Big Man's Rec Kayak

[Minna Ulmer]

Need advice for rec kayak for "big an tall" man 325-350 lbs. Right now he paddles my perception prodigy kayak to fish small lakes. No room to wiggle and real low in the water but he likes it. This is my 20 yo son and I think he would enjoy moving water for rec and fishing with the right boat. I appreciate any advice. Thanks,Minna

[AR-Nimrod]

Minna,

Check out these. We have the 12 Native Manta Ray and really like it, great to fish out of too. The 14 is rated for 375#.

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/boat.cfm?id=26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/boat.cfm?id=27" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/produc ... reational/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.wildernesssystems.com/produc ... reational/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They also come in angler versions.

[ktmusa45]

I have a mango manta ray 12 and would think it would be a great choice. Can haul quite a bit of gear as well. I have entertained getting rid of it. If u wanna try it out give me a shout.

[Al Donaldson]

Minna:

We had a fellow of almost exactly the same size and just could not find any kayak that would both hold him comfortably and not sit too low in the water (it is no fun when your drawing 8" and the water is 6" deep.)

He was quite happy in a Two Brothers Brightwater 14' canoe set up for solo. At 14' long and 36" wide, the boat paddled pretty effortlessly compared to any kayak that he had tried. While I'm usually opposed to paddling canoes with kayak paddles, this boat was the only craft that we found really worked for him.

Regards,

al

[Jim Krueger]

Good suggestion Al! With several solo canoes on the 'for sale page' lately, I thought about this. However, I have a couple of big friends who think they wouldn't be comfortable on their knees. I think with a good saddle/seat, and extra cushy knee pads, they would really enjoy a canoe though.


Best Regards
Jim

P.S. we missed the two of you at Rec. School this year, come down from Iowa when you can!

[Minna Ulmer]

I appreciate all the wonderful info. This will be a big help,to have options.I want to get as much input as possible so keep it coming if there are any more.

[Al Donaldson]

With several solo canoes on the 'for sale page' lately, I thought about this. However, I have a couple of big friends who think they wouldn't be comfortable on their knees. I think with a good saddle/seat, and extra cushy knee pads, they would really enjoy a canoe though.


Best Regards
Jim

P.S. we missed the two of you at Rec. School this year, come down from Iowa when you can!

Jim:

Thanks for the addition, as I failed to mention that the canoe was set up with a seat tailored just for the paddler's size. The seat was positioned for sitting rather than kneeling, so the canoe was essentially just a big kayak without decking.

Ana and I will surely be back down there this coming winter!

al

[Jaytee]

But Al does that mean you'll approve the use of a double bladed paddle in an open boat? :)

[Auston]

Dagger Axis 10.5

[strokin007]

try the new coosa, may work....

[Al Donaldson]

But Al does that mean you'll approve the use of a double bladed paddle in an open boat? :)

Julie:

My approval or the lack of it truly does not matter.

Regards,

al

[Dave Thomas]

I realize that I'm steering away from the original thread topic, but this article from FoxWorx Paddles might be helpful for those open boaters considering a tandem blade for paddling on flat water.

Link to article: http://www.foxworxpaddle.com/using_doub ... canoe.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;