Kayaking, Diving, Skiing, & Surfing Forum. - A little yakin' about yaks.

I have a theory about yaks. If they are convenient to use, they will be used. If they are a paininthass to handle, they won't be used nearly as often.

My tiny Malibu Mini-X is arguably the most stable small yak on the market. It is only a tad over 9 feet long but it is 34" wide. Oh yeah, it weighs about 40#. I'm 68 but in excellent physical shape. I load and unload it from my small PU by myself, fish all day by myself then load it up by myself and go home. Try that with one of the 100# plus monsteryaks.

I built a small PVC cart for my Mini-X and often roll it a half mile or more to launch in an out of the way spot. Try that with one of the 100+ pound monsteryaks.

Granted, the longer yaks are faster, maybe easier to fish out of and have more storage (excess weight) but chances are, they don't get used as often as my Mini.

I've owned several yaks up to 15' in length. The Mini gets used--often.

If you don't need to stand in a yak or cover a lot of distance, the pocket kayaks are the way to go. I love my Magic 14.5, but it can be a pain to wrestle around. My Emotion Mojo is a good mid-sized boat that is fairly easy to handle. I have always thought the Mini X's are one of the nicer pocket yaks. I may get one yet to throw in my motor boat to take out to the barrier islands.

i disagree...i have a 16 foot sit in and it gets used A LOT....summer and winter. i also have 2 12s a 16 foot tandem and a 16 foot canoe , which also gets used a lot. i have no trouble throwing the 16 on the truck and going fishing. i also often throw it on the bertram and take it places i couldn't paddle to. why do i like it so much......its faster and easier to paddle.........i'm 62.

that said...there are no rules and everyone should do what works for them.