I’m out in central WA, with nothing nearby for trying stuff out. Nearest is ~3.5hr drive to Seattle area, but would want some idea before making the trip, and having to buy a roof rack to fit.
I got my first touring kayak for a steal in the past month (couldn’t pass up over using my neighbor’s rec kayak), a 17’ Tempest, but it is too small for me really, so looking to upgrade to something that actually fits more. The Tempest cockpit is really small for me and even after drilling new seat holes and putting it as far back in the pit as I can my shins still scrape trying to get in, and bruise to hell, when I rolled last week, on exit. My feet are currently bunched up cocked to fit at all.
Googling hasn’t been too helpful on what I woulda thought would be a pretty common list . So does anyone have recommendations/suggestions on sea/touring kayak that will fit?
budget: ~2-3k preferably, but absolutely good getting word on pricier ones to save for if need be
(I expect he hit the 1 instead of the 2 on the key board. ) 6.5 feet tall and 110 pounds seems like a VERY thin man. In fact 220 at 6’ 6" is still rather thin. I am 5.6 and I weigh 185, so I can’t imagine I am 75 pounds heavier then the new member.
hah, actually trying to cut back to 195 atm as let myself get carried away with local bakery a block away…
But yea, tall and lanky. Working on getting into shape to actually be able to do some day trips and also be able to reliably self rescue as I was having trouble practicing the other day.
I have size 14 feet under my 6-1 at 160 lb’s so I appreciate your foot room needs. I paddle a Valley Q boat with just the right amount of toe room for me. I removed the foot braces and put foam on the cockpit side of the front bulkhead for more leg room. That provided some more foot room with my heels now at center line’s height. I have the freedom for feet together or splayed when I need some firm contact. I also paddle with fairly low volume water shoes from NRS. Other used boats that might suit would be an NDK Explorer, Valley Argonaut, P&H models promoted as high volume. Any boat that offers more room comes with more front volume and windage. My Q sits a bit high unless some gear or ballast are in the front hatch.
When you say “Valley Q” is Q the model name? I wasn’t seeing any when I googled just now. I assume older, but trying to find measurements to compare against current offerings or used stuff in my state.
Another data point, an Epic 18X cockpit length may be OK but shoe size 12 max. And watch out for paddling shoes that feature toe bumpers and heel spoilers that make your foot even longer.
. So does anyone have recommendations/suggestions on sea/touring kayak that will fit?
