Reset Poll: Big guy looking for feedback on kayak choices

How do those stabilizers attach? To Ram mounts?

They're made by Scotty and mount to any standard Scotty mount point.

-Allen

Excellent responses, thank you everyone!

"Standing up" is not really needed but it may be a nice option at times. 

How many responses would change (if people recheck this thread) if the "standing up" requirement was removed?

Also, is the Hobie drive system worth having, or more of a "I wanna bicycle on the water/gimmick"?  It seems interesting mostly for the "I can fish one spot and hold there," but a drift anchor/conventional anchor helps mitigate that as well.

Thoughts?

Thanks again to everyone who's piped up - I'm reading up right now on some of the other options which were suggested.

-Mike

Your options soar when you remove the stand up requirement. I still recommend test paddling several different kayaks. Be sure to try the Trident by Ocean Kayak (flat footwells). The Wilderness Systems Tarpons have flat footwells as well. I'm sure you will prefer this type of footwell if you plan to stand or kneel at times. All of the Kayaks mentioned: X-Factor, Cobra Fish and Dive, Cobra Marauder, O/C Big Game are all high quality. It's what your most compfortable paddling that counts. Once you decide, I highly recommend taking a basic safety/paddling class. 

Regards,
Ben

 

Im 5' 11' 270 with a tarpon 160i.  I choose it after testing the older double hatched 160.  I like the older one because it was drier than the prowler 15.  I figured how different could the two be with the addition of an i? 

Imagine my surprise when the 160i was a real wet ride at my size.  Its easy to paddle, fast and tracks well.  Stability is not the greatest and I spend most of my fishing time dangling my legs in the water.  Once you do that, its a rock. 

moral of the story is test the actual kayak before purchase! 

I own an OK Prowler 15, Malibu 2XL and OK trident. I would definitely try the Trident however for standing the Malibu 2XL like the Big Game are the most stable but they are slow and heavy. At any length the Hobies are fast and efficient and provide some real advantages when trolling. I like the upper body workout and enjoy paddling, however, I do occaisionally get some Hobie envy, particularly when paddling into the wind. When you test drive the yaks, be sure to lift them overhead to make sure it is not too heavy.

Scott

Try the Current Designs Altura,
Flat seat and footwells, 32" wide,
Very stable and as fast as my O.K.
Prowler. I am 6-2 and 230 lbs. and
can stand fairly easy in it.
If you would like to give it a try,
PM me and we could meet up someware
Maybe try our luck for Dyno's.
Eric

If you plan to mainly fly fish, I suggest the Hobie Outback because you have both hands free for casting.  They maneuver easily when following the contour of the land, and can stay on one place, even in the wind by pointing into the wind and every now and then, giving a peddle a push.  I’ve never tired to fly fish with an anchor and wouldn’t want to.  The Hobie drive system isn’t a gimmick, and to me, well worth the money.  I’ve had SOTs and SIKs and by far, the best for fly fishing is the Hobie.  I think the Outback is rated at 400 lbs.  I go 290 in my winter weight and with all my gear go well over 300, and there is no problem.  I installed outriggers on mine, but it is mainly for stability when fishing around speedboaters.  Hobies are also great for trolling.  I can go for hours with no effort.  If you will be going in the ocean, I think there are a lot better kayaks than the Hobie.       

  Hi Mike and welcome! I second Grizz.  Do try the Hobie Outback or Revolution for sure.  Hand's free fly fishing and tons of space for gear.  The mirage drive really works; not at all a gimmick.  I have the smaller version of the Outback, the Hobie Sport, (I'm a small guy) and I truly love it.  It works well in surf too, with the mirage drive pulled out, and don't forget that you can also sail it.  Both Grizz and I use outriggers. I can stand up in my Sport with outriggers and rock violently side to side, do casting, and pull up crab pots/rings with no problems at all.

I know Hobies cost more, but the mirage drive is worth it, the quality and thoughtful design of the Hobies is excellent, and their customer service/warranty is amazing.  Buy local for the best customer service and discounts, and look for any leftover '07 demo models for a big discount.  Do not buy pre '07, as '07 was the year of the strengthened drive wells.

Take your time and enjoy trying everything before you buy.   -Matt

im 250 and I think that the hobie mirage drive is well worth it  Being able to have both hands free to fish or do other stuff. plus its great when going into the wind