Thread: Reccomendations for for Kayak for big guy.

I can't speak for the others brands but I have two Wilderness Systems Kayaks a Ride 115X Angler and a Tarpon 100 and have been very happy with them. With the Wilderness Systems unless you need the additional length, and if stability is what you are after, you make want to look at the Ride 115. I believe it is a wider kayak and therefore probably a little more stable.

Good Luck

Yeah I just checked.

115 - 11'6" length & 33" width
135 - 13'6" length & 31'5" width

IMO a slightly shorter but wider kayak would be more stable when on the water. Maybe see if you can test them out somewhere and compare.

Slow Retrieve,
One reason I am looking at the Ride is because you and RR both seem to really like them and feel they are really stable. I watched a few YouTube videos on both the Ride 115 and 135, pretty impressive.

Thanks,
Flintcreek

Nucanoe Frontier 12 is a good option as well.

Might consider a Hobie Outback. Very stable. Mirage drive is great. Costs more than the ones you've mentioned though if that's a consideration.

While not quite your size I am still a pretty large guy and I find the Ride115 to be extremely stable. I have never even once felt nervous or close to flipping it or falling out. Of course I am always pretty cautious and always wear a PFD. The Tarpon100 is only 30' 5" wide so I can tell the difference in the stability from the 115 but it is much lighter and I have a lot of back problems and when I am alone I find it much easier to handle therefore worth the trade off in stability. I use the 115 when I have someone to help me put in/take out. But if you are considering the 135 the the weight shouldn't make a difference for you.

I ordered my 115 from LL bean because I wasn't sure if I would like it and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all their products and I wanted to be able to return it if I used it and didn't like it. Most places wouldn't take returns on kayaks and I didn't want to spend that kind of money and be stuck with something I hated. If you narrow it down to a 115 but aren't convinced you will be satisfied that is a nice option to have.

By coincidence the Nucanoe and Hobie were the two other choices I was originally seriously considering and both seemed like good quality choices as well. In the end for myself weight ended up being a factor when making my final choice as well as I prefer to paddle instead of pedal but I have spoken to people who love to pedal.

I think all three brands are stable. See if you can test them out and see which fits you best.

Jimp I will keep a look out for a Nucanoe 12. Stumpy 04 I would love a Hobie Outback with a Mirage drive, but cost is factor. I may end up buying 3 if I can get the wife and daughter involved daughter has been fishing with me in the boats and canoes, but wife has not been out much in the last few years. I have been watching Craigslist for a good used one.