I was going to suggest
checking out the Delta Expedition models as well. The Expedition models have a higher deck versus the Sport models allowing for extra foot room and well as stowage space for kayak camping.
Etain
Regarding your suggestion of the Etain 17-7 for the linebacker type. How did it sit in the water at its suggested 275lb capacity? I’ve been trying to locate an Etain 17-7 RM to demo for some time now and have not been successful. I’m just wondering if its nearly subemerged at that weight or still has room for gear. Sorry to slip this in on someone else’s thread but it’s been a very difficult boat to find any reviews on.
Legs and feet numbness
That needs to be addressed separate from the kayak. This is one option
http://www.redfishkayak.com/seats.htm
While this will take time and space to build it’s a hella big boat.
http://www.pygmyboats.com/boats/borealis-XL-kayak-kit.html
SOT
So is a SOT not a better option for big guys? My hubby is big & we are looking for a kayak for him. We were leaning toward a SOT Perception. We do calm water/slow river trips. Nothing rough, but do want to include fishing.
Nigel Foster Shadow…
I’m 6’3", 240 lbs with size 14 feet, and this boat fits me fine. Paddles well with another 50lbs of gear, so I think it would float you fine.
big guy boat
you could try an NDK romany Excel although I am only 6 foot with size 11,s I found I could wear my flyfishing boots in it with no problems
agree on the solstice
One of my paddling buddies up in Maine, an older guy in his 70s, tall–at least 6’5" about 250 lbs bought a solstice and absolutley loves it. Plenty of room and good stability for him—see if any of your local kayak shops carry this model and if they will let you demo it
I’ve also got size 15
– Last Updated: Mar-05-13 3:15 PM EST –
I'm 6'4" and have size 15 feet too. I'm a bit lighter than you at 195lbs. I tried a bunch of boats and eventually found that the Impex Force 5 fit my feet pretty well and didn't feel too huge. I've since fallen in love with the boat. While I wish I could paddle a more greenland-style, this boat is pretty damn sweet.
Before this I considered an CD Extreme and the biggest Tsunami they made. I never got to demo a TideRace, though they seems like fun.
Delta 15 is a slug . . .
. . . in my opinion.
The Delta 16 is said to be a great boat, but the cockpit wouldn’t fit you.
Current Designs Solstice XL HV or Titan
I’m 6’6", size 14s, 225 lbs
(a good physics problem speciment 1 m tall and 100 kg)
I paddled a Solstice GT XL HV for years. Not the most nimble boat, but a great cargo vessel and fits the big man.
You may be able to fit in a P&H Cetus Classic or HV as well.
Good luck.
D
Wilderness has a great product!
I have a Wilderness pungo 120. The Sunami would be bigger.I am 5’ 9" was 290lbs at my heaviest. The kayak handled my wieght well plus enough gear for a 3 day expidition. The balance is great! secondary is really good! The foot pegs can be set so long that I can’t reach them. I love the boat! It does have a bit of a keel which can be a pain for fast manuvering in a windy river. That would be my only complaint. Stays strait as an arrow on the lake. Givin your size the sunami would be a great fit!
Boreal Nanook
– Last Updated: Mar-18-13 9:43 AM EST –
A local paddler brought in a consignment kayak to my Showroom. It's a 2004 Boreal Nanook that is pristine. With street shoes on sitting in it (typing from the cockpit) my 33" inseam legs are straight out with my size 11 feet toes skyward and with about 2" of clearance to the underside of the deck. Seat is side less and with a very comprehensive back rest that comes up to mid lumbar. Cockpit foaming is about 4" from my shins getting in/out. Forward bulkhead space is waaaaaay down past my feet so padding out and bracing off the bulkhead would work for very long legged paddlers.
Just another option onto the list.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
www.the-river-connection.com
SOT
I’m about 300#, 6’4" with size 15/16 fee and I’ll be forever thankful to the manager at the Sacramento kayak place that recommended the Wilderness Systems RIDE 11.5 (vs the 120 I was going to buy) to me 2 years ago. With 2.5 seasons of river and lake Kayaking behind me now, I couldn’t be happier with this boat. It’s super stable, has a 500# capacity, weighs 75#, and tracks well. I didn’t get it, but you can also get a rudder on this kayak. I cannot recommend it enough!