Newbie here first time buying a kayak. Looking at sit on top model on marketplace. Found a really good deal on one with 275 lb max weight and i am 215. I keep readying about the 70% rule. Will I be ok? Would adding plugs help?
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First, plugs would not help. Not even sure what you were planning to plug (presumably the scupper holes), but I know they won’t help.
Your weight could work, or maybe not. Depends on some other aspects such as your balance, body weigh distribution, and the like. For example, I am 220 and paddle a sea kayak with a stated capacity of 275. Paddled same boat even when I was over 230. But not everyone is the same - some at similar or lighter) weight to me didn’t fit it…
Test paddle is best. If that isn’t possible, I’d just go for a boat with a higher capacity.
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If you don’t have your mind made up already it may be best to ask about the “Mission Statement” of your kayaking plans. What are the plans now, and what are the potentials for activities later.
There is a saying that is based in fact but hard to embrace that days 'Buy your last kayak first"
The problem with that saying is that few people have an ability to foresee the future and understand what they will do as skills improve. But the foundation for the thought is to get a kayak that is capable of doing things beyond your initial expectation for it’s use.
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What is the boat?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/lifetime-spitfire-10-91172-1752590
I found it on the FB marketplace. It has only been used three times and costs 150. It comes with a life jacket and paddle. I am not looking to go long distance with it just put it in lakes I am camping on to go get better photos (im a photographer). Be about 225-230 with myself and camera gear.
Lifetime (mostly a maker of patio furniture and kiddie pools) is not a great manufacturer. Forget about warranty issues like seat connections or hull seams blowing out, and they are not known for performance including stability and tracking. If you just want a platform for sitting near shore for nature photography and don’t plan to paddle any distance it might suffice. But used boats of somewhat higher quality are usually available on FB marketplace or Craigslist for $200 to $300 at least in my area, if you want something more versatile and reliable. Kayaks from big box hardware stores are not generally a wise buy. We are almost to the end of season when better vendors put their stock on sale and even when rental outfitters sell off their used fleet if cost is a primary concern.
Another advantage of starting with a better brand name boat, even used, is it will have a better resale value if you decide after using it that it doesn’t suit your purposes. If you can be patient and keep searching the used market, there are deals to be have. I have bought half a dozen kayaks and canoes over the years that were worth $1000 to $3000 new but cost me between $100 and $300 – most came with a decent paddle as well as a PFD.
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Given you want to do photography, and cameras don’t like water, I would lean toward a kayak that has a higher capacity so less chance of dunking your gear.
Many photographers find a kayak that has a rudder useful, as you can better maintain your direction without your hands. Using pedal drive kayak also has benefits, as you can propel the kayak hands free. Either of these require much more costly kayaks than the Lifetime.
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