Good for you guys! Enjoy.

Thanks, Steve, and thanks for the advice. (Quote: "You are getting your first boat, not your last one.")

Here's what we decided on, in case it helps anyone else considering a family-style kayak setup.

After some research, we decided on the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL. From everything I read, it is one of the most idiot proof sit on top tandem kayaks. We got yellow for visibility (by motor boats and/or search & rescue). Based on one outing, it's very stable, fairly easy to paddle, and it tracks pretty straight.

We got it from Austin Kayak after some frustrations trying to buy locally. Plus, the price was right and shipping was cheap and a non-issue.

A close second was the Hobie Odyssey. It's a little longer and a little more expensive (but includes paddles and hatches), but also slightly heavier and about 1" narrower. We went for wider (more stable?) and lighter. Plus I didn't want hatches because I read they can leak.

(The guy at Riversports wanted to sell us a $2800 pedal powered version. No thanks, but after paddling today I can sort of see the attraction.)

We also had to get a rack. Our Ford Freestyle had the rails but no horizontal bars. We got the Yakima RailGrab Towers with a set of cross bars, plus a set of EvenKeel saddles that came with tie downs, etc. I read somewhere that it's better to transport your boat right side up if possible because that way it rests on the strongest part of the boat. We got the Yakima rack system from Little River Trading.

(We had to get an extra set of straps because after hunting around the Freestyle for places to hook the bow and stern tie downs we could only find hookup points under the hood on either side and inside the cargo area.)

We also had to get some paddles. We got the cheapest/longest ones they had at Dick's Sporting Goods. You can apparently spend more than the cost of your boat on high-tech, light weight carbon fiber paddles. Maybe later.

We also had to get some Personal Flotation Devices. We had a couple of nice fishing vest PFDs from way back, but they were probably 20 years old and I figured the foam might have rotted by now. We got some cheap new ones at Dick's. They are pretty uncomfortable around the shoulders and neck, so we will probably be replacing them. (I wanted some that would float you face up if unconscious, but apparently they aren't that common so comfort it is.) We already had a newish puppy PFD for Gracie.

Other suggested accessories are a couple of his and hers dry bags, a waterproof/underwater point-and-shoot camera, and waterproof binoculars. Oh, and some surf shoes. Don't remember where we got ours (somewhere in Florida), but they are very hand for not ruining your regular shoes.

Glad you had good weather. We had a hailstorm here at Casa Lulu in Karns, the second in as many afternoons. Only pea size here but it could have been annoying out on the water.

P.S. One of my biggest concerns was getting the thing on and off the top of the car. I seriously considered getting a trailer. But once you figure out a system, it's not that big of a deal at all. At least with two people.

You only have to load one end at a time. Dragging it a little bit won't kill it. Dragging it a lot might. (It is an Ocean Kayak after all and not one of the better made boats.) It will do fine for years though and the newer ones have competent hull designs.

Two things you don't skimp on (for the future) life jackets and paddles. A real paddlers life jacket will be a joy to you. A good paddle is the same. One thing you'll figure out by having cheap ones is what you don't like and then you can move up to good gear with some experience to guide you. There are great prices at the fall sales.

Now...Don't listen to folks who say to carry it right side up. Keeping the hull shape clean with no warpage will be your greatest challenge. Don't over tighten the straps and use three of them always. One of them must go through some loop on the boat and pass under the vehicle rack for safety.

Welcome to the sport, regardless. You'll love it. It's addicting. It changes how you see the world and the places you visit.

Maxey's? Where's that?

Phone home the next time that you and the Mrs. take a trek! A good kayak/rafting/paddling jacket is the best. The Mrs. can try mine on and take a spin. Have truck will travel....save the back, call a Sis!

I dug up this months-old post this morn because I'm giddy with excitement that a friend has given us his old kayak, earmarked for our teenaged Boy Scout.

Meanwhile, the other three of us in the family lack floatation...

I've been cruising the Internet for a used canoe and missed out by just hours last night on a way cool Mad River model with two fold-down seats and a bench, used only twice, for a scant $250.

I plan to contact Play It Again Sports after they open at 10:00, but can any of you offer further recommendations for retailers carrying used canoes (or kayaks)? Thanks!

(P.S.--And since nabbing this kayak, the mister has shared his secret desire for a jon boat. Who knew? Your advice on that potential purchase?)

You're probably already watching Craigslist. Might also check with River Sports Outfitters and Little River Trading to see if they have any or maybe a buy/sell bulletin board.

Jon boats are great because they can go more places and you can float some of the local rivers in more comfort with more stuff.

As soon as I get the transom repaired in my jon boat, you're welcome to use it.