Sweetwater Fishing Forums

Special Interest => Kayak & Canoe Chat => Topic started by: Jonno on July 26, 2012, 09:35:15 PM

Title: Coosa or Camden
Post by: Jonno on July 26, 2012, 09:35:15 PM
Hi guys
I am looking to purchase a new kayak mainly tend to fish freshwater creeks
I am still unsure between sit in and sot and have narrowed down between a coosa and a Camden I like the idea of being able to stow every inside on the sit in but my main concern is getting in and out for portages as I've never used a sit in.
And I like the look of the coosa and all it's options but was worried about it being like a barge

Any help would be greatly appreciated especially from people who own or have trialled either
Title: Re: Coosa or Camden
Post by: Sweetwater on July 26, 2012, 11:28:28 PM
Hi guys
I am looking to purchase a new kayak mainly tend to fish freshwater creeks
I am still unsure between sit in and sot and have narrowed down between a coosa and a Camden I like the idea of being able to stow every inside on the sit in but my main concern is getting in and out for portages as I've never used a sit in.
And I like the look of the coosa and all it's options but was worried about it being like a barge

Any help would be greatly appreciated especially from people who own or have trialled either

A regular fishing mate has a Coosa, I have a Camden. My observations are:
Camden is quicker
Camden is way lighter
Camden's internal storage is handy
Camden goes through much shaller water than the Coosa before bottoming out

Coosa sits you higher= better for water visability / longer casting / better for a weak back
Coosa is easier to get in / out of

My mate had paddled a Dirigo a bit before getting the Coosa. He is an old fart with crook knees and decided he didn't like swinging his old knees in & out at portages. But I've gotta say he struggled badly loading it. I had to go help him last trip where I tossed the Camden up on the roof with ease. He struggled in riffles where I was able to glide through.

IMHO, the Coosa is a barge, but it needs to be to offset the much high centre of gravity the high seat provides. Is very stable however, so good for standing up & definately good for your back. A bit like putting a banana lounge on a boat... I like the high seat idea tho, can see its advantages.
Both have better points than others. If dont want to go long distances, the Coosa would be fine. For longer hauls the sleeher Camden would be better suited.

Think there might be a Coosa owner here on sweetwater, so will be interested in reading his thoughts.

.
.

Just a thought,  I'm a bit over SOTs, but for the same affect as the Coosa the Pack Angler does same but is half the weight & double the storage space, dearer tho.

Cheers,
Title: Re: Coosa or Camden
Post by: StevenM on July 27, 2012, 07:03:24 AM
Fitz

pretty much summed it up to a T.
Title: Re: Coosa or Camden
Post by: WayneD on July 27, 2012, 04:37:53 PM
the Coosa is a barge

Yep that's why I got rid of mine. It's a whole lot of yak for freshwater fishing, dragging up and down rapids and riverbanks. Never paddled it any great distance so can't comment on how it paddles over a long distance but the higher seating area and huge nose catches heaps of wind. It got very annoying every time Steve or Dave farted, it would spin me around.

I don't regret getting rid of mine at all.

Never paddled a Camden so can't comment on it.
Title: Re: Coosa or Camden
Post by: Jonno on July 27, 2012, 05:50:31 PM
Thanks guys
Just the sort of info I was after I think I might have made my mind up
Is there anywhere where u can test paddle a Camden

Thanks Jonno
Title: Re: Coosa or Camden
Post by: Sweetwater on July 27, 2012, 10:49:46 PM
Thanks guys
Just the sort of info I was after I think I might have made my mind up
Is there anywhere where u can test paddle a Camden

Thanks Jonno

Wivenhoe Kayak Comp in September.  :youbeauty
Title: Re: Coosa or Camden
Post by: Jonno on July 29, 2012, 06:36:37 PM
Cheers thanks for the help