(Part 2) Best kayaks according to redditors

So to briefly summarize, there are 2 main types of portable kayaks: Inflatables and foldables (frame on skin).

Inflatables are generally easier and faster to set up, more comfy for chilling in, and cheaper as well. Examples of good ones (that will last you) would be like:

http://www.mec.ca/product/5030-178/innova-swing-i-inflatable-kayak/?q=innova
or
http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Elements-AE1012-R-AdvancedFrame-Inflatable/dp/B000J2Q0C6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418616170&sr=8-1&keywords=advanced+frame&pebp=1418616177119

The downsides will be performance in terms of speed and tracking.

Think of folders like tents, you build the frame, and then put a sleeve over it (how traditionally kayaks were made). They are most similar to a hardshell, but are more expensive and take longer to set up. Feathercraft is a Canadian company that make some really nice ones http://shop.feathercraft.com/ and Foltbot get good reviews too http://folbot.com/line-up/

The boat I have is actually a bit of both, a hybrid, I picked it up when it was on sale once on amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/ADVANCED-ELEMENTS-AE1040-Y-Advanced-Airfusion/dp/B003WEWARM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418616524&sr=8-2&keywords=advanced+elements
I really like it, uses poles to build a basic structure, but then has airchambers on the side, and the stern and bow. Set up is about 15-20 mins, but it paddles pretty fast and handles great (similar to a hardshell)

Another cool one is this kickstarter success story: http://www.orukayak.com/ . I really liked the look of it, but was a bit too expensive for myself personally (shipping it up here was gonna be a lot)

I found it was really helpful to look all these up on youtube, where people show you the assembly procedures, gives you a sense of how much effort it will take to get from land onto water.

Things to also consider that you'll also need:
-Paddle that breaks apart (I have a 4 piece that stows away into my carry bag nicely)
-You MUST wear a lifejack/PFD
-Legally you must also have boat essentials like rope with a float, a flashlight, whistle etc (Canadian tire sells these kits for $10, look for the orange bucket)

Also some launch point suggestions:

Humber: Go up to Old Mill station, go down the stairs near the bridge, past the parking lot to find that launch pad.

Getting to the island: Take the bus out to cherry beach, launch there, and paddle across the channel to the east side of the island. The island is AMAZING to paddle once you're in the canals.

Ontario Place: (really fun to explore since its been closed down) near the east end of the parking lot near the bike/running path, there is a concrete dock all along the other side. You can also launch near Coronation Park (near the Ex) paddle around the harbour, and if you're feeling ambitious, go out to the island from the west side (it can get wavey, but is very cool to have the planes coming right over you when you're out there)

Hope that helps everyone, feel free to ask more questions, or DM me!

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Dolphin-Aruba-Kayak-10-Feet/dp/B00H35ZSSY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497935014&sr=8-2&keywords=cayak

I few years ago, I over-served myself one night and bought a Kayak on Amazon (an Old Town Loon 111). I had no idea until a 12 foot long box showed up to my house one day. No regrets at all... lotta great times having a few beers on the Potomac with that fine craft. Definitely recommend.

ADVANCED ELEMENTS PackLite Inflatable Kayak, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G9RVKW0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TfC0CbH5723VP

$275

I got the Intex Challenger 1, currently $67 on Amazon. The material is super-thick, seemingly impenetrable. I've been paddling around local creeks and lakes in it for 3 years and have never once had to patch it. And mind you, I punish this thing, dragging it over rocky beaches and blasting through brushy areas. It's compact and light enough to hike with, as long as you're not carrying too much other gear. When not in use, mine takes up a small corner of my trunk, always ready for some action. It comes with an awesome little pump, but I recommend purchasing longer, sturdier oars.

This kayak is on sale right now. It is an '08 Tarpon 120 mold by Ocean Kayak, remolded and rebadged. This is an excellent all around kayak at a killer price. I currently have one of these in my fleet as a buddy boat and I can't recommend it enough.

I have this kayak and you could fit it in a miata trunk. While it's not quite as good as a hardshell, it's almost there and it's much better than the cheap sit on top recreational kayaks. Best of all you just toss it in the trunk of any car and you're good to go. It's also light enough that I can check it as luggage when I go on vacation which is usually cheaper than renting a kayak wherever I am going.

Consider an Old Town Vapor XT. My wife and I have these, as do several other friends and family members; we all love them. It's a sturdy, stable kayak that's well suited for a casual paddler on ponds and lakes.

Any of the contoured grey foam block kits and a good set of car straps will do. Make sure that the foam block is a few inches thick and and has a nice grip-strip on the bottom. I paid ~$50 for my kit from the local outdoor shop and it has held up fine for over two years, and I have no problem with it on my car. I drive a 2007 Civic 2-door, so the curve of the roof is probably about the same as your Acura. I am pretty sure this is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Sherpak-Quick-Universal-Kayak-Kit/dp/B001RAFVI8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1334028667&sr=8-7

Most of my experience is with sit-on-tops and inflatables. I'm "between kayaks" atm, but I'm getting this Sevylor next month. I think I can make a base for the sail mast and strap it to the front seat buckles. That said, I want to keep the sail design as simple as possible.

Based on the needs you've described, it's probably an okay purchase.

Bear in mind that its maximum weight rating is 350 pounds. Don't plan to bring much with you when you're paddling.

This one is a pretty popular option, too, and might give you a bit more versatility / lifespan.

Any thoughts on the OK Prowler 13? I just recently got a really good deal on one, and I'm trying to decide how to outfit it. Also, any recommendations on kayak trailers?

I bought this package from Amazon Sea Eagle 370 Pro Package with PFDs it was $370 and included two large/x-large life jackets. I haven't popped it in the water yet but plan on taking it out this Sunday to a nearby lake. I'll let you know how it goes. I did have to contact Sea Eagle customer service because it came with the low end seats. However they looked up the serial number and saw I should have had the Deluxe seats and fedexed them to me quickly. I blew it up in my apartment and it seems really durable. It was pretty easy to blow up took me like 10 minutes with the foot pump.

$900 on Amazon. Also needed a paddle, life jacket, bilge pump, roof rack, kayak rack, and straps. It just kept adding up.

It seems jmorgs2 yak came with 2 rear flush mounts. The one I ordered from http://www.amazon.com/Perception-Sport-Pescador-Angler-Kayak/dp/B00776WGPM looks like it only has one. These are both the fishing versions. Are you saying they are identical? If so, Awesome! That means mine will have 2 unlike the picture.

The only thing I could find was this on Amazon


Cobra Strike Kayak (Lime) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BN1UXA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZxOXzbJVSPHTT

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007FFQDCC?pc_redir=1395984224&robot_redir=1

Sounds like you need a new retailer. I would NEVER pay for shipping when I buy it through a brick and mortar. Ridiculous.

Furthermore, in my area, the Aspire and Dagger are the same price, and I never look at Old Town (at least their PE boats) anymore because I feel they're way overpriced (do they even make their own boats)?

Lastly, half the reason I bought the Dagger (and not a more hybrid type boat like the Jackson Rogue or Wavesport Ethos) is because it didn't have the thigh braces! On flat water, rivers, and even creeks up to Class II+ you don't need them. In fact, I'd probably only consider them on a boat I was planning to roll in. Not having the braces makes it easier to have your legs up to relax. If you do need to brace, have no worries, you can simply press your thighs into the existing pads and have no stability problems.

I paid full retail for mine, $699 (although it looks like they've upped the price to $769), but you can usually find them on sale in the fall (last year's model, etc.).

EDIT: if you do pay full retail and want red you can get it shipped free if you buy from Amazon. That'll teach your reseller: http://www.amazon.com/Dagger-Kayaks-10-5-Axis-Kayak/dp/B00G20A3RC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405098533&sr=8-1&keywords=dagger+axis

I have a friend that literally just but an intex challenger 1. It comes with a hand pump and the whole thing is ready to rock in like 4-5 minutes.

Granted, it's not the fanciest kayak in the world, and you could for sure spring for a better one, but it does the job and fits into a convenient bag that probably only takes up one seat in his Nissan Sentra.

I've heard decent things about the Sea Eagle brand. Just something to think about.

And I have a whole camping set up that fits into a 40 L backpack, really only taking half that space.