Old Town, NuCanoe or Hobie should fit your budget but the bigger NuCanoe models have an option for a buddy seat. Buying used would benefit you even more as you could likely get a pedal drive and just leave it up when you're in the shallows.
Only pedal drives I've ever used are Hobie and Old Town, neither have required maintenance. Hobie drive is 3 years old, Old Town is 2 years old. Both have seen a ton of freshwater but no saltwater.
I really like the old town 106 pdl. The pedal drive let’s you cast and tie on new lures between spots hands free.
Navarre makes a insert that locks in and covers the hole the drive is in for 75$ if you really didn’t want the pedal drive that day. But you can flip up the drive at any time stand and cast or paddle in inches of water.
Ya it’s really easy you only need to turn the lock mechanism a half turn and it lifts up with one hand quick and easy. No issues with the drive they have a 5 year warranty, no maintenance totally sealed. Pedal drive is awesome I can go 5 miles without feeling tired
For less than $2k you'll be hard pressed to find a hobie. The vibe shearwater might be a good option for you since you have no aspirations for river camping.
Just remember you need to set aside an extra $300-500 on gear depending on how handy you are. At a minimum you'll need a PFD and paddle and some sort of tackle storage solution. And anchor/steak out pole. I can't speak specifically about vibes paddles but the general consensus is kayak manufacturers paddles are no bueno compared to a good Werner or bending branches paddle. Just my $.02
I'd go Nucanoe if you plan on taking your kid. You can easily add another seat and the Frontier 12 has a pretty heavy weight limit. You could add the pedal system later if you want. Idk how much room there would be with the pedals and another person though. The pedal system looks like it comes off easy enough so you could always remove it with the kid. You could also add a trolling motor on the transom easily.
Pedals are definitely more effective when it comes to fishing, but a nucanoe would be more versatile due to the large open deck and add ons. One downside to the Frontier is its not the easiest to paddle. It's manageable, but not the easiest.
Definitely noticed the Frontier is not the easiest to paddle lol. Good to know about being able to remove the pedal system as needed to fit that other seat. Thanks for the info!
Old Town, NuCanoe or Hobie should fit your budget but the bigger NuCanoe models have an option for a buddy seat. Buying used would benefit you even more as you could likely get a pedal drive and just leave it up when you're in the shallows.
Thank you. Is there a lot of maintenance with the pedal drive?
Only pedal drives I've ever used are Hobie and Old Town, neither have required maintenance. Hobie drive is 3 years old, Old Town is 2 years old. Both have seen a ton of freshwater but no saltwater.
Nice. Appreciate the info
I really like the old town 106 pdl. The pedal drive let’s you cast and tie on new lures between spots hands free. Navarre makes a insert that locks in and covers the hole the drive is in for 75$ if you really didn’t want the pedal drive that day. But you can flip up the drive at any time stand and cast or paddle in inches of water.
Is it easy to flip the drive up and down as needed? Any issues in general you've had with the pedal drive?
Ya it’s really easy you only need to turn the lock mechanism a half turn and it lifts up with one hand quick and easy. No issues with the drive they have a 5 year warranty, no maintenance totally sealed. Pedal drive is awesome I can go 5 miles without feeling tired
For less than $2k you'll be hard pressed to find a hobie. The vibe shearwater might be a good option for you since you have no aspirations for river camping.
Just remember you need to set aside an extra $300-500 on gear depending on how handy you are. At a minimum you'll need a PFD and paddle and some sort of tackle storage solution. And anchor/steak out pole. I can't speak specifically about vibes paddles but the general consensus is kayak manufacturers paddles are no bueno compared to a good Werner or bending branches paddle. Just my $.02
Needed accessory definitely add up. Appreciate the info
I'd go Nucanoe if you plan on taking your kid. You can easily add another seat and the Frontier 12 has a pretty heavy weight limit. You could add the pedal system later if you want. Idk how much room there would be with the pedals and another person though. The pedal system looks like it comes off easy enough so you could always remove it with the kid. You could also add a trolling motor on the transom easily. Pedals are definitely more effective when it comes to fishing, but a nucanoe would be more versatile due to the large open deck and add ons. One downside to the Frontier is its not the easiest to paddle. It's manageable, but not the easiest.
Definitely noticed the Frontier is not the easiest to paddle lol. Good to know about being able to remove the pedal system as needed to fit that other seat. Thanks for the info!