any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

[rentprop1]

I'm most interested in eight capacity, I just over 400 and about 6'04", big in the chest and shoulders...lol well ok, I have a big gut too

I've been calling around rental shops in my area and not many have any for me to try-out, most have a weight cap of 250, I have been looking around paddling.net and getting what info I can, but anyone know a brand that has a higher weight cap and will not break my wallet ?? post up any manufacturers you know of ...thanks

I'm mostly talking about sit on top ocean kayaks just to paddle around the bay and creeks, nothing like white water for this beginner

BTW, I checked into Malibu x-factor, anyone know good or bad about them

 

[df909]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

I have a Hobie Mirage Outback and it has a 400lb rating. I'm right around 250lbs and used to take both of my boys out with me at the same time. All together we had about 375lbs on and it did great. As long as they didn't lean over at the same time we were fine. It's very stable & is meant for fishing or hunting or whatever. I love mine and have had it in calm water and in 3-4' swells.

Here's their website: http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/models_outback.html

 

[rentprop1]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

I'm just wondering if the posted weight cap is a liability thing, several people have told me the difference you sit in relation to the water is not affected that much if over loaded, I don't know if that's true or not, I've never got in one, a buddy has a 250 lbs one I might get in in my pool and see what happens

 

[Lrider]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

http://www.cobrakayaks.com/fishndive.html

600 # open top so you will fit

 

[df909]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

They won't sit a heck of alot deeper if you're overloaded a bit. They won't quite be as stable as the weight is on top of the kayak, but you can learn to balance on it. You'd notice it more in rougher water as you'll get more splash over the bow.

I like the Hobie I mentioned because it's got the Mirage drive system. You can pedal similar to a bike and it has penguin like flippers on the bottom the propel the kayak. I upgraded my seat for more comfort and better back support, so I can just lean back and cruise along. I have really big legs, so I can go forever on my Hobie. I've also gone trolling...just hold a pole to the side and pedal along.

Whatever you get, make sure the area you sit is wide enough, is comfortable, and has a place to place your feet so you can push down and have a stable place to brace yourself. You might be sitting in it for a couple of hours, so make sure it's comfy.

 

[thompy]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

i sold a oldtown tandom voyager where you can move the front seat to the middle , i really liked it, im 300 lbs it was rated for 600 or 650 lbs with an open cockpit, nice for fishing, sold it because the wife didnt want to spend the money for 2 more kayaks for the hole family, i sold it for a motor for this

 

[commander315]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

I have have 4 Ocean (Sit on top) kayaks that i bought over the years. They're awesome!! Priced right, fast, and great for beginners due to their stability. I tried to kayak in a regular kayak with a skirt and everything, and that was interesting due to being used to the stability of the Ocean for 2 yrs. I would definitely go ocean, especially if your a beginner

 

[rentprop1]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

Whatever you get, make sure the area you sit is wide enough.

true, I'm finding out that's gonna be a major deciding factor as well as weight cap...one of the ones I really likes is tight on the hip area

don't some models have the side area next to the seat wider or smoothed out so you can stand and fish ??

 

[df909]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

There's one model that I know of that you can stand on- it's a Hobie also, but I don't know the model. I'd say 99.9% of kayaks aren't made for standing on but it'd be pretty fun watching someome try. Although mine is pretty wide, I'd be swimming pretty quick of I stood.

 

[rentprop1]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

I have begun to look at tandems that allow for a seat in the middle, went to a few different canoe-kayak shops and those that claim a higher wight cap are still junk.......soft material, on most models I have seen

somehow I thought paddling.net would have been more help, we really need a canoe-kayak section on here

 

[marlboro180]

Re: any kayak guys that can help a big guy pick out a good one

How about something like this?? Copied link from my favorite paddling gear shop It is a Manta Ray, they are pretty nice to paddle. Wide , comfy seat too.
http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1365796