FirstFreedom
Moderator
If you'll recall my thread on float tube deer hunting, this goes along with. Bought this thing Sat and tried it out yesterday:
http://www.pelicansport.com/getaway-100.html
It's a 10-footer.
Upsides are *very* fast, & small and light enough (42 lbs) to manhandle with just me, both in the house and outdoors - I can just lift it up over my head - but it also has a drag handle on either end. This size is perfect to just throw on top the pickup's camper shell and tie down with some bungees attached to the rear view mirrors and elsewhere - so light and non-abrasive that I didn't need to use any kind of buffer material - just laid it upside down on top, and away I went - no scratches.
Downsides are, I learned that like a canoe, it dumps you if you don't stay very well centered when getting in and out - got dunked, from my wallet to my Kahr when exiting kayak. Could be bad in cold weather. But with practice & care, I think you can stay dry. Beyond that, it doesn't hold much gear either in space or weight - 275 lbs max capacity, including yourself. Also, it's a one-man deal, so it's for solitary outdoorsmanship, not social events. Well, I suppose your buddy(s) can get his own kayak and go with. Oh, maneuverability leaves something to be desired - the thing is very slow to respond to steering (i.e. repeated paddling on the same side), and then overreacts eventually like it's got stored up momentum - hard to keep in straight line.
Anyway, I may try it for deer hunting this fall. When the leaves are dry, it's bound to be quieter snaking down the creek than trampling around on foot. Might be good for early season when it's hot and deer hit the creek for a drink in the afternoon. Will work great for fishing, too - it's got 3 rod holders in it. It was $399 at Academy. Overall, I'm pleased. Sortof a happy medium between a float tube and a canoe or small fishing boat like a jon boat. Faster & holds more gear than a float tube, but smaller & lighter than a small fishing boat - no trailer needed and easier to throw on top than a heavier canoe.
Only tangential to hunting really, but I thought it was worth mentioning in case any hunters here were contemplating getting one.
http://www.pelicansport.com/getaway-100.html
It's a 10-footer.
Upsides are *very* fast, & small and light enough (42 lbs) to manhandle with just me, both in the house and outdoors - I can just lift it up over my head - but it also has a drag handle on either end. This size is perfect to just throw on top the pickup's camper shell and tie down with some bungees attached to the rear view mirrors and elsewhere - so light and non-abrasive that I didn't need to use any kind of buffer material - just laid it upside down on top, and away I went - no scratches.
Downsides are, I learned that like a canoe, it dumps you if you don't stay very well centered when getting in and out - got dunked, from my wallet to my Kahr when exiting kayak. Could be bad in cold weather. But with practice & care, I think you can stay dry. Beyond that, it doesn't hold much gear either in space or weight - 275 lbs max capacity, including yourself. Also, it's a one-man deal, so it's for solitary outdoorsmanship, not social events. Well, I suppose your buddy(s) can get his own kayak and go with. Oh, maneuverability leaves something to be desired - the thing is very slow to respond to steering (i.e. repeated paddling on the same side), and then overreacts eventually like it's got stored up momentum - hard to keep in straight line.
Anyway, I may try it for deer hunting this fall. When the leaves are dry, it's bound to be quieter snaking down the creek than trampling around on foot. Might be good for early season when it's hot and deer hit the creek for a drink in the afternoon. Will work great for fishing, too - it's got 3 rod holders in it. It was $399 at Academy. Overall, I'm pleased. Sortof a happy medium between a float tube and a canoe or small fishing boat like a jon boat. Faster & holds more gear than a float tube, but smaller & lighter than a small fishing boat - no trailer needed and easier to throw on top than a heavier canoe.
Only tangential to hunting really, but I thought it was worth mentioning in case any hunters here were contemplating getting one.
