Kayak vs. tin boat comparison
 

So I've been kayak fishing in LJ and the bays for a number of years now, first on a Stealth 12 and now on a Revo (13).


I've been thinking of getting a outboard powered skiff, not to replace the kayak fishing, but to supplement it.


As I look at my budget (small) and what is available out there, I am trying to get clearer how much boat I really need.


I know for instance that in The Baja Catch, Neil Kelly and Gene Kira recommend 14 foot aluminum boats for Sea of Cortez and 16 foot for the Pacific side.


Basically I am wonder if I am used to fishing the Pacific side in a 13 foot kayak, am I going to feel like a 13-14 foot aluminum skiff (Valco or Gregor) is too small?



I mean I expect I will feel like it limits my ability to go further out, but for fishing the LJ and Point Loma kelp is there reason to think 13-14 feet is considerably too small?

I have a Gregor 14 with a 20hp Honda that I use in Baja, it would be just ok for up here. The 15 Bayrunner would be better because of its high bow. We have both in mako-ville and they get about the same fuel consumption each day. Usually less then 3 gallons a day to fish the islands there. The Gregor is 2 persons max while the Bayrunner fishes 3., the Bayrunner also has a 25 hp engine. We also have two Solo Skiffs and they all fish very well in Baja. All the kayaks there serve as great fishing platforms just slower then the motorized vessels. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Bob.


Right now, if I could find one, the Bayrunners seem like the best choice. I just missed out on a Bayrunner 18 on Craigslist that seemed pretty nice (and not outrageously priced).

Update:
 

I just bought a 1995 Valco 14 footer, in pretty good shape at an awesome price.


Now I need to find a trailer and a motor for it.

Congratulations, please check you rivets, specially if you plan on taking it off shore. Tight Lines amigo.

Congratulations

Let me know how it goes. I have an Alumacraft 14 footer, with a 15hp Honda engine.

Based on my personal experience, get a 15-16 foot skiff for this area. And I would recommend at least a 20hp outboard, might get away with a 15, but I would go with a 20.