I am interested in a SOT kayak. I am a big fellow at 6’ 5" and 325 pounds and I don’t see a whole lot of product for that size range.
I’d appreciate it if any of you larger than average sized fellows could give me some advice or reviews of the boats that you like and why you like them. I’d even consider a solo canoe if somebody has experience with one of those.
I realize that there probably aren’t many people with my exact dimensions floating around on a kayak. I’d appreciate anything a tall person could say about their choice of kayak. If you are 6’ 4" or 6’ 6’ and kayak please chime in even if you are skinny. I figure I can always lose weight!
The Malibu X-Factor is a sit on top that has a weight capacity of 600 lbs, and is said to have great stability. It is reported to paddle well for a kayak of it’s size. The dimensions are 14’ by 33".
Surely someone with a 6’5" frame would have fewer problems paddling a kayak that is 33" wide than the smaller guys around.
Also, with the 600 lb capacity, there might be less of a tendency to sink too deep in the water, causing drag and tougher paddling.
An internet search on the X-Factor would probably produce some good information, iincluding reviews. I’m sure there are other options also.
Take a look at Wilderness Systems Tarpon Series, Pungo Series. Cobra’s Fish-n-Dive, or Ocean Kayak’s The Ride. Also the Prowler and the Drifter (can’t remember manufacturers). Good luck with the searching!
I’d be careful about maximum capacity, if I were you. Most of these kayaks mentioned won’t perform well when they’re loaded to the maximum capacity. When loaded that heavily they usually ride quite low in the water, increasing the effort needed to paddle them and increasing the wetness of the ride. At your size, I’d look at SOT’s with a max capacity of at least 400 pounds.
And although you’ve probably head it already… try before you buy. Do a demo paddle if at all possible.
Howdy. You can easily find the right kayak if you do a little research. Right off the bat, The Ocean Kayak Malibu 2 XL comes to mind. A patented feature of that kayak is that the seating can be configured for one or two paddlers. And beacuse it is a two place hull, there is a lot of room and it is stable. As I recall, the M2’s solo paddling position is in the center of the boat. The leg and foot position accommodates this nicely. Thier Prowler anf the Big Game model serve saltwater anglers well too.
Of course which ever kayak you choose, having an ergo seat will make or break your experience. I use a “Surf to Summit” brand fishing seat which has Lumbar support and rod holders too.
Here is a link to a Sit On Top Kayak Buyer’s Guide that should keep you busy for a while.
Lastly- I suggest ordering and waiting for the right kayak. Do not fall for a sale on a different model, or settle for one in the shop you go to on impulse. These boats can be shipped anywhere. Test driving is ideal. Otherwise-go by the specs and referals by fellow anglers and have one shipped to your door!.
Avelon, please e-mail me and I can put you in contact with a 6’8" fellow who is at least that big who retails kayaks and will willingly share his opinions without trying to sell you anything. Used do be PR guy for Winonnah Canoes in a previous job and now is a tourism coordinator. He sells stuff on the side. e-mail is jsjawhite@yahoo.com
I’m only 6’2" and cough… 300 lbs give or take a full ounce… and I use a Hobie Outback…not cheap…but VERY stable…as I…well I should not reveal this…but…I am (not) much of a swimmer… But have no fears while in my yak…Picked it up at the place Eric…Nighthawk… has linked above…as a demo model…Never seen the water…but still shaved a good chunk off the price… They’ll be happy to help you out…and prolly more than willing to allow you to try before you buy…or rent the one you think best suited to you for the day, Prior to you buying…
If you go into their site…You can click the Bargain Canoes or Yak’s and they have an extensive list of used,rented,Blem. Etc… Yaks with details and prices listed…that’s how I found my outback…there are still several Hobie’s listed…Hope you find the boat for you.
Ok upon checking they have listed (2)
Hobie Mirage Adventures
1 Sand Color the other Papaya
16’ lenth
27.5 " Beam
450 Lb. Capacity
They both come with The Mirage Pedal Drive…Very nice…checkout the Hobie site for details…and Video of the “Tug O War”…Sold me on Hobie…and the need for the Mirage Drive system …
Rudder,Seatback, and Paddle…
Both listed as new…and on sale for $1,499
Retail price is $1,699
This would be 4 ft longer than my boat…and Prolly that much more stable…There are many others listed…
One thing…I’d look to stay on the wider side in Beam width…For me…I was not willing to look at anything under 26in wide…but…then the wider you go the slower the boat is said to be…so thats something you’ll have to judge for yourself…
I got your e-mail and I’ll probably try to get ahold of him over the weekend after I have a bit more time to view the reviews that were posted and formulate some decent questions to ask of him.
I appreciate your help and I will definitely get ahold of him though.
I’m about your weight but a bit shorter (take a look at my user name!)and fish a Malibu X-Factor. It’s likely not the fastest yak out there but it has a huge weight capacity and it’s stable as a slab.
Do you use your X-Factor primarily on flat water or moving water?
I want to be able to do both and I am a little concerned about the handling in current. I won’t be running any really heavy water with it, but I will have to avoid some rock chutes and stuff like that.
I fished the South Llano here in Texas in May and while it isn’t exactly white water it does have some chutes and such that you have to deal with. I didn’t have any problem with the yak, I guess I’m getting middle aged and fragile minded so I bailed several times and waded through or around before I really probably had to. It’s not a white water yak by any stretch of the imagination but it’s likely to handle anything you might fish.
The only thing I would say is that it’s not the fastest boat out there nor is it likely the easiest paddle. All that weight capacity and stability come with a price. The other (minor)issue is don’t believe the published empty weight, it’s pretty “optimistic”. I originally had my welder build me a set of racks similar to builders racks to fit my pickup, after one trip I added a receiver hitch and bed extender from Harbor Freight so that I could carry it in the truck bed due to the weight. If you’ll go over to www.texaskayakfisherman.com there is alot of yak info to be had on the “X” as well as other makes and models.
