Recommendations for ocean water kayaks

Have fun Kayaking!!!
My husband's new play toy, a Hobie Pro Angler 14 Ft. Kayak. We are going to add a temporary second seat to the back for me. Actually we can only get one Kayak on the car because the Kayak is so wide. My sister and her husband just bought two Hobie Mirage Revolutions 11.

DW doesn't swim well (more like a rock), so we have one double for when she wants to kayak and a single for when I want to go and she can't. Tried to single the double kayak once and that will not happen again. Cobra sit on tops.

thanks to all I think we will be buying 2 - 11 foot sit in fiberglass

Another consideration with a double is transporting it! They can get LONG! We wanted an open-cockpit tandem (gotta carry the fur-kid, too...), opted for an Old Town Loon - considered a "recreational" boat, but have used it on the ocean (experienced paddler) and lakes. No way to transport it other than a trailer with our 'B', so carry a Sevalor "Colorado" inflatable canoe. Look at Advanced Elements for some really nice inflatables, or Innova. As others have said - identify how/where you want to use it first, then get something to fit that need. A sit-on-top would not work well for us - too much cold water paddling. ST

What is your experience with kayaks.
If you are a newbie just get either a tandem el cheapo or two singles el cheapo. You can always up grade later if you get hooked.

Regardless of what people say about tandems being "divorce boats" if you and your partner are compatable a tandem might be good for you.
It is the stern paddlers responsibility to stay in sync with the bow paddlers stroke. The bow paddler can't see the stern paddler.
If you keep that in mind, a tandem would be Ok.
Next will you be paddling all year round, sit on tops (SOT's) would be good.
If you will be paddling in cold weather as well as warm, get Sit in kayaks, (SINKS)
Next -Plastic is the cheapest, but are heavy and slow. Composites such as fiberglass or carbon fibre are lighter and faster, but cost the big bucks.
Next -The short boats are slow, the longer the boat and narrower it is the faster it is, but also they are more tippy.
If you have more questions, go onto "Paddling. Net" and ask under the "Questions and advice forum" You'll get a lot of good advice there

jack L

I ran a kayak guide service in the south texas bay area and can offer the following.

single kayaks only

14 foot longer is easier to steer

with a rudder is easier still

ride on top is self bailing and very helpful

The first half of your trip should always be upwind

Never tow bait buckets or ice chests. They are sea anchors

cover up from the sun exposure

pops

What exactly are your intended uses. just sightseeing, fishing, etc?

Thank you for your posts. I will begin searching for two sit atop ocean kayaks.

West Beachhouse

We had a Hobie Oasis Tandem for a while and loved it. We noticed, however, when we were running with another couple that had singles they were faster. In our case, I doubt my DW would kayak by herself so a tandem worked out well.

Much prefer singles to a double. We've taken our Wilderness 12 ft kayaks in the ocean with no problems.