Big man kayak for just under 1000$?

[TriStateBassin106]

Hello Bassresource,

 

The title really says it all, I'm 6'1 and 305 lbs, I plan on attempting to get a kayak that can sustain my weight for some lakes in the backwoods I would like to take it to during the summer that I've caught bass from, I was told of Kayaks like the Hobie series but I simply can't afford that at the moment. any fellow big guys/anglers recommend a kayak for me? My Price range is 700$ - 900$.

 

I look forward to the responses! 

[Hook2Jaw]

This is a tough one. 

 

I would take a look at the Feelfree Moken 12.5 v2.  The original Moken 12.5 paddled well and kept up with Hobie Mirage Drives, I've seen it in action and was impressed with the original.  The only complaint I ever heard was the wet bottom, but now the seat is elevated.  I would call Feelfree and see if the EZ Rider seat is up to the task.

 

I would also look at the 3 Waters Big Fish 120.  I would once again make sure the seat is up to the task.  3 Waters is made by Feelfree.

 

Other options are the Vibe SG130 and the Perception Pescador 120 in that price range. 

[TnRiver46]

A canoe! 

[MN Fisher]

12 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

A canoe! 

[Hook2Jaw]

Begone with your canoes, Googanquoise Indians!  Worse than jetskiers, oaring around in your tubs and ruining all the daggum fishing for the kayaks.

[Fishingmickey]

Feel Free makes some very nice kayaks for the price that come with a good seats! The seat is a serious part that insures your pleasure is focused on fishing whilst on the water. If your butt is aching or you've got no back support it just doesn't become fun after the first hour or two. Another "big man's" kayak to check out is the Diablo amigo. It uses what's called a "Larry" chair for a seat and it is probably one of the most stable kayaks out there.

 

 

https://www.austinkayak.com/Diablo-Amigo-Recreational-Kayak/ACK12734P.html

 

[michaelb]

When you say "some lakes in the backwoods" are you driving right up to these lakes, or does "backwoods" involving carrying the boat some distance (ie portaging, meaning I agree get a canoe). If those lakes are small and so don't have a lot of wind and waves and open water, my sense is that there are lots of kayak options. If you are paddling on big lakes and doing open water crossings, I like the idea of getting a 12'+ boat. I am much smaller than you, and fished for several years in a 10 ft boat (that was undersized for me, a wilderness tarpon 100), but I found that length too short to handle significant waves and too slow to handle strong winds.

[TriStateBassin106]

54 minutes ago, michaelb said:

When you say "some lakes in the backwoods" are you driving right up to these lakes, or does "backwoods" involving carrying the boat some distance (ie portaging, meaning I agree get a canoe). If those lakes are small and so don't have a lot of wind and waves and open water, my sense is that there are lots of kayak options. If you are paddling on big lakes and doing open water crossings, I like the idea of getting a 12'+ boat. I am much smaller than you, and fished for several years in a 10 ft boat (that was undersized for me, a wilderness tarpon 100), but I found that length too short to handle significant waves and too slow to handle strong winds.

Yes, these small lakes are only accessible by walking a trail but there's a parking lot about 100 feet from one of the lakes I plan on fishing so it's not that big of a walk. 

[Nelson Delaney]

I’m 6’1” and 220 or so.  I’ve been using the wilderness system commander 120 for a few years.  I can stand in it comfortably.  Problem is it’s discontinued.  Maybe look for a used one.  

[michaelb]

If you are carrying the boat on a trail to the lake (I assume alone?), then for me, size and weight do matter. It is amazing the difference between carrying a 50lb boat vs. a 75lb boat (it's 50% more; but the weight feels like it goes to infinity). I have portaged trails to a lot of lakes; I am picturing the adirondacks. It is worth thinking about the launch options too. Often there is a not a beach or shore to set up your boat; the bank is steep and rocky and you are looking at a mud flat with a rock or two to stand on. So keeping the boat simple and the gear simple is also important, as well as looking for a boat that can slide into shallow water easily (bigger, flatter generally better); but given your weight you may need to do a wet launch in almost all conditions.

 

If you are buying new and don't have a lot of experience in kayaks, it would be great if you could demo some boats. Are you planning to stand? there are lots of great options with comfy chairs you could sit in; standing may be trickier and take practice and balance. the nucanoe F10 is 39" wide and weighs 62 lbs. The jackson bite is 36" wide and weighs 69 (I like the look of the bite a lot; but have never been on one, and I wonder how comfortable you would be standing on one?).

[HookInMouth]

In the $700-$900 range my interest would be focused on the new Perception Outlaw at $729. Unless you are buying right now, where the Big Fish 120 is $899. Not sure if that's a sale though or not. It's a great big guy boat. 

 

Others to consider in the $999 range would be the Topwater 120 and Diablo Amigo. 

[HookInMouth]

How close are you to the Harrisburg PA area? Shank's Mare has a brand new 2019 Kaku Voodoo for $950. That's a STEAL. Great big guy yak. $250 off. They actually have a lot of deals right now. 

 

Shank's Mare New And Used Kayak Inventory 

[Hawkeye21]

The Pelican Catch 120 can handle a larger person well.  It's light weight yet hold a large capacity.  It's pretty stable too.

[SuperDuty]

I think the Feel Free Moken would be too tippy for a guy your size. The ones I'd look at would be the Bonafide rs117, big fish 120, and the lure 11.5 which can be had on sale for 1k. 

[Boomstick]

I have heard exceptional things about the Old Town Topwater. A local store has one for sale, and I read reviews and people were extremely pleased with it for the price, especially for something stable. And it's well equipped and sit on top too.

 

The 12' model is $999 and the 10.6' is $899. I would suggest looking into those and trying to bump up your budget slightly for the 12' assuming you dont have to carry it too far.