first tlme owning a kayak, need help on everything
524914
Karen: I am very pleased with my Vapor 10. Most of all, I feel safe in it. Stable. Doesn't rock easily. Takes waves well. Large, comfortable cockpit. No cramped feel. roomy. My seat is not particularly comfortable, however, bought an inexpensive padded seat at TJMax, like one you would take to a football game. Did the trick! I don't think kayaks are the best boat for fishing, despite the advertising hype. Canoes are far better in my opinion. I fished from the Vapor 10 once. I.m glad I didn't catch anything. Don't know how I would manuever with a fish on the line. Overall, a very good recreational kayak which I recommend. Hope this helps. Allan Karen: I am very pleased with my Vapor 10. Most of all, I feel safe in it. Stable. Doesn't rock easily. Takes waves well. Large, comfortable cockpit. No cramped feel. roomy. My seat is not particularly comfortable, however, bought an inexpensive padded seat at TJMax, like one you would take to a football game. Did the trick! I don't think kayaks are the best boat for fishing, despite the advertising hype. Canoes are far better in my opinion. I fished from the Vapor 10 once. I.m glad I didn't catch anything. Don't know how I would manuever with a fish on the line. Overall, a very good... » Read More Karen: I am very pleased with my Vapor 10. Most of all, I feel safe in it. Stable. Doesn't rock easily. Takes waves well. Large, comfortable cockpit. No cramped feel. roomy. My seat is not particularly comfortable, however, bought an inexpensive padded seat at TJMax, like one you would take to a football game. Did the trick! I don't think kayaks are the best boat for fishing, despite the advertising hype. Canoes are far better in my opinion. I fished from the Vapor 10 once. I.m glad I didn't catch anything. Don't know how I would manuever with a fish on the line. Overall, a very good recreational kayak which I recommend. Hope this helps. Allan « Show Less
524915
I bought 2 old town Vapor 10's. I've had a 17.5' old town canoe for umpteen years but never a kayak, although I was in a kayak in an estuary by the ocean once and didn't care for it because it was the kind where the water is in the kayak (stand up or something - I forget) but it was not so much fun because the sea water would rub my thighs and caused a lot of irritation. The vapor is like a canoe but much more stable than mine. They are light, easy to maneuver in the water and stable. I'm sure there are other models that are equal but I personally like short and light. It's also a fishing kayak in that it comes with an anchor. I bought 2 old town Vapor 10's. I've had a 17.5' old town canoe for umpteen years but never a kayak, although I was in a kayak in an estuary by the ocean once and didn't care for it because it was the kind where the water is in the kayak (stand up or something - I forget) but it was not so much fun because the sea water would rub my thighs and caused a lot of irritation. The vapor is like a canoe but much more stable than mine. They are light, easy to maneuver in the water and stable. I'm sure there are other models that are equal but I personally like short and light. It's also a fishing... » Read More I bought 2 old town Vapor 10's. I've had a 17.5' old town canoe for umpteen years but never a kayak, although I was in a kayak in an estuary by the ocean once and didn't care for it because it was the kind where the water is in the kayak (stand up or something - I forget) but it was not so much fun because the sea water would rub my thighs and caused a lot of irritation. The vapor is like a canoe but much more stable than mine. They are light, easy to maneuver in the water and stable. I'm sure there are other models that are equal but I personally like short and light. It's also a fishing kayak in that it comes with an anchor. « Show Less
524916
You need to decide what you will use it for. Do you need one you can sit in or on top. Fishing or whatever.
524917
I began with an open kayak for fishing. Start with a comfortable life vest. Try a few on at a boating supply store and be sure it feels ok when you sit and when you rotate your arms. Next is a kayak paddle. Check the ratings for quality and get the kind that has drip rings. Kayaks are very light and don't sit deep in the water. Choose a calm day or you'll get blown around. They are quite "tipsy" so choose shallow water until you are confident with your balance and paddling abilities. Hope this helps.
524918
This is an awesome kayak. I love mine. Easy to load on my car by myself, a little heavy if you aren't a strong woman. Plenty of room and comfortable inside. Plenty of room to bring a dog along or lots of gear. Moves nicely thru the water. I've even put my feet up on the outside and reclined back for a different angle. I love to watch the Chincoteague Pony Swim from it every year. Get a life jacket and waterproof boxes. Pool noodles are great to use to protect your car if you don't have roof racks. Cut them on one side of the noodle hole and press onto the kayak opening, front and rear. Works great! You can't go wrong with the Old Town. :) This is an awesome kayak. I love mine. Easy to load on my car by myself, a little heavy if you aren't a strong woman. Plenty of room and comfortable inside. Plenty of room to bring a dog along or lots of gear. Moves nicely thru the water. I've even put my feet up on the outside and reclined back for a different angle. I love to watch the Chincoteague Pony Swim from it every year. Get a life jacket and waterproof boxes. Pool noodles are great to use to protect your car if you don't have roof racks. Cut them on one side of the noodle hole and press onto the kayak opening, front and rear.... » Read More This is an awesome kayak. I love mine. Easy to load on my car by myself, a little heavy if you aren't a strong woman. Plenty of room and comfortable inside. Plenty of room to bring a dog along or lots of gear. Moves nicely thru the water. I've even put my feet up on the outside and reclined back for a different angle. I love to watch the Chincoteague Pony Swim from it every year. Get a life jacket and waterproof boxes. Pool noodles are great to use to protect your car if you don't have roof racks. Cut them on one side of the noodle hole and press onto the kayak opening, front and rear. Works great! You can't go wrong with the Old Town. :) « Show Less
524919
If the question is specifically about the Old Town Vapor 10 I'd say I'm happy with my purchase. You don't need a lot of help if you want a good, reasonably priced kayak that is good on lakes. I'm over 6 foot and it is comfortable for me but I sometimes put in an extra seat cushion. It comes with an anchor so all you need is a paddle and life vest. The only change I would make to it would be extra rod holders aft of the seating area instead of behind.
524920
These are some lessons I learned after buying my kayak. 1. Get a cartop carrier you will trust. A long trip (or any trip) will seem longer and be far more stressful if you are second guessing your carrier or the straps. 2. Don't worry about scratches. It will get scratched. 3. Get a paddle you are comfortable with and fits you. Get a paddle leash and make sure it is always connected to your kayak. 4. Get a waterproof case for your keys, cellphone, other essentials. 5. A cushion may come in handy for your back. The seat gets hard after awhile. 6. Don't carry more than necessary. Tie down items you don't want to lose in case of capsizing. 7. A water bottle or canteen always quenches the thirst after paddling. 8. A sponge is handy for removing water from the occasional splash of a paddle, rain, etc. 9. Watch your environment. Watch out for other boaters. Avoid big water on weekends and holidays (speedboats, jet skis, etc.) 10. make sure you can handle the weight of your kayak solo before going on any trips. This way, after a long day on the water you will know if you have the strength or energy to lift it, strap it down and take it home. 11. Carry rain gear. Sometimes storms come up quick and it might take a while to reach shore.
524921
I am also a first time kayak owner. I have used it 3 times and as far as I can tell it seams to be a good choice. So far I would buy it again.
524922
did a lot of research on kayaks and this one came out on top. lots of good things to say about it but for a first timer it wouldn't make much sense to try to explain. i have 5 other kayaks and this one is the best of the bunch for many reasons qualityhomes@juno.com email if you want more info
2148609
From what I have seen, the seat on that kayak is set up the same as this one. Two straps clipped to the front of it and two clipped behind it. It should fit fine.
1204448
You would need to buy these base bars and the specific kayak attachments for these bars
1075997
well, it all depends...... first you have to find out what the factory bars are rated at (look in your manual or online). add the weight of the kayaks plus the 4 Hull a Ports and compare to the max load. Load is just as important as whether it will fit or not. The bottom ends of the Hull a Ports should NOT extend past the factory bars once installed; to be safe, I think the spec is 2 inches or so inside the bars. You may need the Thule square racks if the factory racks are too small but will hold the load. I have those and they are awesome. The standard set up is for the bottoms to face each other, so no issues there. Good luck and enjoy your kayaks! well, it all depends...... first you have to find out what the factory bars are rated at (look in your manual or online). add the weight of the kayaks plus the 4 Hull a Ports and compare to the max load. Load is just as important as whether it will fit or not. The bottom ends of the Hull a Ports should NOT extend past the factory bars once installed; to be safe, I think the spec is 2 inches or so inside the bars. You may need the Thule square racks if the factory racks are too small but will hold the load. I have those and they are awesome. The standard set up is for the bottoms to face... » Read More well, it all depends...... first you have to find out what the factory bars are rated at (look in your manual or online). add the weight of the kayaks plus the 4 Hull a Ports and compare to the max load. Load is just as important as whether it will fit or not. The bottom ends of the Hull a Ports should NOT extend past the factory bars once installed; to be safe, I think the spec is 2 inches or so inside the bars. You may need the Thule square racks if the factory racks are too small but will hold the load. I have those and they are awesome. The standard set up is for the bottoms to face each other, so no issues there. Good luck and enjoy your kayaks! « Show Less
829949
They give you a paper with the canoe and you have to bring that. It is a title I think and you need the serial number on the plate on the side of the canoe next to the bow its not on the paper so make sure to write it down. I live in men and I had to go to the DMV to register mine but since I didn't have the serial I had to go twice. It is a water quest 156 kl industries and they wanted all of that information. Have fun! Its an awesome canoe! I got a 30 lb thrust trolling motor and it pushed it up river slowly but I guess I would recommend a 50 lb if you really want to go upstream a lot.
1663431
I agree with everything Ron said. But a simple fix for the uprights I put some rubber caps on to keep from cutting my kayaks while loading and unloading it only cost a few bucks and they work great. Good luck
1484292
I first started with a bearings upgrade, which totally changed the feel of the board, then I threw on a set of Gullwing Sidewinder II Trucks, I don't recommend those trucks in particular due to having two kingpins, and the board has a big disadvantage with wheelbite with these trucks, and a bit of speed wobbles. I suggest a set of Paris' or something of the like.First, I'd start with bearings, and just work from there:)
1168903
Hey Rich- what I'll do is rollover the canoe with the backend clear and simply set the carriage on the bottom upside down, then cinch it down, flip it over & ur ready to go. Its important to get the strap over something like a tie down or notch in the kayak so it doesn't slip off. I have mine balances well enough my kids can jump in it when I'm wheeling it to the beach. Happy canoeing!&#128513; Brad
81096
Seals has a great website where you can put in your kayak type. The website will then tell you what size you need.
2204656
Each saddle requires one lock core. So for one kayak you need four saddles and four lock cores. Get it at Yakima and get a blank key &4-$5 that lets you install them easily.
1484293
I first started with a bearings upgrade, which totally changed the feel of the board, then I threw on a set of Gullwing Sidewinder II Trucks, I don't recommend those trucks in particular due to having two kingpins, and the board has a big disadvantage with wheelbite with these trucks, and a bit of speed wobbles. I suggest a set of Paris' or something of the like. First, I'd start with bearings, and just work from there:)
612539
I have not had this problem. Are you putting the front forward? I love the kayak
27467
You need one for each kayak. You should be able to reach the top of the kayak when it's on top the van. You would probably need a small stepladder.
529236
I would take the bolts to Home Depot or Lowell's and match them up with longer bolts. The rack is really great and easy to use. Make sure you put the straps on first before you mount the kayaks
78575
Sorry,but you need a mount of some kind. If you're at all handy,you can make one. I made them for my kayaks but they all mountbehind the cockpits. Blow up a pic of one and copy it. .....Bill
27470
You would need two of them for two kayaks. Make sure you have the long roof rack bars. If you can raise your hands and reach a foot over your roof you will be fine. Just make sure you secure them from the front and rear after they are on the rack.
986486
I place the kayak in the racks facing out. I run the straps over the top of the j-rack first with the buckle in the middle area of the kayak. The straps come down the kayak sides that are facing outward and loop over the bottom of the j-rack. I then connect the strap to the buckle and tighten. Let me know if that makes sense.