It appears that most, if all, replies so far have not given you the answer you asked for -- a high quality inflatable kayak or canoe.
If you are certain that is what you want, (recognizing the trade-off between ease of transportation off the water versus the fact that they will be more difficult to handle on the water - lake) then I'd probably look to either Northwest River Supply (NRS) or Sotar.
NRS has their own brand of inflatables and they also sell Aire inflatable kayaks -- the top end models of each sell for around $1,000 to $1,500 and have 10 year warranties.
I didn't look at whether Sotar makes a standard inflatable kayak model(s), but they specialize in customized inflatables, so I suspect they'd make you one exactly like you'd want it if they don't offer a standard model. Their price would be in the same range as the top end NRS and Aire models, and perhaps a bit higher.
It appears that most, if all, replies so far have not given you the answer you asked for -- a high quality inflatable kayak or canoe.
If you are certain that is what you want, (recognizing the trade-off between ease of transportation off the water versus the fact that they will be more difficult to handle on the water - lake) then I'd probably look to either Northwest River Supply (NRS) or Sotar.
John
Thanks John - I appreciate the information. You're right - most of the other replies weren't giving me information on inflatables,but I have to admit, the variety of responses did open my eyes to other options. At this point I may not be certain if I want an inflatable or kayak. I am checking every option that everyone mentioned here.
Now I guess my next question is - how do you schlep kayaks (or canoes) and a trailer?
Both have ways to feed in information and give you back suggestions for your vehicle. If you have a topper on your truck and since it is 4 wheel drive height may be an issue. I had a short ladder plus a rack that would lower the Kayak to the side of the vehicle. Don't know what happened to the company - thought Yakima bought them. Thule does have a similar product now. There are also other manufactures out there that make loading systems for trucks.
I now carry mine on my Jeep and the height is not as much of an issue to me for loading and unloading... getting older may change that. I would consider selling that side loading mount if you get farther down that path and are interested, let me know.
In addition, there are several manufactures of dolly systems for moving kayaks and canoes around once you have them on the ground.
Now I guess my next question is - how do you schlep kayaks (or canoes) and a trailer?
I had a Hauler ladder rack (nice aluminum that matched the Airstream) for the back of my truck that was designed to fit over my truck cap. (They also have models for trucks without caps). You can put just about anything and everything on them.
I also have a Yakima rack that I used on my Expedition. They make these racks for just about every vehicle and for every hauling need.
I have had both the Zodiac and the Porta boat and perfer the Porta boat. I ahd the 10 ft Zodiac and it was bvulky to handle 4x3x2 and weighed 80 lbs. The 10 foot gave about 7 1/2 foot of interior. The airchambers took about 18 in on each side. I used a 6 hp and also 40 lb troll. I had the roll up wood floor. I like the Portaboat (12 ft) better in that it feels more stable and have it on out on the Mississippi with the 6hp. Tracks better and I don't loose the floor space I experimented with a buddy and he made waves and the boat handled them well (WE WEAR LIFE JACKETS). I had my wife with me and she said she felt safer in the Portaboat . We put the portaboat inside our AS for transport but I have the mounting brackets but not attached. mike
Thanks John - I appreciate the information. You're right - most of the other replies weren't giving me information on inflatables,but I have to admit, the variety of responses did open my eyes to other options. At this point I may not be certain if I want an inflatable or kayak. I am checking every option that everyone mentioned here.
Now I guess my next question is - how do you schlep kayaks (or canoes) and a trailer?
Like this;
__________________
Life is Good-Camping all around New England
Good people drink good beer-Hunter S Thompson
Thanks Bill - that's what I have in mind if we do a rigid boat. We can't put a rack in the bed of the truck since we have a bed cover - not the "camper" style but a flat cover that is directly over the bed. We have an extended cab, not the crew cab style so I don't know if the length of the cab top will be enough to support anything. We'll see what happens.
Thanks Bill - that's what I have in mind if we do a rigid boat. We can't put a rack in the bed of the truck since we have a bed cover - not the "camper" style but a flat cover that is directly over the bed. We have an extended cab, not the crew cab style so I don't know if the length of the cab top will be enough to support anything. We'll see what happens.
Not sure if racks will work with shorter cab styles...I think crew cab was minimum recommended length due to moment arm of boat length. You will have to check. Don't know if you can tell by the pic; bikes in the bed, boats up top. This works great for us.
BTW; I'll say it once more...the porta-bote rocks!
(pun intended)
If you want a boat, check your local craigslist of that yahoo forum. You can pick them up for .50 on the dollar.
Of course, if you really want a paddle boat, then yak or canoe is the way to go.
My .02; avoid inflatables. They are temporary at best.
Bill
__________________
Life is Good-Camping all around New England
Good people drink good beer-Hunter S Thompson
Not sure if racks will work with shorter cab styles...I think crew cab was minimum recommended length due to moment arm of boat length. You will have to check. Don't know if you can tell by the pic; bikes in the bed, boats up top. This works great for us. Bill
If I did a pair of shorter yaks like the Hobie Lanai I think I could get away with it on an extended cab. They would only hang off by about 24 to 30 inches front and back. The moment arm would be significantly reduced. I don't think they would be able to develop enough force either laterally or downward to then cause a problem.
I still haven't totally rejected the idea of an inflatable. For the amount it would be used it could last me a long time. After all, this is the desert Southwest!
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