Kayak Buyers Guide for Divers / Spearfishermen


As for kayaks, I (Dan Silveira) am most familiar with the Ocean Kayak models as these are what I use. (I have also tried the wilderness Tarpon and the Cobra kayaks.)


Here are the general things you want to look for when buying a kayak.


The width of the kayak is a critical attribute of the yak that correlates closely to the speed of the kayak, both while paddling and drifting. 

Wide kayaks provide more stability but are very slow when paddling and require much more effort. When there is wind, they also drift very fast. 

Narrow kayaks are less stable on the water, but are much faster when paddling, and they don't drift as fast in the wind. 

I have found that the best width for a combination of speed and stability is 26" to 29" at the widest point depending on the amount weight you plan to put into the kayak. 
(Check the manufactures weight specifications for each kayak)

The length of the kayak also is a critical attribute of the yak that correlates closely to the speed and paddling efficiency of the kayak over longer distances. 

Short kayaks (10'-12') create more drag, are slower, and harder to paddle over long distances. The only advantage they have, is that they are smaller and you could put them in the bed of your truck. 

Long kayaks (13' to 16') are more efficient, faster, and easer to paddle over long distances. These are the best choice for buying a kayak if you want maximum performance. The only disadvantage is that they cost more and require the ability to put them on the top of your car or truck with a rack system. 

The last thing I look for in a kayak is the storage capacity and configuration of the hatches and tank wells. 

If you want to put larger items into the hatch, you need to pick a model that has LARGE hatches that will allow you to put long items inside. (Ex. a 130cm speargun)

If you are spearfishing, you need to decide if you want to put your fish inside the kayak, or in a tank well at the back of the yak. Some kayaks come with two hatches - one in the front and one in the back, while others (more common models) come with a hatch in the front and a tank well in the back. (This is what I prefer)

Typically, the longer kayaks have larger hatches, tank wells, and more storage inside the kayak. 

It is very important that all your gear is stowed inside the kayak rather than strapped to the top of it. When entering or exiting the surf zone, items that are not inside the kayak may be lost if the kayak tips over. 

Now lets take a look at some of the Ocean kayak models based on the length. 

10' kayak:

Tetra 10 Angler 
(this kayak is compact, but will lack speed, only has limited storage, and small hatch size. )

Trident Series

11' kayak:

Trident 11 angler: 
(This kayak is compact, but will lack speed due to the 30" width and short length, only has moderate storage, and moderate hatch size. )
13' kayaks:

Trident 13 angler: 
(This kayak is the perfect midpoint in size, increased speed due to the 29.5" width (.5" less), still slightly compact, has good storage, and larger hatch size. )
  • LENGTH: 13' 6" | 4.1 m
  • WIDTH: 29.5" | 74.9 cm
  • WEIGHT: 56 lbs | 25.4 kg
  • SEAT WIDTH: 17" | 43.2 cm
  • LEG LENGTH: 51" | 129.5 cm
  • BOW HATCH: 20" x 11.375" | 50.8 x 28.9 cm
  • MAX CAPACITY: 425-475 lbs | 192.8-215.5 kg
  • SUGGESTED RETAIL: $1029.99* USD | With rudder: $1239.99* USD | *Upcharge for Camo
  • http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_kayaks/trident_13_angler/

  • Older Ocean Kayak 13' model:

  • Prowler 13 angler 
  • (This kayak is slightly narrower, but does not have the center hatch which means that putting any speargun over 65cm in the hatch will not work)
15 ft kayaks:


Trident 15 angler 

(This is the best choice for a kayak for optimal performance. Only 29" wide (1" less), great storage and hatch size)
  • LENGTH: 15' 7.5" | 4.8 m
  • WIDTH: 29" | 73.7 cm
  • WEIGHT: 60 lbs | 27.2 kg
  • SEAT WIDTH: 17" | 43.2 cm
  • LEG LENGTH: 51" | 129.5 cm
  • BOW HATCH: 20" x 11.375" | 50.8 x 28.9 cm
  • MAX CAPACITY: 500-550 lbs | 226.8-249.5 kg
  • SUGGESTED RETAIL: $1,189.99* USD | With rudder: $1399.99* USD | *Upcharge for Camo
  • http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_kayaks/trident_15_angler/


Older Ocean Kayak 15' Model ( DISCONTINUED ) 

(This is a great kayak, but does not have the center hatch - Not really an issue because the front hatch is very large and can accommodate a 130cm speargun. 

LENGTH: 15′ 4.5″ (4.7 m)

WIDTH: 28.5″ (72.4 cm)

SEAT WIDTH: 19.5″  (49.5 cm)

WEIGHT    56 lbs (25.4 kg)

MAX CAPACITY: 400-450 lbs (181 – 204 kg)

SUGGESTED RETAIL: $849 US

COLORS: yellow, lime and sunrise (kind of orange looking)


p15 2

One other Ocean Kayak model that is very productive for speed and storage is the:
 
SCUPPER PRO (Tank well and Two Hatch) 

This Model is discontinued, but can be found on Craigslist.
This is the narrowest kayak, but surprisingly it still has great stability and GREAT speed performance!!!
Specifications:
14' 9" long
26" wide
55 pounds
Maximum capacity is 350 to 400 pounds.


scupper pro tw

As for the Cobra Kayaks:

The only one that looks good for spearfishing is the Pro-Fisherman as all the other models are WAY TOO WIDE FOR ANY SPEED:

Pro-Fisherman
13' 7" L x 29" W - Weight 55 lbs, 
Capacity 450 lbs.
 Includes Drink Holder, 
"A" Hatch, 2 - Small Rectangular Hatch, 
4 Rod Holders, 
Rudder System

(The only downside that I see with this kayak is that the hatch system is very time consuming to open and close, and the cost of $2000 is very high.)

Pro-Fisherman picture

As for the Wilderness system Kayaks:

The only models of sit on top kayaks that would work for diving / spearfishing are the Tarpon series, but 

(THESE KAYAK HAVE VERY SMALL HATCHES THAT WOULD NOT BE GOOD FOR SPEARGUN STORAGE.)

 

TARPON 140 ANGLER 


(THIS KAYAK HAS VERY SMALL HATCHES THAT WOULD NOT BE GOOD FOR SPEARGUN STORAGE.)


SPECIFICATIONS

Length:14'/ 427 cmWeight:75 lbs./ 34 kg
Width:28"/ 71 cmCockpit Length:52"/ 132 cm
Max Capacity:375 lbs./ 170 kgCockpit Width:20"/ 51 cm
Deck Height:14.5"/ 37 cm



TARPON 160 ANGLER 


(THIS KAYAK HAS VERY SMALL HATCHES THAT WOULD NOT BE GOOD FOR SPEARGUN STORAGE.)


SPECIFICATIONS

Length:16'/ 488 cmWeight:83 lbs./ 38kg
Width:28"/ 71 cmCockpit Length:52"/ 132 cm
Max Capacity:375 lbs./ 170 kgCockpit Width:20"/ 51 cm
Deck Height:13.75"/ 35 cm


Hopefully this will help you choose your next diving / spearfishing kayak. 


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