Best Current Big Man Kayak ?

[ChrisD46]

As an ex-offensive lineman still weighing in at 300 lbs. - I need a kayak with enough weight capacity head room for me and my gear , so I don't resemble a mammoth shallow water jerkbait running below the surface while out on the water !! ...Current research for my needs takes me to the Jackson Big Rig ... Any other comparable recommendations with what the Big Rig offers for those of us tipping the scales at 3+ bills  ? Thanks in advance !!

[Bluebasser86]

I have an Ocean Kayak Big Game Prowler II. It's a few inches shorter than the Big Rig and 2 inches narrower, but says it's rated to 550-600 pounds. Never been close to that but between me and my 70 pound Golden Retriever that normally goes with me, we're pushing 300 if not over that.  The one review on Cabela's website says the user is 6' 3" 350 pounds and has no issues. It's all about comfort though. If possible, try to get somewhere you can sit in a couple different ones or take them on the water. If they're not comfortable to sit in, you're not going to like using it. 

[clayton86]

If allready looking at the big rig look into a wilderness systems ATAK. I put some pretty big guys out on one during a demo event that all loved it. It's rated at 550lb capacity also. 

[flyfisher]

Also look at the hybrid boats as they have a large capacity and are super stable.  The native Ultimates have a nicer seat than the captain's perch on the wildy commanders which for a big guy, I am sure is a priority as well.

[Darren.]

All above are great suggestions.

You definitely want to go to a demo day
at a local dealer, or even just ask if a local
shop has demos for you to try.

Or, if those options aren't available, just
get some sit-in time (if you can) at the store.

This is how I settled on my kayak since I 
wasn't able to demo it on the water. Loved
it ever since.

There are also kayak-specific forums on the
web that could also be of great help.

Here's a link to a thread you may or may not
have already seen regarding this topic:

http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/476421-need-advice-on-buying-a-kayak-for-a-big-man/

Yaks with high weight capacity plus ability to 
stand and fish (quick search):

Jackson Big Rig - 450lbs
Hobie Pro Angler - 500lbs
Wilderness Systems ATAK & Ride - 550lbs
Wilderness Systems Commander - 475lbs
Native Watercraft Slayer 12 - 450lbs
Native Watercraft Ultimate FX 15 - 450lbs 
Ocean Kayak Big Rig - 550-600lbs
Feel Free Lure 13.5 - 500lbs
NuCanoe Frontier - 650lbs

[Turtle135]

take a look at the Wilderness Systems Ride 135 as well

[Quesenek]

As someone also 300lb+ I've been looking at the Ascend H12 due to its seat and more importantly the storage space.

Currently I'm using a sun dolphin journey 12 ss and for what it is, at my weight it is extremely stable but the seat gets uncomfortable after fishing awhile.

[Jim McC]

I love my Nucanoe Frontier 12. The 2 main things that sold me on it is the flat transom(ready for a trolling motor or small gas motor) and very versatile seating. I can use any after market seat I want. They also have a high or low seat base.

[Tracker22]

I own the JK Big Rig. I'm totally comfortable in it. But I'm only 6' 200lb. 

I like the nuance and the atak also.

I think it's best if you take advice from a big guy like yourself.

[ChrisD46]

I apreciate the excellent replies !! One thing I read is that just because a kayak may be rated for 500 lbs. the optimum performance will come from loading yourself and your gear to  between 50% to 75% of total weight rating of the kayak . Anything more than loading beyond 75% of the total weight rating of the kayak and you will sit lower in the water , encounter sluggesh performance , etc. *I may have to push back from the dinner table a bit more with this kayak weight rating in mind !

[clayton86]

Another thing to consider also is the seat on the ATAK can slide back and forth to position yourself in the kayak for best balance. 

[Darren.]

47 minutes ago, clayton86 said:

Another thing to consider also is the seat on the ATAK can slide back and forth to position yourself in the kayak for best balance. 

No doubt a great kayak, but you really should 
mention you are sponsored by Wilderness Systems.

[ChrisD46]

The ATAK would be in my top #3 considerations for sure ...

[GetBent]

I'm a Hobie fan. I would say the pro angler 14 would be a worthy look. They are expensive but fishing all day and not being sore is nice. Before I messed up my shoulder I paddled wilderness. They make a solid product as well. Test them out but put a Hobie Pro Angler on your list. 

[flyfisher]

6 hours ago, clayton86 said:

Another thing to consider also is the seat on the ATAK can slide back and forth to position yourself in the kayak for best balance. 

Balance has nothing to do with weight capacity though and that is more of a kayak version of "trimming" the boat though.  if you are in the boat's top third of overall weight al the moving of the seat isn't going to help.  I weigh about 195 and in the ATAK i get water in the scuppers when standing so i would imagine that an extra 100lbs you would have water at your feet the entire time. 

Just another thing to consider...

[Turkey sandwich]

I just purchased a Lure 13.5. I'm hoping to get it on the water the next few weekends and can hopefully give you a review.  I'm about 6' and 200lbs. Certainly not a giant dude, but I do have a lot of back problems, so stability, space, and seat were some of my biggest concerns.  

[DCBX2]

6'02" 260lbs and been fishing from a Hobie Pro Angler 14 for 4 years, peddling beats paddling any day and very stable.

[T-Rick]

Another Hobie ProAngler 14 guy here. This is my second season with it and really love the yak. Peddling and fishing is so much better than trying to manage a paddle and a rod simultaneously. IMO, they are worth the price. 

[coachjoeNC]

I have the NuCanoe Pursuit... High weight capacity, inernal rod storage, stable, comfortable seat and paddles very well.  

[desmobob]

There are a bunch of great choices available for fishing kayaks these days, with many being large-volume models with high weight capacity.  I believe it is a huge advantage to try before you buy.  Our biggest paddlesports dealer has two annual demo weekends where you can test paddle any model, and my small local canoe/kayak dealer also offers demos.  Why not try out some boats and find out which you prefer?  

I think there is a lot of personal preference involved in picking human-powered machines like canoes, kayaks, bicycles, etc.  Have fun choosing a new boat!

Tight lines,

Bob

[wpwarhawk]

Lots of solid choices here. I'll add a couple Jacksons, the Big Tuna and the Kilroy DT. Both are tandem boats that can be set up solo. 

Also check out Chad Hoovers kayak bassin videos. He's a big boy, as is Chris Funk that does some of the Jackson kayak videos. 

[The Young Gun]

Another Vote for the NuCanoe Pursuit! Sweet boat!

[Rowroy]

 

Check out these guys.  I love them . . . 

http://nativewatercraft.com