your kayak will be insured against losses while it is located anywhere in the world. The only exception to this provision is a second residence such as a summer home or vacation cabin.” http://kayakdave.com/2013/02/06/kayak-insurance-can-you-insure-a-kayak/

How much does a kayak weight?

Kayaks weight from 20lb. to 600 lb. If you buy a kayak that is a sit ontop it may weight 20lb to 60lb. but if you buy a kayak that is made of something heavy and longer then a small sit ontop kayak. It just comes to what it’s made of and lenght.

What is the average length of a kayak?

The average lenght of a kayak is 10 foot. Heres more information:

” Every type of water requires a different length and type of boat for safety, convenience, and ease of paddling. The best ocean kayak for instance, will be 17-to-20-feet long. The best squirt or play kayak for white water is 7-to-9-feet long. ” https://vaultcargo.com/what-size-kayak-do-i-need/

Can I buy a kayak out of state of Florida?

“Requirements for Boater Registration in Florida

The process for registering a boat has numerous requirements. Boaters must complete a new boat registration application and submit it to a license plate office or a local county tax collector. During the vessel registration process, applicants must also submit proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale, a manufacturer’s statement of origin, a contract from the builder or a federal marine document.

Exemptions From Registration and Titling in Florida

Florida boat registration is not a requirement for all vessels. Registration is dependent on the type of vessel, its use and its owner. For instance, is not necessary to register a canoe in Florida. The other types of vessels exempt from registration in FL include:

Vessels with boat registration numbers from other states, so long as these boats are not operated/stored in Florida waters for a period longer than 90 days.
Vessels used solely as lifeboats for a ship.
Boats owned by the United States government.
Vessels used only on private ponds and lakes.
Vessels that are not motor-powered and are less than 16’ long.
All kayaks, canoes, rowing sculls and racing shells that are not motor-powered.” https://www.dmv.com/fl/florida/boat-registration

How long should you wait to use a kayak after a hurricane?

I would wait until the First responder and government people let us back into the water before we try to go boating in stormy waters. There are some bad storms that follow a hurricane and it best to west and listen for more information from tv and radio.

Have alligators attacked a kayak?

Yes, but when alligator “a defensive action they take because they probably view a paddler as a potential threat to them.

Alligators behave very differently than crocodiles. Crocodiles are extremely dangerous to paddlers and have attacked and killed paddlers without warning or provocation. Crocodiles are common in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. And there are crocodiles in south Florida and the Everglades, though they are not nearly as common as alligators. Avoid paddling in areas with crocodiles. ” http://www.kayakguide.com/Kayk-Alligators.htm