Buying a kayak to accomodate dog

[gaines]

I have a 60lb yellow lab who loves the lake and I am looking to buy a kayak that will allow me to take her on paddles. I like the idea of a tandem because, not only is there plenty of room for the dog, but I take a date out without worrying about arranging for another kayak. I'm 6'4" and close to 300lbs so I need to be sure whatever I buy is long enough to handle the combined weight of myself and the dog without sitting so low that I can't keep up.

So far I'm leaning towards the Wilderness Survival Pamlico 145T (http://www.wildernesssystems.com/product/index/products/recreational/recreational_pamlico/pamlico_145t_recreational). At over 14' with a 400lb capacity it seems suited to the task. It's a little pricier than I was hoping for, but I'd rather spend a little more and get a good kayak that suits my needs rather than skimp and be unhappy with it.

I'm gonna swing by REI to check it out. I hear they're gonna be sending out 20% off coupons in October. I'd love to hear y'alls thoughts.

[jeff]

Welcome to the community Gaines, you are looking in the right direction.

The open tandem would give everything you are looking for and the additional control over your dog. Unless your pet is used to new situations like this, they will get comfort from being able to reach you at times.

Of course this comes with the issue that they can get in the way at times, but it will be lessons learned for the both of you.

I would wait for the %20 coupon and get exactly what you need from the start.

[gaines]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, it seems the 20% off coupons usually exclude hard shell vessels, so if I want to find a deal I'll need to look elsewhere. :(

[jeff]

I did not know that, thanks for the tip.

Amazon.com has 10% off at the moment ... http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Systems-Pamlico-145T-Kayak/dp/B003AJDE9M

[gaines]

Amazon.com has 10% off at the moment ... http://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Systems-Pamlico-145T-Kayak/dp/B003AJDE9M

I appreciate the heads up. That definitely seems to be the best option at the moment for the 145T since it turns out REI only sells the 135T. Not really sure at this point if either of these are the right choice for me, but unless I find a better deal I'm not in a huge hurry.

[keith]

You might also consider the Pamlico 160T (http://www.kayakreview.org/go/pamlico160T/), which has a significantly higher weight capacity and therefore might be good when you go out with another person (and the dog too!). REI does sell it (click the link) and remember that you get 10% back from REI in the form of a dividend too. And if something isn't right when you receive it, returning a large item to REI is easier than amazon.