Capacity Rating Reliability

Anybody have any insight into how reliable the capacity ratings are for kayaks. I'm sure it varies between manufacturers. I had asked Hobie Boats about the Outback capacity (340 pounds) and how critical was it for a 250-pound person. (Yes, I know the gear you pack will add to the weight.) The closest I could get a rep to answer my question was that the closer you get to capacity, the more water enters the kayak.

I just spoke to one of the rigging/guiding gurus at my work (Monterey Bay Kayaks) and he said the weight capacities may vary from man. sug. capacity depending on how the load is distributed on/in the kayak and are not necessarily indicators of how the kayak will actually perform under said capacities.Assuming one distributes camping gear throughout the kayak and is paddling on a flat calm lake or bay they might be able to max out the man. sug. capacity reasonably safely.However, if you are trying to launch through the surf with a three gallon water bottle in your bow hatch and nothing in your stern you will be grossly unbalanced and probably capsize despite the fact that you are under the man. sug. capacity.

MBK had a very round 325+lb man rent a kayak from us yesterday who could not stay on top of a Tarpon 120i.After floundering in the surf zone in 4-5 feet of water for twenty minutes, the rental staff finally called him in and gave him a Prowler 15.He got on, paddled off, and had fun.The point here is that while the man's weight did not exceed the capacity of the T120i, his body type,weight distribution, experience level, and paddling conditions made the kayak an impractical choice.

At 250#s you might want a "big guy yak" or your gonna be sitting in a tub of water.  The smaller options would include a T-140 or a P-15.  Bigger yaks to consider would be a Maurader or X-factor.