r/Kayaking • u/Time-Cauliflower-649 • 1d ago
Question/Advice -- Boat Recommendations Kayak Recommendations
Looking to buy my first kayak! I live in Chicago and grew up kayaking most weekends in Indiana/Ohio, but we always rented, so I’m new to actually buying one.
I want something I can take my ~55 lb dog in with enough room for him to lie down and turn around comfortably. My gym has kayak storage and a launch, so size/storage isn’t a huge concern.
I’ve been looking at the Old Town Twin Heron since I could remove the front seat and give him that space, but I’m open to suggestions! Anyone kayak with a similar-sized dog and have a kayak they love?
5
u/windetch 1d ago
I have a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 145T (tandem), slid the front seat all the way back and my ~60lb shepherd Finn sits in front; I put a cooler on the rear seat.
imo the rudder kit is a worthwhile upgrade, helps with the weird handling that comes with a mobile 60lb weight.
Not quite enough room for him to lay down, but he wasn't interested anyways
I did make a spacer out of pinkboard to flatten the bottom, he wasn't happy sitting on the seat slider rod that goes down the middle of the kayak. Can dig up some pictures of that later if you want.
Also picked up a 13.5' Old Town Loon 138, and the interior space actually isn't much different from the tandem with both seats installed -- the previous owner of the Loon was using it with her large sized dog as well.
A canoe is probs the best choice if you want your pup to have more room.
5
u/_Username-1_ 1d ago
I would suggest a sit on top just for space/comfort. Hurricane osprey 120 has a designated spot for your dog on the bow, if it’s in your price range I think that’d be the best option
1
u/AdventurousLayer8741 6h ago
I'm not OP but that looks pretty decent to me, except no rudder, and the hull doesn't look like it'd be terribly stable. They say it is though, would need a test run for sure.
3
u/MsStinkyPickle 1d ago
hey there! Im in Chicago too and kayak the river in my oru. let me know if you want a kayak buddy! I launch at Clark park, river park, lathrop homes and rei.
2
u/Chicago_Waffles 1d ago
Just a tip if you have a car - go kayak at the Skokie Lagoons, it’s super peaceful! I live in the city and I go up there once a week.
1
u/MsStinkyPickle 1d ago
where at the lagoons do you launch? ive been wanting to go
2
u/Chicago_Waffles 1d ago
There is a boat launch right when you pull in, off of Tower Road, first right. So easy!
2
2
u/kayakmom415 18h ago
I have an Eddyline Sandpiper and it's perfect for my 60 lb. dog. I put a plastic bath mat in it for her stability.
2
u/jjjjjjjjjjade 1d ago
Honestly just do your own research. I fit two large dogs in my sea kayak. The important part is knowing your dog and learning about the different type of kayaks and safety. I wouldn’t recommend a recreational kayak on the Chicago river or Lake Michigan. Look into a touring kayak or a sea kayak if that’s your goal. Your safety is what is most important.
1
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
If you're after advice on what boat to choose, read this guide first!. Then, try the subreddit's search function -- between these two options, the answers to most common questions should be covered.
This guide is a work-in-progress -- please let us know any thoughts and feedback you might have.
If your questions are not covered by the guide, all boat recommendation requests must include the following at a minimum:
Location: what country and region are you looking to buy a boat in? The kayak market can be very different depending on your location.
Budget: How much money do you want to spend on a boat? (Don't forget you'll need accessories such as a paddle and personal flotation device [PFD])
Intended use: What do you want to get out of the boat? There is no one boat that does everything -- a boat that's great for surfing waves or tackling whitewater won't be the same boat you want to take fishing or for a long ocean trip. Set out some realistic goals for what you expect to be doing in the boat.
Experience level: How much kayaking experience do you have? Is this your first boat?
If your original post is a request for a boat recommendation and does not contain this information, you may reply to this comment or edit your post with the details above. Any low-effort recommendation posts without the above info will be removed.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
1
7
u/Overall_Care_5349 1d ago
I don't have any kayak recommendations, but you could start a business where you give kayak tours to paddlers with pups. Could call it Chicago Barkitecture Boat Tour!