I'm looking at downsizing and would appreciate some input. Here is my situation - I've owned 7 kayaks in the last 4 years and my most recent was a WS Ride 135. I started to find myself adding more and more equipment and accessories that getting out for a few hours became a chore. I do have a dedicated bass boat that I usually use once a week but I still enjoy kayaking, however, I want to make it simple and easy to get out. My only requirements are that it has a raised seat, be reasonably light around 60 pounds or so, and cost around $1000 or less.

Some of the kayaks that I've been looking at:

Perception Pescador Pro 100/120
Feel Free Lure 10
Vibe Yellowfin 10

I like what I've seen on the Vibe but can't find any reviews since it comes out in November. If you have any experience with these kayaks, or can give any input on others I should consider I'm all ears - thanks.

Feel Free Lure 11.5 would be great I know you said 10 but the 11.5 isnt really that much more weight or money!! Got mine at Mariner Sails for around $1100 out the door plus all the other stuff they showed me would be great for it...lol!! Great bang for the buck!! If ya wanna paddle one let me know I can show you mine and it's pretty bare bones I haven't put much on it! I like to keep things simple!! pm me if ya wanna check it out!! Im in Bedford!!

Not a whole lot of ideas come to mind but I'd at least consider an Eddyline Caribbean 12 which weighs about 45 lbs. (thermo-formed) and has a SOT seat. This would be a super easy kayak to grab flip on top of a roof or in the back of a van/truck and get some time in on a lake.

I really DO understand your drive here; you may have seen a recent post or two of mine on this very thing. My next kayak is going to be a finesse rig: light weight/ paddle driven to eliminate mechanical maintenance/carry less and not more gear: 2 or 3 rods max, some Plano boxes, etc.

I don't have the data but I am so sure that the fishing time in a kayak is not time prep linear. I think where it might take an hour to get ready to leave the house, half an hour to begin to float, another half hour getting off the water, then another hour back at home unpacking? My guess is for many of us near lakes, if we could cut this time down to grabbing a kayak and some light gear, throw it in the water, fish, throw it on the bank, spray it off and put it back in the garage . . . that we'd go out way more often.

Brad

Been through the same experience, 1st kayaks was a Ride 135 and Hobie Revo 13, 2nd was Tarpon 120, 3rd was Jackson Big Tuna, 4th was Viking Reload, 5th was WS Commander 120. During this process always kept the Hobie Revo 13. Now just have the WS Commander 120 and Hobie Revo 13. Commander is easy to transport, simple design with good seating and standing options and good fishing platform. Use Hobie for open water, chop and wind.

Don't know your size, but if I were less than 200lbs, I'd get a Santa Cruz Raptor

Another super light option I forgot to mention would be Jackson's Cuda Lt. Same reason: at <60 lbs., it is a kayak you could throw in the bed of a truck or otherwise easily transport, hit the water super fast.

I do "get" the trend we see now toward more and more gadgets and electronics and power options and bigger kayaks. The industry is following a natural progression here I think. I just think once everyone then experiences the reality of pulling a 200 pound loaded down kayak to the water, that there will be a poignant moment when they reflect back on the simple days of a low tech, targeted gear, a finesse approach.

It is a common sentiment: a whole lot of bass boat owners have looked back at the simple days of fishing from the bank with really good memories.

Brad

Thanks for the input - I'll look into the other kayaks mentioned.

A kayak worth looking at is the viking reload gt. Its light weight, fast and has a weight cap 350 or 400 lbs. It shares the same tackle pod options as the reload. One day you use the tackle pod, with the quick pull of a pin you swap to the kid pod for a clear deck space. Awesome kayaks.

The key to happiness is to keep it simple.. I found the right yak on the first go round and have learned to live with it for 16 years.. same with the wife but longer.. much longer

Not the seating you were looking for but I can attest to its great comfort and handling.

http://nativewatercraft.com/product/manta-ray-12/

That Feelfree Lure 10 looks pretty slick. May have to recommend that one to my dad. I own a WS Tarpon 100 and love it. Just upgraded to the newest model this past summer and for not having a raised seat it's quite comfortable and very adjustable, but I get your desire for a raised one. I spend hours upon hours in mine here on the rivers near my house, so I love the portability of the WS Tarpon 100. I can easily toss it in the back of my truck, throw in my pole and a bit of other gear and be out the door in 15 minutes on my way to the river.

Anyway, just wanted to drop in and say I hope you find the perfect yak for you!

Might I suggest the inflatable couch?

http://www.aire.com/accessories/river-couch.asp

The couch looks comfortable but not having rod holders is a deal breaker - lol

I decided on a Perception Pescador Pro 12.0, which I found in the classifieds from another TFF member. The yak had the right mix of weight, seat/comfort and simple fish finder/transducer mounting I was looking for. I mounted a Humminbird Helix 5 on it and have been out on it a few times already.

Things I like - light weight, speed, fish finder/battery/transducer mounting - clean and simple.
Things I dislike - useless molded in rod holders.

The yak seems to meet my needs for now until I decide to go a different direction...

http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/solo/discovery_119/

Cheap and effective, or the next is 13ft and still only 59lbs, and either will haul as much gear as you want quick and easy and open. Worth looking at for your desires perhaps?