Is this a deal?

[reelmacoy]

I'm new to kayakin. Been reading a ton of info. Found a Prism Perception 15' for 600.00 thru a friend. Great shape, fully loaded- high back seat- paddle-anchor-leash(whatever that is)-rod holders-ready to fish. Is this a good handling yak for gal. west bay area, I mainly fish SLP area. Is this a good starter yak for a person 5'11 230lb. Yak is a 2008. I will test drive this weekend. Thanks for ANY advice.

[WestEndAngler]

http://www.outdoorreview.com/mfr/perception/kayaks/PRD_78766_2992crx.aspx

I'm not going to comment but I just glanced at some of the prices that these guys paid and for a used 2 year old Kayak there will be some depreciation however you are getting ALL the accessories. The seat is the main thing I spend my money on besides the paddle of course.

[WestEndAngler]

http://houston.craigslist.org/spo/1771076365.html

[reelmacoy]

Hey Coe, I think that is your name, thanks for info. But New to kayakin, Is this a good yak for first timer.

[R C]

Hi RM,...the Prism P 16 is one of the faster kayaks. It will probable feel a little tippy for a beginner, but it has good secondary stability.
I personally like the shorter yaks (12ft),.....just because I can throw it in the truck bed and go.
Give it a test paddle,....and try some others to compare.
The price seems fair.
What kind of paddle is in the deal?

[reelmacoy]

Hey R C, Isn't a 12' less stable than 14'? I can swim, just dont like to when fishin. I'll find out names of seat/paddle . Those seem to be important for comfort. I'll let ya know.

[reelmacoy]

Forgot, "Secondary stability?"

[Gilbert]

16' kayaks are fast and in order to be fast, they are narrow. the shorter you go, the wider the kayak the more stable it is. Its a trade off and one you must choose. Fast or stable.

[R C]

The shorter kayaks are usually wider for more stability.
I have a Manta Ray12 that has great secondary stability. I use it both in the bay and surf.
I also have a Cobra Fish n Dive that I use for offshore. It is one of the widest at 36",.....I can move around on it without fear of ever tipping.

Whatever you chose, don't forget the PFD.

[R C]

Forgot, "Secondary stability?"

When you lean away from the center of gravity on a kayak it will begin to tip a little,....the secondary stability stops it from going further,.....Clear as mud huh? LOL

[Walker]

I started out with a Perception Prism. It is a nice kayak, but I think it sucks for fishing. It has no easily accessible below-deck storage and no open well area in the back. Bottom line: it was too hard to carry any fishing tackle, or even a small cooler.

The hatches on it are nice - but they are not designed for easy on-the-water access.

The boat is also a little on the not-stable-enough side for a 230 pound fisherman.

[plugger]

I have a 15 foot perception, and mine is about 3 years old. it has an aft tank well that I put 2 soft sided coolers in and a waterproof plastic box for things I would need to access while fishing. i keep my lure box between my legs on the floor. I keep a big bag in the front hatch with extra reel, wallet, keys, etc. i beach it to get to that. i weigh 200 pounds and have no stability problems. i sit often with my feet in the water on one side and never have felt unstable. I'm in that position when I get my coolers ...full of ice / fish and can be heavy, and yet have no issues with unstability. Good speed, never flipped it , been all over with it, open bay with no problem. I do recommend a rudder as an essential.. helps turning and drifting a shoreline when casting. $ 600 sounds good, and you are getting it from a friend who will deal honestly with you.

[reelmacoy]

Thank yall for the info. I guess the test drive will also help make the choice. Again thank you