5/15 Sit on kayak?

[Greenponded]

Looking for advice on a kayak. Primarily for my kids, teenage girls and big lab. I want them to be able to take it out in the bay, and as they get more experienced, into the ocean. We are not kayakers, but willing to learn. They are interested in a sit on kayak, afraid of getting caught in a cockpit if it rolls. Of course, I must might take it out myself on small fishing outings. Wilderness ( of Pongo fame) has a double sit on called Pairadise. LL Bean carries an Ocean kayak, doublesit on, that talks about being big enough for 2 adults and a kid or dog. Any opinions?
Ed Furey

[davew]

A sit on top makes a great recreational and/or fishing boat in warm weather. The tend to be very stable and easy to get on and off of. The downside to sit on tops is that you get wet and cold easily. Most are also pretty slow. Rod holders, live wells, etc., can be added to customize it for fishing. Check out www.coastalkayakfishing.com for lots of info on sit on tops.

I can't give you any advice on models of sit on tops. I've got a Chesapeake 17 (closed cockpit wood/fiberglass composite hull). Getting out of the boat if it rolls is not a problem, but you do need to practice once in a while.

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions you might have.

Dave Wirth

[Greenponded]

Thanks Dave,
I got some similar advice from some others. I am currently looking at some more traditional tandems from Old Town, Perception and Wilderness. Thanks, Ed