Float tubes or kayaks for heavy guys?

[SuperVehicle001]

I'm looking for an affordable float tube or kayak that can seat a heavy guy like me. I figured fishing from a kayak or float would be a great way to exercise but most the floats and kayaks I've seen max out at 325lbs which is how much I weigh. Also, I drive a Honda Fit so I don't have the ability to tow a kayak trailer. There are strap systems for my car though so I could make that work maybe.

Any advice?

[HeavyDluxe]

I cartop a Wilderness Systems Ride 115 on a Toyota Corolla... There's no reason you can't do it on a Fit (not sure if it comes with racks standard or not) with a kit like this:

http://www.seattlesportsco.com/car-top/block-kits/riversider-universal-kayak-carrier-kit.html

 

Any shop that sells kayaks (EMS, Dicks, etc) will have these kits - and for way less than is on that site.  You can invest more (roof racks, J-cradles, etc) but you don't need to...

 

As far as boats go, there are TONS of fishing kayaks now that would easily support you and your bring-along gear.  The Ride 115 that I have, for example, is dead stable for me and I'm just a little south of your weight.  I even take our ten year-old riding on the bow with me from time to time and never think twice about bringing our four year-old guy in the same boat.  I think the rated capacity is 450lbs.  So, plenty.

 

I also just paddled a stormy CT river in a regular, 12ft cruising kayak rated for less than my weight.  Once you learn to keep your weight centered - which is admittedly harder when raring into hooksets - you can paddle and be 'safe' in nearly any boat within reason.

 

The market has grown leaps and bounds since I bought my boat, so you'll have to shop... But you should have no problem finding a kayak that will easily get you on the water - even allowing you to stand if you're somewhat graceful with your balance.

 

A couple notes:

None of the big, modern, high-stability kayaks are water-burners. They are slow and tubby for their length. So, think about the kind of water you fish and set your expectations accordingly.

 

Also, PADDLE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN BEFORE YOU BUY.  There is nothing that will tell you more about what you like/don't like, what suits your comfort in terms of stability, etc more than actually putting your butt in the seat of a boat and paddling.  There are demo days for kayak stores all over, so look for those. Or, find a bunch of local kayak anglers and ask if you can go with them.  Most will have a spare boat you can use and will be happy to let you take a couple seconds in the seat of theirs.

 

IF you must buy without paddling, I'd avoid the bargain brands (Pelican, anything from StuffMart, etc) and go with a recognized brand/model... It may not be perfect, and you might be missing a bargain.  But, you'll not have MAJOR regrets, either.

[RPreeb]

20 hours ago, SuperVehicle001 said:

I'm looking for an affordable float tube or kayak that can seat a heavy guy like me. I figured fishing from a kayak or float would be a great way to exercise but most the floats and kayaks I've seen max out at 325lbs which is how much I weigh. Also, I drive a Honda Fit so I don't have the ability to tow a kayak trailer. There are strap systems for my car though so I could make that work maybe.

Any advice?

 

Most 12 foot kayaks that I've looked at will take about 450 lbs.  I'm about 300 lbs too, also with a bad back from whitewater kayaking 35 years ago, so I'm actually planning on getting a 13 foot Old Town Discovery 133 canoe so that I'll have a little more room to stretch out in.  Capacity of the canoe is 800 lbs, dry weight is just 78 lbs.  That way, I can take my wife out in it when she wants to go, but it's plenty small enough for solo too. 

 

As far as transporting, you can do a lot with a little ingenuity.  When I was paddling whitewater, I started out with a '78 Corolla station wagon, and have piled as many as 6 kayaks on top.  You should be able to work out one canoe or kayak.

[Hawghead]

There are lots and lots of kayaks that have a weight capacity in the 400-500 range. As said, these are some darn big, wide boats, but they are also really nice.  

 

Check out perception, Jackson (Cuda HD, Coosa HD, Mayfly, Big Rig), Wilderness, Feel Free.   They aren't cheap though!

[NYWayfarer]

I bought a cheap Swiss Cargo carrier kit from Dick's Sporting Goods when I purchased my kayak. It works for the short trip I have to take to get to water. Anything further I would have to upgrade to something better.

 

You would need something in the 12' range like the Field and Stream Eagle Talon or Shadow Caster they carry 450-500lbs but weigh closer to 100lbs. Car topping will be impossible without help. My Pelican angler kayak carries a max 275lbs and weighs 38lbs so it's easier to car top by myself. Anything heavier would have defeated the purpose of getting on the water easy and solo for me.

[J Francho]

Commander 140 450 lbs.

Prowler Big Game 550-600 lbs.

Malibu Stealth 14 550lbs.

Ultimate FX 15 Solo 600 lbs.

ATAK 140 550 lbs.

Radar 135 475 lbs.

 

DO some research, get some seat time.  There's PLENTY of big guy boats out there.

[HeavyDluxe]

FYI, you can cartop heavy boats without help with a little ingenuity.

 

I, as mentioned before, just use foam blocks for my Ride115 atop my Toyota Corolla...  Rather than try to heave it on the roof, I bought a nice, cushy oversized bathroom mat from StuffMart.  I drape it starting at the roof, then down the rear window to the trunk.  I can wheel my boat close with my homemade carrier, then all I have to do is raise the BOW of the boat up onto the mat.  From there, I can push the boat up from the back, sliding it onto the blocks.

 

Similar to this: 

 

[Bluebasser86]

My Big Game Prowler II is rated to 600 pounds. I take myself (220 pounds), my Golden Retriever (75 pounds), plus my rods and a tackle bag and never feel loaded down. 

[thinkingredneck]

I second the Eagle Talon.  Get a better seat, though.

BTW, having had a float tube spring a leak, I am not a fan.  That was when I lived out West.  With gators, snapping turtles and water moccasins, I ain't that brave.  Don't overlook one man canoes.

[22hertz]

Get a kayak. Most of the places I go I would not even dream of going in a tube.

 

There are plenty out there that hold your weight.

Make sure you get a 'big boy' kayak for the extra butt room in the seating area and bigger seat for long sitting comfort.

Since no one has mentioned it a Wilderness Systems ride 135 might be a good option.

 

I lift my kayak onto the roof rack of my Honda and have it strapped down in 5 minutes. Sometimes I put both my kayak and my brothers kayak on my car and he has done the same on his Honda when we drop off and pick up with different cars.

Your Fit will carry a kayak no problem.

 

[SuperVehicle001]

Well, I've been taking out a Sea Eagle 330 with some success. Now I'm looking to upgrade. I live in a loft style apartment so that limits what I can transport up to my place via the elevator. Already thinking about next year and possible upgrade options.

[Jonathan Dupree]

I just got a Wenonah fisherman canoe. Very stable. I'm 6'5 and 275. Float tube with me in it on louisiana waters is alligator bait! ????