I bought a boat!
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Okay, it's a very small boat and paddling is required. Actually, I've owned real boats before, and I'm just as excited to have purchased this one last night. Over the last few years I've learned that I have as much fun paddling as I've ever had on real boats, even when those real boats have big block engines and counter rotating props. Paddling is also much cheaper than $5/gallon marina fuel when we sold the boat last year.
I've been floating a small section of the Rio Grande through Las Cruces for years on an tube setup that has gradually gotten fancier, but Sunday I joined my MTB crew for a much longer float on a section of the river North of town that is much deeper and faster flowing. Technically, there are two small spots that are class 1 rapids. At the urging of folks, I borrowed an inflatable kayak and had tremendous fun with it. It was about 15 friends floating on a variety of hard and inflated kayaks and stand up paddle boards
Much beer was drunk, and all the fun was had. I also marveled at how were really are a middle-aged crew: Every one, male and female, was wearing some kind of long-sleeve rash guard type shirt the almost entire time. Not because we aren't all skilled cyclists and really active folks in good shape who aren't modest about nudity, but everyone being in their 30s or 40s means we're all interested in avoiding the skin the cancer news from the dermatologist for as long as possible.
My browser history yesterday revealed that kayak shopping quickly becomes a rabbit hole as deep a bicycles, and I already have a garage full of those. A quality, highly durable inflatable Kayak that's self bailing quickly becomes a $600-1200 purchase at the low end. For what I'm interested in floating right now, I decided to start with a basic, 10ft, sit-on-top hardshell. $250 from Sam's Club last night also leaves this purchase within the range of de minimis.
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@ITA97 My spouse got a kayak last year and I've tried it a few times and it was pretty fun. She goes out in it while I take the boys fishing (I can just throw it on top of the fishing boat on the trailer)
The only downside I see is that you're practically invisible on the water. She wears an orange hunting cap but it's still a bit worrisome when the powerboats are out on the lake, and probably not exercising the due care that they should.
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@ITA97 the n+1 principle applies here. I currently have a small whitewater play boat and a larger volume creek boat. Plus an inflatable packraft. But that’s not enough, something like you have works much better in lakes or slower water than what I do so I’ve been on the lookout for one of those. There are also times where the creek boat is too big but the play boat too small so I want more of a river runner. On the other end, the creek boat isn’t the best for self support multi day trips so there is another needed boat…
'03 Subaru WRX Wagon | '84 Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4
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Sounds like fun! We'll be visiting Schlitterbahn next month and you can bet I'll be in the long-sleeve rash shirt with big brimmed hat crew. My grandmother had skin cancer. I don't want to go down that road. Unfortunately, it appears that the risk is associated with burns when you're young. Working as a lifeguard for many years meant that I had a significant burn at least once a year.
I fear I'm doomed.
Never discount the possibility that you might live through it.
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@PowderHound said in I bought a boat!:
@ITA97 the n+1 principle applies here.
I figure it does. Almost everyone I floated with on Sunday owns multiple SUP and/or kayak type watercraft.
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@ITA97 I owned a kayak for a while. It was fun. I've never used a sit on top like yours is, but it certainly seems like it makes things easier! Have fun! Wear a pfd!
1987 El Camino
2015 Jaguar F-Type V6S -
@ITA97 I've fallen down the rabbit hole of canoes, and of course, you talk to people...Oh no, you need the kevlar skinned blah blah blah. My son and I just want to get out on the water and fish on occasion. My son actually wants a kayak, so I can see a sit on kayak AND a canoe in our future.
I grew up with a 17' aluminum Grumman canoe (graduated to that from an old SeaKing rowboat) for years.
Have fun with the new boat!
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@Sovande I figure the sit on top is a good first step down this rabbit hole. We're in the hottest part of the year in Southern NM for the next few weeks. Floating the Rio is mighty appealing this time of year.
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@ITA97 I was in New England with mine and was appreciative of the cover! I'm of two minds - the cover is nice to keep sun off, but more difficult for everything else. I think you made the right choice!
I had lots of fun with mine. Mostly I used it for fishing.
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@BicycleBuck Same. As a kid I was outside all the time and would get really dark during the summer. I've definitely had my share of burns too.
I'm just hoping they develop a cure in the next 10 years or so. -
@ITA97 $250 is a hell of a bargain to get on the water with. Looks like this doesn't have adjustable foot rests (which I guess is standard with sit on tops) - I'm sure you checked this out before buying to make sure those indents for foot support are placed such that it works for your frame. You'll be doing a hell of a lot less work if you have your feet planted properly.
I had 2 kayaks a while ago that we got rid of with city living and multiple moves...was too much of a hassle. We kayaked a few weeks ago while camping with the kiddo and loved it. Apparently my wife's parents have a tandem they never use so we're going to inherit it from them when we drive up to see them for the 4th of July.
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@BicycleBuck I know that feeling. I got burned plenty of times as a kid, and I also worked as a lifeguard for many years. Add in my blond hair/blue eyes/ Casper the friendly ghost type complexion and I fear I'm also doomed. Part of me does kind of dig the roadie tan lines I rock on my legs these days.
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Oblig.
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@Italia I was waiting for someone to post a guy who just bought a boat .gif.
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@ITA97 I currently have 2 kayaks, but only one gets much use because my son currently can’t go out with me.
That didn’t stop me from reaching out to a guy that posted a 12’ single person canoe on Facebook today. It needs some work but is priced dirt cheap for what it is.
I’m going to take a few measurements when I get home. If the space I have in mind is long enough to store it I’ll grab it tonight or tomorrow. -
@ITA97 kayaks are a blast, enjoy it!
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@ITA97 This is excellent and $250 is a great price point. There's a whole variety of plastic kayaks and paddleboards in my family, all are fun. They're also the lowest-maintenance boats we have, by far.
