Bare Scuba Diving Kayak

[DannyCap]

I've only been kayaking a few times and it seems fun enough. Although it's not something I want to invest a small fortune into like I have done with diving. Here in Texas we are in a massive drought which has it's benefits. Since the lake level is down ~40ft, we are being presented with new diving opportunities off the newly formed islands (sometimes islands) in the middle of the lake. So now I'm looking for a cheap and effective way of traveling to dive sites in either lakes or rivers, so the kayak question came to mind. Is there a kayak that is fairly cheap, easily portable (I drive a Honda Civic), and made for diving?

I came across this and wanted to know if anyone has any reviews or experience with this particular kayak.

BARE Scuba Diving - USA

Also if you have any input, ideas or experience in the way of kayak diving. I'd like to hear that as well.

Thanks a bunch!

Danny

 

[Kingpatzer]

I would answer it depends on how big your lack is, and wave and weather pattern with which you have to contend.

11'4" is fairly short for a sea kayak, but if your lake is smaller, then that's not really an issue. I'd rather use a cockpit design and it does not look like it has hatches. The craft looks rather wide in relationship to the length, which could make it harder to handle well in wind and surf.

Speaking of surf, the bow does not look upturned, which can be a detriment.

By not having hatches, and putting the gear on the stern deck, you might have some problems with self-rescue.

This MIGHT be fine for a smaller lake, but frankly, I'd be looking for a different craft than this.

Transporting a 16' kayak on a small car is not hard, it does require you drive differently, but it is doable.

 

[Aquaviolator]

Ocean Kayak's prowler 13 is a great option. Just be sure you strap EVERYTHING down. Check Craigs list, you can find great deals on kayaks if look daily.

 

[Kingpatzer]

you can find great deals on kayaks if look daily.

particularly lately -- the economic downturn has an upside -- lots of people are trying to sell off extraneous toys

 

[Nemrod]

Get a hard shell like the OK Prowler, Scupper Pro, Scrambler etc. These are sit on top kayaks and are actually designed in part to scuba dive from, thus the scuba tank well in the back. N

 

[SailNaked]

were me I would tie the tank and BC to an inner tube and drag it behind. I have towed my kids this way many times and for many miles. I like my 11ft dagger they track ok even on a lake in wind and they are fun on the river, but they are a hybird which means that they are not good at anything.

 

[DannyCap]

Does anyone have any experience with inflatable kayaks? Are there any thoughts about them, positive or negative?

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

It's always advisable to use the search function a couple times before asking question, There are a number of threads with numerous posts that you could use to come up with some more informed questions.

 

[Pacific Taco]

I own a kayak shop and have been a recreational kayaker for a loong time. I saw that Bare kayak at DEMA last year and wasn't impressed. Nothing against Bare, their suits are great, but maybe they should stick to what they know. It's not going to perform well with no real keel or frame - I expect it will side-slip in the slightest winds.

Someone else mentioned some OK kayaks that were designed for multi sport use. The Scrambler is still made and a reasonable choice but you should also check out the Wilderness Systems Ride 135. It was designed for diving and has a super stable hull for re-entry. Other considerations would be the X-Factor from Malibu or even the Cobra Fish-n-Dive.

Kayaks are one of those "get what you pay for" industries. Most inflatables aren't going to perform even closely to rigid boats but there are some good boats on Seyvlor's higher end.

Check craigslist and see what you can find out there...

Good luck!

 

[DannyCap]

After some investigating I decided to go with an ocean model since most everyone agreed that they produce the best all around kayak for diving. Since I'm new to the whole thing I decided to keep an eye out for one on craigslist.

I was sifting through all the posts and found this one liner about someone having an ocean kayak for sale, no picture or anything. I sent an email to the person and they told me they had a brand new ocean prowler 15 for sale that was purchased by a friend. This friend got a new job just after purchasing the kayak and moved out of the country. I was skeptical but I still went to see it. She wasn't lying! It was brand new and the owner was just trying to recoup some of the cost since it has been in the garage for the past year. She sold it to me for half price ($425). She hadn't had any other people even contact her about it. I imagine that's because the CL post was awful. It just goes to show that good deals can be found in the most unlikely places. Anyways, I wanted to tell everyone thanks for the input, share my story and of course show you all my new boat.

Danny