I currently have a 20ft fish and ski and a 15ft old town saranac canoe but no solo paddle craft. I bought the canoe after selling my 2 man pond boat and missing a small 2 man rig but it barely ever gets used so I am moving back to a solo rig. I am not looking to break the bank, probably stick right around $1k.

I have been a fan of the vibe sea ghost 130 since they came out and they are currently $899 with free shipping or $100 off in-store pickup and come rigged nicely. I am also a fan of the old town NEXT solo canoe and wondering if anyone has experiences to share with either boat. No real concerns with the vibe... Not sure how rigging a next would go but seems like a really great boat all the same.

I was also wondering how people feel about the newer pedal driven pescador. I had a pescador 12 before and was never wild about it. I am only 6ft 180lb or so and it was always a wet ride for me with gear I like to carry and not the most stable boat. I was never terribly impressed with how it paddled either for the sze it was. I am definitely exited by the idea of a high seat as an alternative to standing so much as well as for ease of standing. In the pescador I was so low that going from seated to standing was more work than it needed to be, but pedal drive is really attractive to me too. My concern is that a cheap pedal drive will be a nightmare. I know the Slayer 10 propel has great reviews but had seen videos of failures and issues with the pescador unit.

Weight is less of a factor, my avalanche makes transporting them really easy if I can drive anywhere near water, or use dolly if not. Midgate down I can put a pescador in and have only 1ft or so overhang from the tailgate. I have a bed extender I use when we fully load the truck and the saranac for 2 people but otherwise prefer to just fold rear seats down and not have overhang for people to hit in parking lots etc.

Thanks,
Richard

I pedalled a Pescador Pilot 12 at a demo day in Corpus and was pretty under-whelmed with it. It didn't want to go to windward much at all, and the steering was mushy. It seemed like a barge to me. I've seen new ones for as low as $1600. Less for used.
It's not in your budget, but the new Hobie Compass might be a good fishing machine. Looks to have a high seat. I've only seen pics.
My friend had a Wilderness Radar 135, and it was a nice machine. I assume the Radar 115 is also a good, quality kayak, but much, much more than your budget.
Good luck, IslandJim

I am actually picking up nice used a hobie revo 11 pedal drive in the morning! Actual cost working out about the same for it used vs a paddle rig new with tax etc so treating myself to a set of flippers! Excited to go get this thing wet

Great! Time for slime. Stay warm and dry. IslandJim