After much research, I am about to join the plastic navy and have decided for a variety of reasons to go with a SINK. I know the advantages (and disadvantages) of both but still prefer (or at least like the idea) of a SINK. My question for all of the other SINK owners is,if you had to do it again would you go with a SINK? If not,why not? Thanks.

I have almost seven years worth of paddling a SINK. Not in one now. The reasons I don't paddle one is ease of getting in and out, Sit On Tops drain out water (rain, splash, drip etc), with a SINk you have to have a bailing technique (sponge, bilge etc). It's harder to carry as much gear and have easy access to it in a SINK and I am a pack rat on the water. I like gliding on top of the water rather than sitting a bit in it. Less resistance to move the boat, easier on my shoulders. The Sit ins I had were ten feet long. They tend to nose walk quite a bit at that length. I can't see myself going back. All that said, if the only kayak you can get right now is a sit in, go for it. Understand that cheaper kayaks will be hard to get your money back on when it is time to upgrade so choose wisely. If you can wait a little longer, demo some kayaks, save some money and get a better one, I'd do that. It's not an option for everyone and wasn't for me for a long time. Either way you choose, know our group has room for everyone regardless of type or brand. We'd be happy to help you get whatever you choose slimed at first opportunity!

My first was a SINK, a 12' Old Town Vapor. I miss it, even after getting a SOT. Each have their own advantages. With the right SINK you can rear storage as well as storage & tackle up front. When I first started using the SOT, I thought "Where'd the room go?" It's different now that I've adjusted. I am considering a 12' WS Commander as my second yak in the fleet.

I have both. I am in the sot for the most part, but when the water is cold and I don't want to put on waiders I'm in the sink. I can also store more gear in my sink. Yes absolutley I would get another. Its good to have as many options as possible. People have been paddling sinks for centuries.

Paynefish's advice to test paddle is dead on. I paddle a SINK but if I was going to buy a new one and could only have one, I would most likely go SOT.........or consider an Ultimate, Commander or to be different, a Diablo. I've lived with my current SINK long enough however that I've adapted the shortcomings fairly well and it works for me. The reasons I would likely go with a SOT is ease of getting in/out, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can turtle and get back on with reasonable ease and the yaks which have better seats currently are SOT's.

I would be interested in hearing your reasons for going with a SINK.

However, as I tell anyone, getting on the water is the most important part. Many shortcomings of a yak can be overcome and there is no yak that excels in all situations. Get something that you think is close to what will work for you, paddle it for a year, make improvements, determine what is/is not important to you, decide what kind of fishing you prefer and then if your current yak is way off the mark, you will be in a better position to narrow your choice down for a replacement.

PayneFish, thanks for the info, offer and advice. Rest assured, I will be taking you up on you offer of assistance. I'm looking at the Wilderness Systems Pungo 12 footer. Ive demo'd several different kayaks (both brands and types) and perferred the perceived security of being inside rather than sitting on top. Storage is a considerable drawback, admittedly.

And boy are their arms tired. Thank you, thank you.....I'll be here all week.

I have both, and I use the SINK 5 times as much as the SOT. It doesn't hurt that it's a WS Commander 140. I wouldn't trade it. I stumbled onto it on CL in Tyler, and I stole it! Definitely try a Commander or Native Ultimate. They are very hard to beat.

Hahaha.

A good boat and choice IMO. Good seat. I think you would be pleased with it. There is a thread started here about the Jackson Kilroy. Have you considered it?

Also, have you considered a 14' boat? Mine is 13'8" and I've found the length to be ok for rivers/creeks and an advantage on larger bodies of water.

There's a difference between carrying stuff in your kayak and on your kayak. It's easier to reach stuff when it is out on top of your yak. It is not easy to reach stuff stored down inside of your yak when you're on the water. Once you turtle (unless you're wearing a spray skirt) you'll see why so many people prefer a SOT.

The Pungo is a great one. I wish my sit in had been one. I paddled a Pelican Endeavor. Image paddling a large shoe around. Pretty close to the same thing but it got me off the shore and I loved it. The Pungo 120 is a great blend of lots of things. Be sure if you are buying new to check out Mariner-Sails in Dallas. Great deals all the time to be had there and the customer service is top notch. If nothing else you'll get some popcorn and can play the slots!

I don't want to take the pitch for Mariner Sails away as everything Chris says is the truth.......but if you think the Pungo fits your needs, you may want to check on this one. This may be an older one as the hatch design looks different from the current model and it doesn't have the "dashboard" but I don't believe there has been a basic hull change (I could be wrong however):

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/boa/3751002690.html

Have him throw in the cooler and the ab lounger.

PayneFish, Thanks for the Mariner Sails tip, I haven't checked them out but will be sure to do so before I make my purchase.

FishAll50, Thanks for the tip about the Kilroy, it has some really nice features. I have not looked at it, but did look at the Commander, it sat a little high for me. The thing that I like best about SINKS is the feeling of sitting low in the water, it adds a feeling of stability for me, but the Kilroy definately warrants a look, so I will have to look at it before I pull the trigger on my purchase.

The ab lounger is awesome. Entertains kids for hours and holds laundry well too.