Kayak Diving? Marine/underwater/diving GPS unit?

[jtthompson4]

So I have been wanting to do this for a while now, but I have no idea which kayak to buy. I want a wider one, with lots of room, and a sit-on-top for sure. I have a price range of around $800-$1200. Any good suggestions? Also any good suggestions as to a good marine GPS unit or underwater/diving GPS unit (if there is sucha thing)?

 

[Peter_C]

Realistically you want around a 13-14ft narrower kayak, not a wide one. The Scupper Pro TW is the all time classic kayak, and now made under a different brand. OK Scrambler in the 13ft range would work along with many other brands.

As to GPS there really isn't an underwater unit. A nice handheld will do just fine, and Garmin even builds one with marine maps built in. I have a handheld depth sounder I sometimes use with my kayak as we can rarely see the bottom. More and more people are using water proof housings for their phones or iPads there days.

There are a few good threads on this board if you search the word "kayak".

My thoughts are though, unless you have a buddy with a kayak an inflatable boat or a scooter are more useful.

 

[jtthompson4]

Yeah I actually just tonight started looking at Achilles inflatable boats. Any suggestion on size or anything with those? Sorry for all the questions. I just have been looking for an easier access to beach diving instead having to surface swim forever. And having an actual boat seems like to much time, money and care for what I want. That's why I wasn't sure about an inflatable boat. Are the care of those as extensive?

---------- Post added January 29th, 2014 at 12:11 AM ----------

Yeah I actually just tonight started looking at Achilles inflatable boats. Any suggestion on size or anything with those? Sorry for all the questions. I just have been looking for an easier access to beach diving instead having to surface swim forever. And having an actual boat seems like to much time, money and care for what I want. That's why I wasn't sure about an inflatable boat. Are the care of those as extensive

 

[Peter_C]

Achillis are nice boats, I have a Zodiac. Something around the 14ft size is preferable, of course with a hard floor also. A RIB is even better and something in the 18ft+ range is tops. When does it end? My 14 footer has taken 5 divers out with no issues, and even planes. The care for the boat is minimal, but the trailer and outboard require some care. Anything with a larger engine must be on a trailer.

 

[jtthompson4]

Ok, now see that's starting to sound a little more me, and it sounds like I would be able to get to a couple more further offshore sites I like. Thanks so much for your input. I didn't wanna go drop my whole years income on a freakin piece of fiberglass of a boat. (not that I won't spend all my money on a nice inflatable) Haha. Wifes gonna kill me when she see's what I'm planning on getting. Thanks again.

 

[Peter_C]

Anything with a larger engine must be on a trailer.

To clarify, I meant anything over about a 15HP is not something you would pickup and put on and take off a boat, so a trailer is required.

 

[KayakerWanaBe]

Hi,

I'm also interested in buying a kayak. I meant it for some swifter waters, so if you have any suggestions, it'll be more than welcome. I even thought about this one Perception Sport Swiftwater 13.5 II Tandem Kayak Review | Tandem Kayak Reviews, but I would like to hear some pros and cons before I finally decide. They sure make it sound great on that site, but I believe some first-hand opinions might prove more realistic and objective.

Thank you in advance.