Kayak for the XXL

Greetings all. This is my first post.

I'm a BIG guy. 6'3' at 300 lbs. I've been looking to get into (figuratively and literally) a kayak. What brands, models are out there for a guy my size? I'm not planning to cross Lake Superior with it. I just want it for a little fishing, exploring and exercise.

Thanks ahead of time,

Kenny Jay

Have a look at a Nimbus Seafarer... it has pretty much the largest cockpit available in a single.

try the bigger old town loons for a rec boat or a current design storm for a sea kayak

Weight can be the same but body types differ, I am 6'2' and 264. My storm is very comfortable for me. It is a great kayak for the money. As far as your WOW is concerned, I always, always storage and transport mine with support under the bulkheads to prevent any dents from occurring. This has taken the frustration out of owning a plastic boat.

Thanks to all who replied. After looking at a few different models and trying out a couple, I decided on an Old Town Loon 138. I know, I know.........it's cheep and plastic. But I think it will do the jobs I want it for. If I do plan to get into kayaking more, then I will look for something a little more substantial.

Kenny Jay

You can buy the Seaward pedals separately and retrofit a CD kayak - I did that with my Solstice. The only catch is that the bolt holes don't line up with the existing ones - not a problem with a composite hull, but a pain with a plastic one like the Storm - you'd have to plug one hole on each side.

RB, I'd definitely buy a solstice if I upgraded, But it would be the GTHV model I think. As far as the rudder peddles, there is much discussion about moving feet with most rudder systems. I happen to have my foot pegs adjusted so that my toes and part of the ball of my foot are on the peddles and my heal is always resting on the floor of the kayak so my foot action is that of the seward system. That works very well.

Ah. Good idea. I really like the Solstice, it was almost a tossup with the Navigator, but it was a bit more roomy, I liked the pedals better, and the seams and combing seemed a bit better. Tiny differences.

Went out from Mooney's Bay to Hunt Club bridge tonight, very nice evening...the cool air brought a warm mist off the water and there was a good breeze.

Keenan

I don't know if I am that big for a kayaker (6' 1' 220lbs), but my friend has a Wilderness Cape Horn that seems pretty roomy. Seems like a nice boat, and it isn't that expensive. I have a Perception Vizcaya and I love it - 3 years of absolute beatings including class 1 and a couple class 2 runs (want to learn to handle your 16' + sea kayak, take it down (or up) a river!). I respectfully disagree about rotomolded boats getting all out of shape - at least in terms of my Vizcaya, the thing is perfect and I have not treated it nice at all. Any way, regarding size don't forget your feet, if anyone has big feet, try out prospective boats with some shoes on - I have size 13 and if I wear flimsy Nike water shoes, I barely have room for the pedals in my Vizcaya. As a result, cold weather kayaking in this boat is out for me.

A lot of kayaks come in 'High Volume' models that have greater depth and therefore greater footroom. My Navigator is the high volume and my size 12s have ample room even though they are towards the end of the cockpit.

What I do have a problem with is my feet falling asleep!

Keenan