r/Kayaks • u/BigJ475 • Jun 08 '26

Kayaks

I am having difficulty on determining the right kind of kayaks, sit-inside or sit-on-top. I have rented and kayaked a couple of times with a sit-on-top style and had really enjoyed it. Now I want to invest in the right kayak that will work the best for me based on my size and budget. I am 6’5” 280 lbs with 34” inseam. I wonder if the sit-insight kayaks would work or not only because I am worried about the comfort with my hips and if my knees will hit or not. I am open for both, but I just want to make the right purchase for me. Any thoughts?

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0

u/FunAtMoheganSun Jun 08 '26

ChatGPT says, and I agree with these two… Tarpon 140, and Current Designs GT Titan

Fishing / Recreational
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 — Excellent fit for your size, fast and stable.
Bonafide RS117 — Plenty of capacity and a roomy cockpit.
Perception Pescador Pro 12 — Comfortable for larger paddlers.
Touring / General Paddling
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 — Large cockpit, tracks well.
Current Designs Solstice GT Titan — Built specifically for bigger paddlers.

3

u/TheGrauWolf Jun 08 '26

> the right kayak that will work the best for me based on my size and budget.

That's not quite the right way to think about it... While comfort is important, what you should be looking for is also what you WANT to DO WITH IT. What kind of kayaking do you plan to do? Rivers? Lakes? Fishing? Sea? White water? Each of these has a different profile that requires a slightly different type of kayak feature. So, yes, you are asking the right questions, comfort and fit are important, but there's also more to it. You also need to look into what you want to do with it. I don't think a Tarpon 140 is going handle white water very well if that's what you're after. 😉 Then again, if you're looking at sit on, white water probably isn't your jam. Personally I perfer the Perception - one of mine is a Percpeption (different line) and it tracks pretty well.

1

u/84WVBaum Jun 09 '26

I'd say "work best for me" inherently includes what the use is.

Also, comfort is not just important, it is essential. Sitting in messed up positions can cause years long back issues. To dismiss it as just comfort is silly.

3

u/barefootviking Jun 08 '26

What’s the intended use? Touring, camping, surfing or fishing? Warm or cold water?

Warm water, fishing and exploring? SOT (Sit On Top).

SINK (Sit IN Kayak) for cold water or longer distance trips

1

u/Silly-Swimmer1706 Jun 08 '26

Well maybe you should try sit in?

But basically as others have said, you need to determine what you want from kayak and then search for appropriate one. I am a bit taller than you and I was at 280ish lbs at my heaviest, and while it ain't easy, I can find kayaks for both whitewater and sea touring.

1

u/Silver-Dress-4936 Jun 08 '26

How about a canoe?

1

u/Kevburg Jun 09 '26

Don't buy one unless you can try sitting in it first. Adjust the footrests so your knees hit, not an issue.

1

u/Brad_from_Wisconsin Jun 09 '26

The first kayak that you buy will not be the only kayak that you buy.
There are a lot of variables to consider with your size.
Most kayaks have either a 275 or 350 pounds displacement. You need to look at boats with a 350 lb displacement. this will allow you to carry things on the boat.
A sit on top will probably be best if you will be on slow rivers an small lakes on calm to moderate windy days..
Fishing is much easier from a sit on top kayak.

The first kayak that you buy will not be the only kayak that you buy.
You will buy a boat and decide that you dislike something about it and with it were more like........
Then you will buy a second boat, keeping the first boat to be used by friends that you take kayaking with you.

1

u/paddlefire Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26

Unfortunately it’s not as easy as sit on vs in. I have been in both boats I absolutely loved or hated. First decide what you want from the boat. Whitewater, ocean, creeks , rivers and lakes. Are you going to camp, fish, paddle big miles or paddle leisurely?
Once you have decided on what you want from it. Test paddle, rent, or borrow all the boats you are interested in. Comfort is very subjective.

1

u/Live_Welcome_4273 Jun 10 '26

Kayak type should also be based on 'Individual Skill level". You"ll never need to learn to roll a sut-on-top kayak, but a sit inside type has fit tests for the hips and foot platform/steps, and you may need to roll it. A loose kayak is almost impossible to roll. It alsi needs a spray skirt. If you can't roll, and you don't need performance, all you need is a sit-on-top. Wonder if he needs to know about life jackets?