Best Kayak for diving?

[dougiep]

Hey everyone. I was wondering if someone could lend me some assistance with finding a good kayak for free diving/snorkeling?

I'm new to snorkeling; just got started last Summer here in Michigan. I love exploring the shipwrecks in lake Michigan, as well as the inland lakes. Some of the spots I want to snorkel are a little distance away so as I gear up for another season of snorkeling I was thinking about purchasing something to help me get to the sweet spots/wrecks.

With my beginner know-how of snorkeling I believe I would need something that is:

• Easy to get back into from the water
• Attachments for my stuff
• Easy to maneuver
• I would like it to fit more than one person
• Adaptable to flat water, rivers, and small swells
• Maybe even a place to hook up a small motor (optional)

I'm not looking to spend too much...around $200-300. (I want to save up for a GPS to help me find the shipwrecks, etc.) :cool2:

So far I've looked at inflatable kayaks, inflatable boats, and flat boats. It doesn't have to be a Kayak...I should have titled the post differently!

I know that there are lots of possibilities out there for what I want to accomplish, I'm just not sure which would be the best. Thanks ahead of time of your help!

Doug

 

[Nemrod]

OK Scupper Pro TW.

"Best" and "200-300" dollars are not compatible.

N

 

[dougiep]

OK Scupper Pro TW.

"Best" and "200-300" dollars are not compatible.

N

Well, that doesn't fit my budget...I should have stated 'best kayak/boat, etc.' that would fit my budget and needs.

Thanks for the reply!

Doug

 

[dkramer]

I have a Cobra Fish/Dive. It's one of the few Kayaks I've seen that an electric motor can be put on. If 300 is your limit, I suggest looking on ebay or Craigs list for a used one.

 

[dougiep]

I have a Cobra Fish/Dive. It's one of the few Kayaks I've seen that an electric motor can be put on. If 300 is your limit, I suggest looking on ebay or Craigs list for a used one.

Thanks for the reply. That is a sweet Kayak.

The boat I get does not have to be a kayak. I realize that a hard body-kayak is probably out of my price range, so I'm open to inflatable kayaks, flat boats, inflatable boats, etc. I'm just trying to figure out what might work the best for what I need and can afford to buy. Easy to get back into from the water; can travel short distances (est. 500+ yards). I've never used a boat to snorkel/dive from, so I'm trying to get some advice before committing to buying something.

I appreciate all of your help!

Doug

 

[freediver]

I purchased a Stearns two person inflatable kayak. It was on clearance at WalMart for $40!! Works superbly....now if I can just find those $300 paddles I've been wanting.

 

[dougiep]

I purchased a Stearns two person inflatable kayak. It was on clearance at WalMart for $40!! Works superbly....now if I can just find those $300 paddles I've been wanting.

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the Kayak at Walmart, it's going for $68 here, but that's still a sweet deal. I see that the front seat can be removed if you are riding alone. Is it difficult to paddle with one person? And how does it do in the wind? Do you use an anchor?

Thanks for the suggestion! You've helped me greatly!

Doug

 

[Nemrod]

Perhaps this then:

N

 

[Nemrod]

Maybe eBay?

N

 

[dougiep]

Maybe eBay?

N

That's funny that you should post that. I was at my local 'West Marine' today and saw that same boat!

Thanks for the reply!

Doug