Boat Vs. Kayak: Pros, Cons, & Which Vessel Is Right For You
- By: Wyatt Parcel
- on
- Found In: Boating Tips, Fishing Tips, Kayak Fishing, Weekly Newsletter: 7-4-21
Are you a boat angler or a kayak angler?
If money were no object, would that choice change?
Listen in as our fishing coaches debate which vessel is better and why.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- Pros and cons of a boat versus a kayak
- Things to consider for both types of fishing vessels
- The biggest advantage of a boat
- Why a kayak is so special
- And much more
If you’re debating whether a boat or a kayak is a better choice for you, then you’ll want to watch this!
Check it out below!
Boat Vs Kayak: Which One Is For You? [VIDEO]
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We reviewed a ton of information so here’s a timestamped table of contents:
- 1:15 – What is the advantage of a kayak over a boat?
- 1:54 – Time it takes to prep a kayak vs. a boat
- 2:17 – Maintenance for a boat
- 3:07 – Being stealthy on a kayak
- 5:19 – Covering ground with a boat
- 6:12 – The physical demands of kayak fishing
- 7:24 – Get the kayak that’s meant for YOU
- 8:09 – Weather plays a bigger role with a kayak
- 8:50 – Tackle limitations
- 9:46 – Power fishing in a boat
- 11:24 – Trolling motor for a kayak vs. a boat
- 12:56 – When to use your pedals on a kayak
- 14:08 – Standing above the water has its advantages
- 15:09 – Make sure you invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses (Click here for our favorite sunglasses)
- 15:48 – Do you know what to look for when you’re on a poling platform and what to avoid?
- 17:11 – Fish with your eyes and your ears
- 18:04 – The costs associated with a boat vs. a kayak
- 21:24 – There is a price range that includes kayaks and boats
- 23:43 – Final decision: Boat or kayak?
- 26:50 – Make sure you have the storage space for what you buy
Conclusion
So if you’re deciding what kind of fishing machine you want, make sure that decision is based on what you want to target.
And consider your physical limitations, your budget, your storage options, and how stealthy you’ll need to be for the areas you want to fish.
What’s your choice: boat or kayak?
And why?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who is trying to decide between boat and kayak fishing, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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While I often go fishing by myself, there are times when my wife or other people come with me so having a boat for that is necessary. But I do like the simplicity presented by a good fishing kayak. So if possible I’ll probably wind up with both.
Regarding using a kayak:
Finally, I currently have a 12′ Portabote, which when assembled is similar to a v-hull rowboat. I have a 3.3HP Merc 2 stroke on it and it pushes it nicely on the freshwater lakes I’ve used it on. Would this be something that could be used in that kayaks typically are used in?
If anyone can shed light on these questions I’d appreciate it.
one thing not touched on is who you are fishing with
if you fish by yourself or with people with kayaks then another kayak would be the way to go but if you want to get into it with say a significant other or kids then a boat would probably be better off
I have both. I have a Tracker bass boat and I also have a Native slayer propel 10ft kayak. For me it is simple I prefer the kayak. The reason is that I am fishing alone a lot. Secondly, I feel more comfortable launching the kayak by myself vs the boat.
I live in an apartment so I can have my kayak at my apartment with no probs.
So storage can be an issue with the boat. Also if I am going to Florida it is a lot easier to rent a pickup for a week I can just toss the kayak in the bed of the truck with no problems.
A kayak is also a lot cheaper esp if something breaks.
I have both a kayak and a 20′ bay boat and I fish 90% from my kayak. Although I do have top line Old Town Autopilot kayak it makes fishing out of it so easy. I have to remind myself to occasionally run the boat to keep the batteries good.
About 25 years ago before yak fishing became popular I rigged up a cut back canoe with a modified trolling motor. I took a foot pedal steered trolling motor and modified it. I cut the shaft down to about 20″ and made an alum. tilt bracket to mount it on the back like a little outboard. I took the foot pedal apart and made a side mounted tiller steer lever like an airboat to control the direction. The whole setup worked great. I could run forever on one large marine battery and cover miles. In the end I guess it was a little more than a yak but less than a Ghenoe. I used it for quite a few years before I got a boat.
Has anyone towed a yak behind their boat to get in the backcountry?
I have a PWC.. it’s the happy medium between the two. 🙂
The best of both worlds! Great choice Robert! Do you find it has issues when fishing shallow water scenarios? Specifically in relation to the jet when trying to move in shallow water?
Great Topic. My budget was that I could get either a decent kayak or a used boat. The deciding factor for me was fishing with friends and family and I couldn’t do that with a single kayak. If I was flying solo I probably would have went kayak
Having room to bring family out definitely is a top priority… time on the water with the ones you love makes it all worth it!
For those of us who are physically challenged( i am a 74 yold reipient of double lung tranplant) and I have a 136 old town powered by a minn-kota trolling motor which was essential for me to maximize my fishing experience given I live on a creek system and primarily estuary areas . The major con of course is weight(170) pounds which I solve by installing a kayak lift at my dock. As far as far distant fishing goes I also have 16 ft 6 in flats boat to get me to those locations. I am EXTREMELY pleased with this kayak!
I’ve heard good things about the AutoPilots from Old Town! Glad to hear you’re enjoying that platform Robert!
Good points by both of the guys. At my age of 78, even though I am in excellent shape for my age and work out at my gym, the boat is my best choice. I own a shallow draft CarolinaSkiff 20 JVX.
Tough to beat the Carolina Skiff! I love my J16!
I love my kayak. I had a 13 foot Boston Whaler, but I end up selling it because it broke down almost every trip out. Sometimes it was simple issues, but other times not. I’m a female and I fish alone, so I prefer the kayak because I know nothing is going to break down on me. Eventually I might get a small skiff, but I’m pretty addicted to my Hobie Outback. It’s the perfect size for me and I can get places a boat can’t go. Great video. Thanks, guys.
I’ll have to agree on the extra degree of headache when it comes to boat issues… I always know I can have a good day of fishing in the yak, even if it’s just with a paddle. Not so much in the boat… Thanks for tuning in for this tea time Dana!