76Triumph Loc: New Castle, Pa

I'm thinking of buying a fishing kayak but dont want to spend as much as a used boat. Any suggestions would help. I don't own a truck but have an SUV with a hitch. I may get roof racks for my car. What accessories are necessary? What's better a motor or pedals?

Oldfisherguy Loc: NE Kansas

There are a lot of variables in choosing a kayak. I have had pedal kayaks with both types of pedal systems (bicycle type and push pedal like Hobie). I am over 70 years old and have opted for motorized with a trailer. You will have to decide how much physical work you can handle both operating the kayak and loading/unloading either on a trailer or on top of your vehicle. Fishing kayaks tend to be heavier that recreational kayaks especially once you add accessories and fishing gear.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

76, Oldfisherguy brings up some good points. 72 myself and even with a pick up some ramps are a challenge. Pending your age think of a trailer, far less work.

As for type go to the newest picture section and you will see some recent photos myself, Andy B, and fishyaker have posted.

Than for your choice, age is a factor too in what type. Motorized you will most likely have to register it with the state and that can be costly every year. Propulsion in the form of peddling or paddling quite a few brands out there.

Andy B posted a Bonafide pedal kayak with a motor. Has both options that way. I at one time had a padddle Bonafide and loved it.


Best bet find a place that has demos and try them out.

SW460 Loc: 84 PA

Hi 76
I fish from my Bonafide SS127 - paddle power- a little planning on where to launch gets me where I want to fish. My rig would not be easy to car top. Even with all the accessories stripped off I would not want to try and get it on roof racks without damage to the car.

The Plus = this rig is wonderful in the water - the elevated seat is great - I even stand up if the water is smooth. I am 66 years old with two replaced hips so the comfort is a big issue. I hall my rig in a full size F350 long bed - if you can do a trailer the Bonafide SS127 may be for you .

I fish Shenango or Moraine almost every weekend in the spring - its Crappie time in Western PA !!!
See you on the lake

Andy B Loc: East Springfield PA

Hi 76, Im 64 1 hip replacement , back operation , worn out knees and shoulders. I fish out of a Bonafide 127 also I'm 5' 10 and 265# I can stand up move around easily without fear of tipping over. I can paddle or run a 40 #thrust Minkota from my seat . I use a cushion on the seat and fish every chance I get and stay in the water for 10-12 hrs at a time. There's room to store my rods inside the hatch. That being said try to try one out before you buy.and get what you want and can afford. As far as transporting my yac I use a trailer with a plywood deck and haul it around with a 2000 Toyota Camry. back it in like launching a boat push it off holding on to the strap and same for loading it back in and tilt the trailer up push the yac out from the bank holding the strap and pull it on to the trailer . The water carries most of the weight this way once it tilts back down you can pull it on level deck. I also have a truck with a bed extender that I can carry it with however it's fairly heavy and I have to lift it above belt level to put the front on the go behind and pick it up sliding it up and forward. I like the trailer much better . It's faster and one heck of a lot less work. I would suggest a trailer no matter what fishing yac you purchase. 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🇺🇲🇺🇲