Necky Manitou
Check out the Manitou. I normally use it on lakes, but have used it near shore in Tampa Bay and the Gulf (2-3 foot chop). Have had it over two years now and no regrets.
Pungo 140 or 120
These are very forgiving boats for folks who are out doing their own thing. You can pull up in a patch of lilies and chill out with your lunch, camera, or even doze off a bit.
The 140 seems to be quicker but both are responsive.
Make sure you get a good paddle - that was the best advise I was given last year. A good paddle has made a lot of difference to my paddling times. Don’t forget to take your old one along just in case.
Cockpit is large enough.
I usually refer to my size as Double extra short and fat and I was able to assume the position you used. Butt in seat and feet and legs out in the Tsunami 125. The Tsunami series is very tame. The best advice anyone can offer though is to demo a couple boats and see if they fit your style. Do some research on basic hull design and that will also help you choose something that will fit you expectations.
Ed
Necky Manitou
I’d vote for one of the shorter necky models. I have a necky gannet for creeking and it’s great for that. It has a skeg to help with tracking on open water. You don’t want a rudder–that will only get in the way of maneuverability on creeks. The gannet isn’t made any more, but I think the zoar is similar. The manitou is a step up in size and tracking for open water, but less maneuverable. Whatever you choose, make sure you try it before you buy it, since each person responds to a boat differently.
Dagger Zydeco
If you’re interested, please see our “products review” for Dagger Zydeco. Since then, have had ours in St. George Sound (saltwater off the coast of panhandle Florida), more lakes and rivers in TN and NC with same fantastic results. Eventually, we plan to purchase a couple of top of the line sea kayaks for longer trips and different types of adventures, but at the present time the Z’s are still doing everything we ask.
Current Designs Kestrel 120
I have one that I use as a twisty river boat but I also take it out on flat water. It’s a nice boat and tracks well. I have the HV model as my intent was for visitors to our cabin to be able to use it as it is very stable and can fit a larger person. It is a little big for me but still paddles very nice. It’s no speedboat (well, compared to my Squall) but it has decent speed for a short rec boat. CD has the regular version which is narrower than the HV and they also have a 14’ Kestrel. I don’t know how easy this boat would be to find used, though.
rec boats
I have both a 12 ft Sundance and a 12 ft loon. They are both great boats for what you describe. The loon is the toughfer (sp?) boat, but the Sundance is faster.
Adventure 139
Any thoughts on the Adventure 139. Favorable reviews on this websited. Seems like something that might work well for me.
Moderately priced. Could get me the couple miles across my bay to a barrier island for some camping with decent tracking / speed and has plenty of capacity. I realize it’s on the long side of the creek boats, but with some practice I should be able to get the turns down.
Any thoughts? Too big?
Kestrel 140
This is an awesome boat. CD does one hell of a job. My Kestrel fits me like a glove and I’m 6’2", 250lbs and I can still carry a ton of gear in the 2 hatches. I’ve had it on lazy rivers, high rivers, classI-II rapids, small lakes, large lakes and everything in between. This is a great starter boat than can do a little of everything.
Back to the Loons…
You won’t find a more stable kayak for just laying back. The 111, 120, or 138 all will work fine for you. The Classic 111 and 138’s older than maybe '05 all have the big cockpit. It tracks great without the need for a rudder, Loons will take chop like a champ, and are available used. As for the Dirigo, there’s not that much difference, some are even Loons rigged for fishing. Found my Loon on a kayak fishing website, paid $300, very clean with only a few oyster reef scratches, the guy used it for bay fishing. Would have prefered the red model he had for another $100, but that was more money and the gray one does fine. A friend uses his for bay fishing with friends that have Pungo’s, another fine rec boat.
dagger catalyst…
very, very nice and affordable rec boat. about 13 feet, 26 inches across, bulkheads and storage. It’s a sit-in boat. I’ll likely get one myself for small, calm water/fishing.
any boat
I think any boat is better than no boat and no substitute for butt-in-boat hours. a Pungo 140 would make a pretty good all around stable-as-a-dock rec boat for all purpose paddling in MILD water, and not too slow either. Adventure 139 would probably do fine. on the Long side? I don’t know, my 16 ft necky is manouverable just fine :). Try a Dagger Blackwater 12,you may like it. I’ve never tried it but sounds like it would do ya good.
Necky Manitou Sport
The wife had a Necky Manitou Sport for over a year and loved it. It had plenty of speed, a generous cockpit size for chillin, was a very stable boat, since we used it for fishing and photo ops in the local reservoir it had to be. We only got rid of it to upgrade to ‘glass Sea Touring Boats and separate SOTs for fishing. We were VERY pleased with the Necky during the time we had it. We both paddle Wilderness System Tarpon 140 Sit on Tops for Fishing, but they are 14’ long and a bit heavy for what you describe, but great boats. My SUGGESTION is find a dealer demo and paddle everything in sight. It’s free and the very best way to find the boat that fits your needs, and avoid the “oh man, I should have bought THAT boat.” Well, you’ll probably do that eventually anyway… we all do… :-)) jim
Cayuga 146
Well, I picked up a brand new Cayuga 146 this morning. Paddled it this evening and I’m pleased.
I narrowed it down to this boat, the Manitou 14 and the Adventure 139. All were about the same price. I just liked the look of the Cayuga more than the other two. The Adventure had some pretty big hips, and the Manitou wasn’t nearly as rigid. I think I made a good move.
I found the initial stability of the Cayuga to be adequate, I’m able to maneuver it fairly well, and the speed is acceptable. While I don’t feel that the boat will really excel in any ONE thing, I think it’s going to do most everything pretty well.
Thank you all for the tips and suggestions. Can’t wait until this weekend!
Zydeco
Have to second this opinion.
We own two of the Zydeco’s, use them on lakes and rivers (no whitewater). They are very easy to manage kayaks, and are very stable.
Newer Zydeco’s also have a bit larger cockpits, so they are easier to get and out of, especially for a beginner.
Dirigo 12’
Recently purchased 2 of these. My husband is not quite as tall as you but I can say there is plenty of leg room. Love the location of the drink holder (also a 2nd one in center front of seat). Seat is comfy; adjustable back support.
The Dirigo tracks well, glides thru boat wake & can take a wave breaking over bow without loosing stability. Most of our paddling is on a lake & we are pleased with its response to boat wakes/wind situations. Weight is 55#. As far as dry compartment, only 1 but fairly good sized. It does stay dry; good seal at bulkhead & easy access hatch.
kestrel 140…
– Last Updated: Jul-19-06 9:49 PM EST –
I second that. I've tried the Manitou, found it a bit sluggish in response.
Went directly into the Hurricane Aquasports Tampico, and loved the hull. Just needed more foot room, which I found in the XL model. Great boat.
Directly after paddling that, I tried the Kestrel 140 by CD. Loved it. For a day tripper with all the bells, whistles, handling, comfort, light weight, stowage, it's worth the money spent.
My wife now has it, and I haven't paddled it since. She's kinda funny that way...
I don't know how it would take large waves, but for a recreational day/weekend, I think it would be hard to beat. You really ought to demo this one.
Sundance is also one to try, I've been impressed with the weight and style of the airlite model, but haven't paddled one.
T
A Used WS Shaman might be good.
I’m not sure when WS stopped making this model but you sometimes see used ones popping up, this website included. It runs 12.5’ x 23" with cockpit dimensions fairly close to the Tsunami, I think. I’ve been very happy with mine since purchasing used 3 years ago.
my advice- get comfortable
Hi- I am by no means an expert but my advice is try some out and find one that feels really good to sit in- comfort is a must - I have had two back surgeries and was thrilled to find that the seats in the Loon and other Old Towns felt really comfy when they had the adustable backs and foot rests. I cant boat in a boat that you sit on a bench with no back support- this sends me screaming for the vicoden…
Hope you find something that fits your body and you have many happy painfree hours on the water!
Janet
I’m about your size
and I went with a Perception America 11.0. I know that some people call it a “girls boat” or a cheap “chain store boat” but they are wrong. I’ve had the expensive boats and this is the best fit for me. It’s easy to carry, has all the features I want (after modifications) and it’s just great.