ME>Maine Saco River Kayak/Canoe Camping Trip May 17-18

[JoshuaTrees]

wow 30 bucks for the whole weekend that's a sweet deal. definitely up for this type of trip some other time. If I'm driving up that far its gotta be for more than one night though.

[atrane21]

wow 30 bucks for the whole weekend that's a sweet deal. definitely up for this type of trip some other time. If I'm driving up that far its gotta be for more than one night though.

If ur interested and wana get an extra day I can take off friday and we can head up early then meet up with everyone Saturday morning. Make it 3day/2 night.

[atrane21]

So i went to get some information about the kayaks they have for rent here on base. I have choices of sit on top or sit in and sizes from 9ft-14ft. Any suggestions on what would be best for this trip? I was thinking a small sit-in just to make it easier to haul but i'm new to the kayak thing so i don't know.

[attroll]

I think it is personal preference. I own two sit in types. I have never tried a sit on top.

[dingbat]

Check if the sit on tops have gear hatches. If they don't, everything has to lash to the deck. Ok, but weight is up high. Also, the sit on tops have holes in the middle for water to drain from seats. If the load is approaching the weight limit for the boat, water will be oscillating in and out of these holes. Makes for a wet ride. To compensate for the weight on top thing, sit on tops are usually broader and more stable, which equates to being slower as well. Traditional hulls take a little more finesse to get in and out of, but tend to work a little better once you get the hang of them in my opinion.

Also, all other things being equal, longer = faster and more stable and more capable of carrying gear. Shorter would be easier to maneuver and easier to car-top. Up to 14' you'd be hard pressed to find a kayak one average guy couldn't lift by himself with ease.

[atrane21]

Thanks for the info! I think i'm going to go with a sit-in style with dry storage compartment. Does length really matter? I'm thinking 9 or 10 ft?

[Snaggletooth]

I never hated any style kayak i've used if that helps.

[dingbat]

Does length really matter?

I'd go at least with the 10'......and I think gastar has offered the best wisdom you can possibly get on the subject.

[jofish]

I'm with dingbat:

Also, all other things being equal, longer = faster and more stable and more capable of carrying gear.

I say go for the longer kayaks if they have more storage space.

Also, just an FYI for anyone who hasn't done a lot of kayak/canoe camping (may be preaching to the choir...); you will need dry bags for any gear you don't want to get wet (ie pretty much all of it).

[R3l@x]

Size does matter on a longer trip with more variation in water but for an overnighter on this river I think you could get away with a shorter kayak if you needed to. In my opinion a 12 - 14 footer works great for gear storage and all around performance and would be my preference.