Dive kayak

[kalokairi]

My husband was telling me about some dive kayaks that are out there. We have a jetski but it it too small to put gear on. I want us to go diving more and the dive shop charges 65 to 70 Euro each time for the boat. In Greece we have moderate waves and the water is really nice to accomedate one. Any suggestions on where to get one. Should we get a two person, less gear space or two one person? Thanks

[AggieDad]

Originally Posted by kalokairi

My husband was telling me about some dive kayaks that are out there. We have a jetski but it it too small to put gear on. I want us to go diving more and the dive shop charges 65 to 70 Euro each time for the boat. In Greece we have moderate waves and the water is really nice to accomedate one. Any suggestions on where to get one. Should we get a two person, less gear space or two one person? Thanks

That depends upon how large you both are. Most one person sit on top kayaks have a weight rating in the approximate 300 lbs limit. A two person is probably a bit more but two people, dive gear etc. will push that. Also the problem of getting into the kayak is a bit more troublesome with two people. My personal suggestion would be to try both ways out by renting before purchasing and see what fits you the best. I have three one person sit on tops now but I haven't dove out of any.

[Capt Hook]

We have been considering the same thing, started out in "sit in" kayaks but Saw some divers with sit on tops and became intrigued.
Hope to try this out next month.

[Black-Gorrilla]

im sorry, completely wrong place for my post!

[CompuDude]

The larger 12' or so sit on tops work well for this. I'd avoid the 2 person kayaks, because as noted, two people plus gear is hard to get on the kayak without going over the weight limit's load rating.

[mm_dm]

Get one that's a little wider as well, so you don't accidently roll. plus, they're easier to get back on to. I have had three different sit on top kayaks over the years. If I were to by a dive kayak right now I'd give Ocean Kayaks' Scrambler XL a good hard look first.

[kevinj1]

I have never tried this one but it looks really nice. I would buy two singles.

http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Ar...akDiving5.html

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by mm_dm

Get one that's a little wider as well, so you don't accidently roll. plus, they're easier to get back on to. I have had three different sit on top kayaks over the years. If I were to by a dive kayak right now I'd give Ocean Kayaks' Scrambler XL a good hard look first.

Yup, that one is extremely popular for a reason. That'd be my choice in a heartbeat. Wilderness Systems makes a Tarpon that is pretty good, too, although I can't recall the model name offhand.

[techgnostic]

What about a tow rig for your jet ski?

Something with a high, hard chined, bow and decent freeboard...perhaps even building a spray skirt to keep it from taking on any water at all.

[rubberduck]

I have an Ocean Kayak Drifter. It is their "slowest" but widest and most stable. I enjoy diving off it, carries all my gear with no problems. I'm 6' 200lbs.

I have never tried to change out a tank on it though, I paddle back to shore change tanks and go out again. People do it but it's a tricky thing.