The difference between 10 and 12 foot recreational and fishing kayaks

I go over the fundamental differences between 10 and 12 foot recreational kayaks
Follow me on social media:
Facebook: / beardedpaddler
Instagram: / thebeardedpaddler

[@doctorkayak]

I don't know why I care. I have my Jackson Bite FD, the only kayak I have ever owned. Had it for three seasons now and I love it. BUT!!! I have a couple of female friends who are interested in getting into the sport and I have been doing a LOT of comparison shopping for them, sort of a surrogate buyer with their "needs" in mind. Your videos are really helpful. I would say that I agree with you when it comes to size but these female friends continue to tell me that size doesn't matter... I'm not completely sure what they are referring to. But seriously folks the shorter one is certainly more practical for a smaller stature lady who might be roof loading it on her own. Frankly I cannot see any other reason to go with the smaller one. Thanks for the video!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thank uou for watching! Always good to hear from you!

[@flushot6513]

On water performance might be better but some find it hard to handle off water carrying on vehicle storage I bought a 12 and iam super excited for my first voyage

[@Larry77777]

57 vs 64 lbs makes a compelling reason NOT to reject the 12' based on weighing too much. You will exert less energy paddling the 12' so in this comparison, I'd pick the 12'

[@jcee2259]

As to hull weight in the Salish Sea I encountered a solo female in a inflated kayak paddling south. Toward a west turn into the San Juan de Fuca. Said she started from Homer, Alaska. In her 50's, fit, and said she slept nightly on private docks under her hull. Gave her my lunch and craft beers.

[@sunnydaze229]

I'm older and prefer a lighter fishing kayak for my needs. 10 ft is lighter to move around and load and unload. How high you need to lift your yak, especially if it's windy, is a factor.Also how far you're going to move it under human power. I have a C-tug kayak cart that works well with a flatter bottom fishing kayak. I always wear a life jacket on the water. Drowning wpuld look dumb with a life jacket stowed in my kayak.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Very true

[@jcee2259]

I discovered bow and aft drainage screw-thread plugs on my hull choices too often are found massing. Theft or whatever. A free replacement is small liquor bottles. Often found about retailers that sell booze. I'm using a matched pair of plastic bottles that screwed-in perfectly. Also easier to handle if hands are numbed by cold air. I'm out amid sea ice reach winter,

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thanks for watching! Great idea

[@steveeichelberger806]

I'm in Mid-Missouri and am considering adding a paddle fishing specific kayak to my lineup. I have a Crescent Lite Tackle now. I am 200 lbs and usually take a 13" x 16" BlackPack Pro full of tackle and 3 to 4 rods. I want to run dual Anchor Wizards on whatever I buy. There is a lot I like about my Lite Tackle and a few things I don't. I can stand up in it but I am not comfortable fishing while standing. I would like something with a little more standing stability. Also the deep keel can be a detriment on rivers in shallow water. You can hang up on the keel at the rear and get real tippy if you drag a bit. I really like how the Lite Tackle paddles. I have added optional the High Chair and it is just about a perfect height for me. I fish mostly flat waters near me. Small lakes, but I also hit some moving water as well. I really like what I see feature wise with the Bonafide RVR 119. I am also considering the Crescent Shoalie. I feel the Coosa X is just too heavy for what I want. It seems I am really drawn to the river kayaks. What are your thoughts? Would the RVR 119 make a good flat water fishing boat without sacrificing flat water paddling efficiency too much? Any other boats you would recommend?

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Yes 100% check out my Coosa X vs RVR119 video. It's on the water review and I talk about my experience on each. You will love the mounting plates on each side for the Anchor Wizard setup. I have a guy that works here that did the entire Buffalo River at flood stage in his RVR119

[@steveeichelberger806]

@@thebeardedpaddler been there watched it ;) I'm wanting to get to OMTC in Ozark and check them out in person. I know they had RVR 119's in stock last weekend, but life got in the way and I couldn't make it down.

[@grumpysgarage7276]

I'd like to see a review on the Kaku Zulu. I'm debating between the Zulu I-Guide and a Nucanoe Unlimited with an Xi3. Both are great kayaks but that motor set up on the Zulu I-Guide is spot on

[@thebeardedpaddler]

I don't deal in Kaku and I'm honestly not the biggest fan of the platform. The Unlimited is (in my opinion) of of the best things out there. Keep it as a paddle kayak, motorize it, or pedal drive. So many options with Nucanoe and very few companies out there that just get it like they do.

[@grumpysgarage7276]

@The Bearded Paddler I greatly appreciate the input, that was very helpful. I'm a 100% disabled vet and looking for a kayak to motorize. I am fond of the Unlimited and was originally leaning towards that to begin with. I think I'll stay with the Unlimited as my choice...

[@ferncab]

i have a 10.5 evoke which i chose over the 12 . the 10.5 fits in the bed of my truck and ican lift it from the bed to the water, no need for wheels. i dont feel id be able to do so with a 12 ft kayak

[@cyasi]

If you are paddling any distance go for the 12. You wouldn’t think 2ft to 1.5 ft longer would make much of a difference- but it does.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

My preference I'd paddling a 12 footer. Even in skinny waters

[@bjfauver6130]

Job well done thk you so much on this video

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Of course! Thank you for watching and your feedback. Always here if you need me

[@photographerGerald]

I would like to use a kayak for bird photography. I tried with a short white water type kayak and it was frustrating. The boat turned so easily that with any current at all it would not stay pointed toward my subject for more than a few seconds. Would a 12 or even 14 foot fishing kayak track better and stay straight. Also would a rudder help. Thanks for any suggestions.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Yes and yes. I have a customer that does photography. Try the Bonafide SS127 lots of storage, good tracking, and stable. Consider adding an anchor to it as well. A Nucanoe Unlimited would be good as well

[@gloppy101]

I'm also a birder and wildlife photography on my kayak. Go with a minimum 12' with an 13'-15' ideal due to tracking, glide, and speed. Much less wag at the bow with each paddle stroke. Don't rule out a high quality inflatable with full drop stitch or drop stitch floor. I use both with the inflatable very easy to carry.

[@explorer8888]

@photographerGerald I am a kayaker and one of my hobbies is photography, but until I read what you are doing, I never thought about combining both. Any tips for a first timer in terms of what gear to take and how to keep it dry? That’s my only and main worry. Getting my expensive Canon camera and L lenses wet.

[@Alohabroha]

12’ is better than 10’ all day. Had both crescent Ultralite and Hobie passport 10.5, and passport 12, and the 12’ performance - max hull speed, primary and secondary stability, tracking - were so much better. The weight difference WAS NOT worth the sacrifice in performance!

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Very true. Thank you for your feedback and thank you for watching!

[@jcee2259]

Agree. Longer is better also in molded cockpit sea touring hull. Back when kayaking into Canada involved no officialdom if no contact was made with sea bottom, shore-fixed structures or beaching the hull. A valid US Drivers Licence sufficed for an ID. Since 9-11, I drive my hull past armed officers, as it is safer.

[@dont_talk2me]

I am new to USA and did kayaking on lake for first time today. It was on a rental on a grapevine lake (calmn) Which boat would you recommend. My primary purpose is to do leasuire 2-3 hours on lakes, small rivers - nothing fast BUT safe.

[@thebeardedpaddler]

For leisure paddling I would really suggest the Liquidlogic Kiawah 12 foot. It's very stable, simple, and paddles really well. Thank you for watching!

[@dont_talk2me]

@thebeardedpaddler Thats about 1k! (Sorry i am limited on budget) I was looking at something from box stores like sams , do you think its worth or not?

[@jcee2259]

I made a -2 wheeled cart to carry a pair of 10.4 hulls. Using found junk all mated by 5/16 inch hardware. Center hull (s) atop same to walk urban side walks and over rocky beach sand. Easy pull or push. Roll it upon byways for exercise and earn public interest. ....................................................................

[@thebeardedpaddler]

Thanks for watching!