BUZZBAIT BARGAIN BOATS [BOATS]


TODAY’S ENTRY-LEVEL KAYAKS ARE CHEAPER, LIGHTER AND PERFORM BETTER THAN EVER BY RIC BURNLEY


M


ike Snyder is a passionate kayak angler with years of water under him, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at his boat. He’s not paddling a


pimped-out super kayak with a long list of advanced features. Instead, he’s in a stripped-down Pescador 12 that cost less than $500. “I’ve got a fancy kayak for long trips and big water,” Synder explains, “but when I’m hitting the local pond after work, I grab the Pescador.” That’s music to the ears of major kayak manufactures that are designing


high-performance boats with a lower price point for anglers just entering the sport, as well as paddlers looking to add another boat to their livery. For years, the term “entry-level kayak” was a synonym for “piece of crap”.


Countless anglers purchased bargain boats at big box stores and were disap- pointed with a torturous experience. Tim Detrick, general manager at Appomattox River Company, explains that


cheap kayaks used to sacrifice more than just performance. “You just had to look at the build construction,” he warns, “and consider the warranty.” Detrick says that many bargain boats had rough edges, misaligned joints, flimsy sides and no company support. “Not only was the construction shoddy,” he adds, “but many of these boats were never tested on the water before going into production.”


24 …KAYAK ANGLER WINTER 2013


That’s all changed with the latest line of entry-level boats from respected


kayak manufacturers like Ocean Kayak, Perception and Emotion. Shane Stef- fen, director of product development for Perception Kayaks says, “Our mantra for entry-level kayaks is to create a great performing boat that gives people the kind of fishing experience that makes them a fan of the sport.” To pull it off, the company offers models with a tested design and basic accessories. “Our Perception Sport line is stable, has a molded-in seat, foot braces and rod hold- ers all for around $500.” But entry-level boats aren’t just for beginners. While angling-enthusiast


Snyder bought his Pescador 12 for his daughter, he now uses the boat more than his high-dollar kayak. “It tracks great and is very comfortable,” he says, “the Pescador is lighter and shorter, making it easier to transport and rig up for quick trips.” According to Detrick at Appomattox, this has become a trend. “Many expe-


rienced anglers are choosing stripped-down boats that they can outfit them- selves,” he says. “Adding your own rod holders and accessories cuts down on the initial cost and builds the boat for the way you fish.” To cut costs, kayak companies can use less expensive manufacturing pro-


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