I might finally buy a kayak when I get my income tax return. Was leaning towards a Hobie, then I heard about bassyaks, a company that sells kits that put saltwater-compatible trolling motors on kayaks.

Thoughts on which is better? And why? I'm 6'1", plan on weighing no more than 210 soon...

We might rent a house on Fishers Island (NY) this summer, and that place is almost as good as Block, but a lot less known, because it's a lot less accessible. Kayak heaven...

Depends...do you want to exercise or not. that would probably be what guides your decision.

Go with the hobie.
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Depends...do you want to exercise or not. that would probably be what guides your decision.

I don't mind a little exertion (my lawnmower is a commercial walk-behind, not a tractor, I'd rather walk than ride). I'd also rather not risk the trolling motor failing on me.

Any other considerations besides physical effort?

Hobies don't have batteries that die ;)
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Also, they are super silent. A spinning propeller might spook fish.
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Also, they are super silent. A spinning propeller might spook fish.
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Those flapping fins make as much or more noise than a trolling motor. I'm not advocating or putting down either. Just saying realistically, one is no more silent than the other.
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Hobies don't have batteries that die ;)
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Are Hobies made pretty well?

Heard nothing but good things about Hobies.

Hobies are very well made. They have a premium price, but it's an investment that will last for years. They also hold a high resale value should you decide later on, it's not the sport for you.
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I love mine.
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I love my hobie as well....
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Thanks for the replies! I see that Hobies are not cheap. I wonder if/when others will be allowed to make a pedal drive, and if that will drive price down.

Now thinking about spots. I believe there is a boat ramp in Narragansett not far from Black Point/Bass Rock Rd/Hazard Ave? Too dangerous to kayak there? Or is that danger really resuming you are surfcasting?

saw this and thought I'd let you know that we have a Cuda 14 in the shop with a Bass Yak addition ready to go, just needs a battery, trying to move it out to accommodate new incoming boats so the price would be very attractive, also have the Predator coming in if you are looking for a motor:btu:

You can take a look at the Native Slayer Propel 13. A friend of mine has one and likes it a lot. You peddle like a bicycle driving a propeller like a trolling motor. It allows you to maneuver in reverse.
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I had a Bassyak a few years back with a battery. loved it,only it was too big for me, 14" I do like how you steer it with your feet.
I now have a 11" hobie and love it too. Peddle it, but my left hand has to steer the switch for the rudder. I am saving my money to drop a motor into my hobie. Maybe by Fall?

Not a yak guy but I went fishing in a nice bassyak last summer at night. We cruised across a salt pond to get to a good surf spot that was nearly impossible to get to with a land vehicle. It was really quiet and moved right along. On the way back I had my light on and bass were jumping right next to the yak. It also got foggy and if I did not have my iphone with navioics gps I would have never gotten back!

I strongly believe these are technically "motor boats", and as such must be registered. Many yak guys disagree with me on this but I would look into it. I have to say though they are very cool. (The battery lasts a long time and it can be recharged at home for next to nothing.)

Yaks with trolling motors absolutely have to be registered in Mass

Honestly, the motor and battery and all that looks like too much of a hassle, just get the hobie