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Kayak for big guys on budget


Fr. Mark

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Hello All,

 

After seeing the "these are tough" video and looking at price to build, a fuselage frame SOF kayak suddenly seems like a great idea. 

 

However, (there's always a however, isn't there?) I'm between 6'4" or 6'5" tall, 250lbs, 36" inseam/all legs and size 14 feet.

 

As much as I fantasize about a multi-thousand mile expedition to New Orleans on the Mississippi or some such, likely it is going to be afternoons in the boat or other short trips on local lakes, rivers and big creeks.  Maybe the Chesapeake bay, maybe the calm days at Cape May, NJ.

 

I'd like to learn to roll the kayak.  I'd like to have a beautiful, easy to paddle (not slow, fat and stable) kayak that will challenge me/make me happy for a good long while, or put another way, might be a little scary for a beginner but once I get the hang of it, will have excellent performance and  keep me happy long term.  Not looking for a race only boat.  I'm willing to consider I might need a different (second) boat someday to use as a floating photography/painting/fishing platform.

 

Based on that set of information, what boat design(s) do you recommend and why?

 

And, for a 12 year old and a 15 year old what might you recommend?

 

And, for my wife who's 5'5" what might you recommend?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Fr. Mark

 

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Size 14 feet presents the only real problem. VARDO would fit you though and pretty sure Long Shot would too but it might be snug, depending on how you sit in the boat. Normally you splay your feet left and right and point your toes forward, how much is the question. You would need small shoes such as water shoes. Tennis shoes add 2 maybe 3 sizes to your feet. Even with my size 10.5-11 feet I can't get in with shoes on.

Maybe some others will chime in on their experiences too.

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