new Kayak

Hello I'm new to kayaking and Ive only rented half a dozen different models (tarpon and prowler ) mostly, well the time has come for me to purchase a new yak but I find myself in a dilemma
  Here is the problem I'm kinda a big dude 275 at only 5'8 so Ive been trying different ones to include the cobra fishndive and ocean kayak drifter, they are both nice rides and very stable, My main reason for wanting to purchase is to chase salmon later in the year. here is my question is there a faster boat out there with the same stability and load ratings Ive found the cobra to be my favorite but kind of sluggish and I don't know if I can go fast enough long enough to troll for salmon any help would be appreciated

Ive found the cobra to be my favorite but kind of sluggish and I don't know if I can go fast enough long enough to troll for salmon any help would be appreciated

IMO: it all depends on your paddling ability (proper strokes) In general, the longer kayaks are easier to paddle for going the distance. But I know some of the guys down South troll for Yellowtails with their Cobra Fish 'n Dive. Even Howard Mckim - the Alaska Fishing Guide uses the FND from time to time. Have you tried the Cobra Marauder or the Malibu X Factor? Sean / Scwafish sells 'em at:
 http://www.gwkc.com/

Your dimensions are similar to mine And they make allot of big guy kayaks  I Paddle an extreme at the moment it has served me well for about two years another one to look at is the x factor.  If that were around when i bought mine I would have probably bought that instead. 

That said Now that I am more experienced I am looking at some of the sportyer kayaks I wouldn't mind the wet but i would get in a t160 or a prowler for the increased speed and range.

At 275 your choices narrow into the big boy yaks, or your going to have a really wet ride.  Since your 5' 8" I would try a Marader first, and if your dodn't like the footwells, try an X-factor next.  Either can cover plenty of ground in a day.  I have paddled both many miles in a single outing, and then did it again the next day.

Hello I'm new to kayaking and Ive only rented half a dozen different models (tarpon and prowler ) mostly, well the time has come for me to purchase a new yak but I find myself in a dilemma
  Here is the problem I'm kinda a big dude 275 at only 5'8 so Ive been trying different ones to include the cobra fishndive and ocean kayak drifter, they are both nice rides and very stable, My main reason for wanting to purchase is to chase salmon later in the year. here is my question is there a faster boat out there with the same stability and load ratings Ive found the cobra to be my favorite but kind of sluggish and I don't know if I can go fast enough long enough to troll for salmon any help would be appreciated

IMSHO...the FND or even the triple.   I use a FND (and a triple)  and just deal with the slowness...BTW you can even use a motor on the FND...and probably on the triple.

I would not go the Triple route unless you're planning on fishing with a partner regularly.  I have a Triple and I have an XFactor.  I'll take the XFactor any day for single use.  I'm 215# and 6'3, so slightly different dimensions than you, but I probably still qualify for the "big dude" group.  I find the XFactor much faster than the FND and drifter, although I've only demo'd those a couple times.  It's not quite as fast as the "wet butt" boats (Prowler and T160).  But it's plenty fast enough.  It's every bit as stable as any other kayak I've tried.

-Allen

I personally don't consider the T160 a newbie boat.  That's not to say one can't learn quickly.  I'm curious as to others thoughts on what makes a beginner boat.

-Allen

IMO: A wide and shorter kayak would be ideal for a beginners boat - simply because it's more stable and easier to manuever. The Narrow & longer kayaks are for those who are already comfortable and are capable of going the distance.

I would say wider is better for a newbe but not shorter.  The only reason to go with a short boat in my oppinion it if your fishing rivers.  You dont lose any stability from being longer but you gain speed.  Yeah it wonlt turn as easly but newbes in my oppinion dont have any truble turrning they have troble staying straight.

Ah ... but you are not a beginner blue.  I must admit I find the T160 more teetery than other kayaks.  I don't find it objectionable as my formative kayaking years were on whitewater.  But I can see how a beginner kayak fisher could find it hard at first, and perhaps be more prone to tipping.  I'm pretty sure a beginner will not tip an XFactor.  I can't and I try all the time!!!  OK ... maybe they could, but they'd fall off before the thing actually rolled.  Things for a newbie to think about.  I do think within 6 times out, a newbie will be pretty comfortable in almost any fishing kayak they choose.  They'll grow into it.

-Allen

I wasn't selling him short, just letting him know what he might expect.  Some people are fine getting gear that's ahead of them.  Others want to play it safe.  It's a personal preference thing.  Still others will buy something, figure out what they really like, and upgrade in short order to what they really want.  And others will just make due with what they have.  Still others will buy something new every year.

I have a good idea what's best for me.  You have a good idea what's best for you.  I have no clue what is best for a specific newbie, but I can point out things to consider and let them make up their own mind.

-Allen

Thanks for all the info Im still leaning twards the F&D mainly because of stability and all the stuff I can cary. I have heard everyone suggestions and the main reason Im leaning twards the smaller boat is simply length I live in an apartment and my wife would have an elephant if I brought home a 16.1\2 foot triple and hung it in the closet so the 12 foot F&D is my best bet I think, any suggestions on where to pick one up the chapest I found is 1160 fully loaded can anyone beat that or is that the norm thanks again

Not sure what you mean by fully loaded but we sell that boat with plenty of hatches for $975.  A seat is $60.  Let me know if we can help you out.

Scwafish where are you located I will be in Ukiah on friday and saturday maybee I could come by and take a look

Give me a call today and we can set something up.