SHaugh

I think most people have to balance risk with factors like cost and comfort. Just like PFDs there are adequate and best. Bib pants are pretty comfortable and reasonably adequate. And you can get them for like $60. Most people would have a hard time investing in a $300 dry suit. If you are one of those people you can get a reasonably good amount of protection from a wet suit assuming you are not testing the extremes of conditions. As you say infinitely better than jeans and a hoodie. And If I was Kayaking in very cold water I would not go cheap.... because you will end up in the water... Kayaking should be considered swimming imo...

I worked as a diver in Lake Michigan for years. Hours spent in 50 degree water with just a 1/4" wetsuit bib type pants. That will keep you alive I guarantee it... at least for a few hours...

I've developed a severe case of photo *** from this thread.... those don't look "wrong" to me....

I've found a well made cover for the boat to be the best defense. one that stretches around the top edge to keep it sealed up tight. You have to make sure there is not a single gap anywhere around the edges. And if there is stuff some steel wool in there to plug it up. First trick is to keep them out. Then put the poison around to reduce the population outside the boat....

I've never been much good at controlling a boat with my foot, especially while I'm standing up. I'm constantly looking down and losing my balance when I put my weight on one foot. And my back is killing me after about an hour of dancing that little jig on the front of the boat. Has anyone got a clever work around ? I've often wondered if I wouldn't be happier if I just put the foot control on a little table in front of me... so I could just use my hand... or converting to a joystick control... anybody ever tried that ? I know about the remote controllers... that has never fallen within my budget....

That's a little Greenling from Puget Sound. The spoon was the same size as him.... I recall joking that he probably wasn't actually hungry... I was going to make one of those posters.... Ambition....

I believe you can do it by claiming it's an abandoned boat. Read here: http://myfwc.com/boating/waterway/derelict-vessels/claims-process-faqs/

the most important thing is to keep the sun off the tires and wood. That's what will do the most damage. Put a tarp on and leave a chair or some kind of bump in the center of it to make sure water runs off and doesn't puddle.

Like they say wider is better. But you can do it. I know a lot of people will call it a "sissy bar" but a simple waist high bar that you can grab makes all the difference to me. something like this: Just having it there makes you feel 100% more secure. You can also design a tray and other handy stuff to hang from it... like a cupholder... they are easy to make from EMT conduit fittings like these: http://www.ysbw.com/Canopy-Fittings-1-Inch-s/7.htm?gclid=CLrlwfabicECFVQV7AodoHoACg You can also use the same fittings to create a canopy and other easy to remove accessories.

A plastic coffee can filled with concrete works great. The kind with the handle molded in. The plastic outer shell makes it scratch less and cleans up nice.

Yup... anything over 100 lbs is hernia country for me. I had a wheeled gismo I made to load it up in the back of a pickup.. but very hard work... especially on a steep boat ramp... the raider 8 was doable but not the intruder... that's why I like the one I made... 45 lbs....

Then I'd go for the intruder hands down.. It just feels like a lot more boat...a lot less like a bathtub.... Lots more internal room compared to raider..... heavy though... you will need a trailer...

Get the drip rings like these: http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog/Kayaks/Harmony_Kayak_Paddle_Drip_Rings_KK4608/index.asp#.VCnB-I10w2o The cup catches a lot of water and works better than simple rings. Positioning is another key...far enough down to be outside the boat but never into the water..

New guy. I'm an old timer..... I can remember when fish were bigger and the stories smaller...

Almost any fabric will look bad after 1 year. That's why I use cheap fuzzy back vinyl and change it every couple years. It's so easy to make your own and the fit is perfectly tight if you do it right.. which helps keep the mice out and the wind from taking it away. Just measure out the top and sides. Use the same dimensions for the cut pieces so it stretches on easily. Almost anybody can do it on a home sewing machine. If not go to a local drapery shop and have them sew it for you. You won't beat the fit or the cost.

I've owned both Raider and an intruder. neither one gave me what I wanted.. .which was a stable platform to stand up in. I finally decided to make my own personal pontoon: Pontoons are filled with empty 2 liter pop bottles and polystyrene scrap. I've made several like this, they all work perfect for stand up casting and tight maneuvers. super light weight so I can easily load into my pickup myself. Super stable because the pontoons let water in and become like ballast... impossible to tip over. When I pull it up on land the water runs right out...