Reset Poll: Big guy looking for feedback on kayak choices

update: removed "stand up" requirement

I'm looking for feedback on which kayaks ...

1) Have good/excellent surf entry/exit
2) Is the Hobie drive REALLY worth extra cost?  (Mainly for holding patterns while fishing.)

Are there other kayaks which I may have left off the above poll?

Thanks in advance!

-Mike

Ocean Kayak Big Game
Ocean Kayak Trident
Cobra Fish and Dive
Cobra Marauder

If you're really planning to stand up any length of time, I'd look at the Fish n Dive, I think it's the widest one out there, but it's definetly not gonna paddle like some of the others, Good luck

I have a Fish and dive and it's stable but you can't stand in it because it has no flat space. I have a loner X-Factor and it has a flat floor and is much more comfortable and much faster. The F&D turns a little faster but the X-Factor tracks a lot better. Get the Xfactor.

I am not quite as tall as you but I do weigh about the same. If your main purpose involves standing on the yak you will need to get something very wide and stable. The Ocean Kayak Big Game would serve this purpose well. You will give up paddling speed and maneuverability. Your best bet is to take your time and test paddle different styles of kayaks to find the one your comfortable with. 

Monterey Bay Kayaks (MBK) has a Big Game that you can test paddle. Talk to Aaron or Billy. I highly recommend giving Joel "Mooch" a call at Aquans in San Carlos as well (650)593-6060. Very easy shop to get to, off Hwy 101. I know he will take very good care of you.

I paddle Monterey Bay quite a bit. I'll keep an eye out for someone standing out in the middle of the bay 

Good luck
Ben

Ocean Kayak Big Game
Ocean Kayak Trident
Cobra Fish and Dive
Cobra Marauder

Hey Mooch, what happened to your post!

I B 6'6" 235 Lbs.... & lovin' the X-Factor.

Z

I looked at lots of boats last year. At 250+ lbs, I had trouble getting a dry ride in a boat with decent speed. I ended up with an Ocean Kayak p15 Trident, which is just becoming available. So far I love it. Faster than the Big Game. Haven't tried standing up, but they definitely advertise it as an intended use. Haven't done surf yet, but others say the OK line is great for surf. Check it out.

I never got a chance to try the X-Factor, though.

Andy

I would also recommend the X-I am 6-2 215 and love it, best big guy boat ever.  While lots of the boats in this list are also great big guy boats your desire to stand shortens the list considerably.  The flat footwells and initial stability of the X make this choice a no-brainer. 

x-factor is the boat for you. buy it from great white kayak company in ukiah. they installed my fishfinder and did a great job. they know what they are doing.

Big Game or XFactor.  I've owned both and both are big guy standable (at least for my 6'3" 220# pound self).

Or ... get a set of these.  Scotty Stabilizers.



-Allen

I prefer the X-Factor, then again, I have never fished from any of the other boats you listed. It's very comfortable and stable. It's been nicknamed "the couch" for very good reasons.

Good luck on your choice.

CHEERS!

The Tarpon 160 is too narrow to stand on. You'll end up in the water. The OK Big Game is a really nice wide boat. Heavy, too.
Standing on a kayak is always a little sketchy, though. You should test paddle all of the recommended boats and specifically try standing up in them.

One of the reasons I got my T140 was the flat footwells. I do some flyfishing, as well. And wanted the option to sight-cast to rising fish in lakes. I can stand up in it, but only for about 10 seconds. Granted, this was off Breakwater Cove, in Monterey. And I assume it will be easier on a clam lake. But I wouldn't expect to find a kayak that allows for extended standing time. My plan for flyfishing includes casting from my knees (in the flat footwells).

A test-paddle at MBK is a good diea because you can try out a bunch of different kayaks for 20 bucks. And they'll provide a wetsuit, PFD, etc.

Feel free to send me a PM if you want some more info about kayak fishing in this area. Or if you want to try my T140 or Drifter.
Good luck!
PK

Big Game or XFactor.  I've owned both and both are big guy standable (at least for my 6'3" 220# pound self).

Or ... get a set of these.  Scotty Stabilizers.



-Allen

How do those stabilizers attach? To Ram mounts?