Beginner needs help

[rowings]

I'm woefully inexperienced at canoeing/kayaking beyond a few college trips down the Buffalo in spring and looking to get two tandem kayaks, or canoes, for my wife and two boys who are 4 and 6. For the most part we'll just be tooling around lakes, ponds and slow moving creeks in the Russellville area until the boys are older and we're a little more comfortable with moving to something 'more exciting'. I would, however, like the option to take the kayak on something a little more challenging by myself so I'm kinda hoping to fulfill both desires with one boat (fingers crossed). I've been looking at a Wilderness Systems Pamilco 135T or 145T for my wife who is tiny and inexperienced and a Native Watercraft Marvel 14.5 Tandem for myself. I'm not trying to get someone to say one brands better than another, but I am looking for a little help in deciding if these brand names and models are going to meet my most important criteria of stability (their literature says yes) without costing me twice as much as a brand just as suitable.
Also, any pointers on what gear beyond paddles and PFDs that I will or won't need would also be nice.
Thanks up front for the info.

[JTarver]

Just a couple ideas here...if you're gonna be using the boat in cold weather I'd make sure you have at least spash tops that you can put fleece or something warm underneath, as you more than likely wouldn't be rolling much on slower water.
Also, if you plan on doing any camping ( and inevitably you will want to with your boys ) look for something with dry storage. I use my prioon seayak for everything from specimen colletion for class, to camping out of..and I love it..mainly for the gear storage it offers. I can store my tent, sleeping bag, and enough gear for the weekend easily for myself and a couple others if need be. It's just nice to know you have it if you need it...or if you end up having to haul someone else's gear back for whatever reason.

Wilderness systems makes some really good boats from what I know about them..but I'm far from expert on the touring side of things. I have the seayak, and a Carolina 14.5 Airelite. I use them both quite a bit, and have really enjoyed having them. Once you're in, they are very stable, and suprisingly easy to manuver.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Joe

[reedo]

With $1000 you can pretty much get a buch of good stuff. However if you want to make it go even further, I have a Dagger Outlaw that needs a good home. Its been a great boat for around AR. I just got into playboating and bought the new LL Biscuit so am looking to sell the outlaw. Its in good shape, no oilcans or anything like that. Its a great river running boat, but also surfs very well and could do some of the other play moves with some practice. Let me know if your interested. I have been asking $400, but might throw in a Helmet and PFD at that price.

[reedo]

With $1000 you can pretty much get a buch of good stuff. However if you want to make it go even further, I have a Dagger Outlaw that needs a good home. Its been a great boat for around AR. I just got into playboating and bought the new LL Biscuit so am looking to sell the outlaw. Its in good shape, no oilcans or anything like that. Its a great river running boat, but also surfs very well and could do some of the other play moves with some practice. Let me know if your interested. I have been asking $400, but might throw in a Helmet and PFD at that price.



reedogibbo@yahoo.com if interested

[rowings]

I'll keep the Prijon tandems in mind while I'm looking. The Wilderness and Native seem a little cheaper to get started with though. Thanks for the info guys.