Pirogue vs. Kayak
 

Probably going to need a small boat to paddle to blind this year. I have no experience with either. Anybody have an opinion/advice on one over the other?

If you tip over a pirogue it will sink. Tip a kayak (sit on top) and it won't.

Is the water deep enough to paddle or will you need to push pole?

Kayak will be more $$ but you can use it for fishing as well.

If you need to push pole then choose kayak very carefully.

Most kayaks are designed to take on water so you will get wet. (wear waterproof gear) They also wont sink if you tip them over. I find they are more stable.

Pirouge is less stable and will sink, but I find they track much better and are faster than a yak.

I own 2 pirogues and neither one will sink when filed with water. Remember there is no replacement for displacement, make sure you get something large enough to accommodate the load and still maintain shallow draft.

Pirogue is usually lighter (depending on material). But the best advantage is you can stack them for transportation.

Does a kayak draft more than a pirogue?

Short answer yes most likely a kayak will draft more; but I'm sure there's a few exceptions.

A pirogue will almost always win the weight vs displacement/ratio test.

A flat bottom pirogue with will draw less water and be more stable than a rounded bottom pirogue. (Round bottom pirogues are more squirrelly than Katyln Genner)

IMO the most practical pirogue dimensions for minimum draft would be something around 12'X24"

In the words of Roy D. Mercer, Just How big of a boy are you??

Get a canoe

Also, whatever you boat you decide to go with put on everything you intend on going to the blind with and practice getting in and out. Getting into a boat with knee booats is a lot different than getting in and out with sneakers and shorts.

A canoe will carry more gear & keep you from getting wet. I have a 39 inch beam x 12ft, it weighs 30lbs so I can handle it alone and it is very stable.

We use a pirogue, if you're not hauling any gear then that's the way to go. But if you need to haul stuff you'll be alright. I can put over 425lbs in mine and be just fine.. Just don't get stupid.


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Where is your skinny water baby?

Need a smaller/lower profile to my blind this year. Looking to drop off people and gear at blind then park boat and paddle pirogue to blind. You'll see when you come out to help me 😉

For hunting go with pirogue, there is a reason they have been used for a century...for fishing use a kayak.