kayak opinions

[Joyride]

Hey Gang,

I'm looking to add a sit on top kayak to the toy box this year and want to bring on the boat occasionally.  Anybody have any suggestions on practicality of sailing with a 12' kayak on the bow or on the side with a rack?

Also we have the walk through 91 model.  I'm assuming it will still be a pain to get in from the boat.  Anybody care to share what works best?

[mark_53]

I have a 10' that I bungee to the side guard rail. Your sit on top model will probably be easier to get in/on.  It was tricky getting in and out but doable in calm waters.  Not a primary means of getting ashore.

[Jim Hardesty]

I have both a sit-on-top and traditional, low budget, kayaks.  I haven't taken them cruising but I have taken them around near by on Shamrock.  Great to have when anchoring, I enjoy paddling them from the sailboat.  Getting in and out, isn't a problem for me, I'm 73.  Except if it's choppy and the kayaks bouncing up a foot or two.  I tie the kayak snug to ladder when boarding and have anything needed in reach on the swim platform . 
I've only set them forward on the side decks or towed them a couple of miles.  I've thought about inflatables but haven't bought.  see "SeaEagle.com"  My lady friend has one, it really isn't a toy but a real kayak, just don't compare to a 3K fiberglass kayak.
Jim

[Jim Lucas]

I have a 10' inflatable kayak which is light and easy to load/unload and super nice that it doesn't damage and knock against the hull of the boat. Tracking isn't as good as a hard shell "Ocean" models but it certainly does the job.

I had a pair of foam covered kayak racks from our previous power boat that I chose to mount in-board of the safety rails so docking isn't impeded.
Easy walkaround even with the kayak on board and the Genoa sheet doesn't get hung up while sailing!