Best Kayak for a Big Guy or Girl: Top 8 Kayaks for a Heavy Person

]If you’re on the taller or bigger side and love to kayak, then at some point you’ve been there.

You’re trying to squeeze into a boat that was made for someone much smaller than you and all you want is to know what the best kayaks for big and tall people are.

You don’t have to care about finding a sturdy kayak any longer.

No matter your body type, in this article we’ll cover the greatest kayak for a big guy and the best kayak for tall guys.

But fear not, whether you‘re a Chunky Monkey, the Baroness of Bulk or Lurch’s taller yet better-looking brother we have the ultimate guide to help you find the best kayaks for a big guy or girls!

This guide will clarify the key design features to consider when buying Kayak for larger paddlers, both big and tall.  As well as, make recommendations on the best kayaks for a big guy or girl. You will soon be the king or queen of plus-size kayaking.

Oh and remember, fat people float better….built-in Personal Flotation Device…..right?

Chunky but funky!

Let’s get started.

1. Best Sit-On-Top Kayak For a Big Guy (400 Lb Capacity): Repository: A. T. A. K 120

Let’s be honest: The ATAK 120 is not an affordable kayak and it it quite expensive. Moreover, it becomes a bestseller and its sales are consummated in a very short time… I do not know whether it will be still possible to purchase it when you read this.

I think that is explained well enough now that I have given a disclaimer for it.

The following wonder about the differentiation that makes the ATAK 120 as the best kayak for a big guy in detail.

Well, first of all: It is important to mention, that introduced technologies and resources should produce stability. Carrying the same great stability as the longer sibling of the ATAK family (ATAK 140), the ATAK 120 is a truly remarkable rifle.

To summarize, the stability of this fishing kayak is truly exceptional; people as colossal as those, who weigh 250 pounds, can stroll on this boat like on solid ground and are keen on still-water standing fishing. Indeed, if you want to capsize you will have to jump overboard because this baby will not turn. Ever.

But I bet you have no idea what negative effects stability has.

Yeah… typically, the most stable boats kinda… wander around the water and speak about tracking…However, in this instance… the fact that the ATAK 120 is not an inexpensive vehicle is also; rather, it is incredibly swift. And it manoeuvres even better than $4K+ boats like the Hobie PA with which I have to make sure the nose is in the right direction lest a wave arrive and throw me all over the place.

Even when they are gusting at 15-20 mph I do not lose my balance. The kayak even remains steady if i don’t move. This means you can take it confidently on lakes and other large bodies of water and you will not be in any trouble if the wind rises while you are out deep in the water.

Technical Specs

• Unbeatable stability for big guys
• Impressive tracking and speed
• 400 lb load capacity
• Great storage space

2. Best Fishing Kayak For a Big Guy (500 Lb Capacity): Old Town Sportsman 120

If you’ve been with me in my previous posts… then you know I am fond of Sportsman 120, particularly for big-built men.
SIMILAR to the ATAK 120, the Old Town Sportsman 120 is accustomed and enables one to stand and cast comfortably. It is even more perfect than ATAK 120 for the big fellows who weigh more than 300-350 lb due to an additional 100 lb capacity which reaches 500 lb.

Once again, this kayak is not cheap, but that is true for most High-Performance sit-on-top kayak models, and along with that, you get a decent top speed (mine is around 3 mph cruising).
However, the degree of freedom available in the Sportsman 120 model is that this boat can be ordered with various additional features.
On this fishing kayak, you get; three-rod holders, two gear tracks, ample room to stand and manoeuvre within the cockpit, horizontal rod stagers, a universal transducer mount, a central console to add a fish finder or GPS and many other features.

Technical Specs

• The catch is that the retaining of a fishing kayak is one of the most stalwart among all sorts of kayaks.
• Pallet capacities can vary but the most common pallet capacity I found in some of the related articles and used in real life is 500 lb load capacity.
• Numerous features of fishing
• Narrow waterways can be managed due to good manoeuvrability.

3. Best Plus Size Kayak On A Budget: Pelican Catch Mode 110

Let’s summarize that the examined sewing machine, namely the Pelican Catch Mode 110 will not leave you mesmerized. However, at that given price brace, you will not get any kayak that will do all of that.

What you get instead is a solid, stable, and long-lasting kayak that is also very responsive and very versatile all under one non-high price range. As for that, this boat is considerably slower than the ATAK and many times slower than the Sportsman 120.

It did a good job of keeping the pace and you get many accessories that very often are not included at this cost, such as gear tracks, comfortable seats, paddle holders, rod holders, etc.

Some of the options that are particularly important for a larger and taller person include the adjustability of the foot braces and there is even a sealed storage compartment for your more fragile items.

The kayak is very stable and other paddlers, those up to 200 pounds, can stand on the kayak to target fish or simply to stand and stretch.

At least in sum, my assessment of the options would be that unless the Sportsman 120 is out of the question, the Catch Mode 110 offers the closest approximation of the concept of stability, comfort, and enhanced features. Just do not be surprised by having to row a little extra to be able to reach the specific points.

Technical Specs

• Cozy position for largeulent people
• Big wheel (34-inches) that allows for necessary stability
• Maximum load that can be transported is 375 pounds.
• Very affordable, this kayak is ideal for large size persons.

4. Best Inflatable Kayak for Big and Tall Guys: Sea Eagle 370 Pro

For a low-cost inflatable kayak with a small footprint when deflated we have the Sea Eagle 370 Pro; it is only tandem inflatable kayak on this list.

This is large for an inflatable, stretching to 12. 5 feet long while featuring a colossal weight of up to 650 pounds. So, based on size, it accommodates two or three individuals at most.

It does not track as well as newer recreational models, but it has three air chambers and a 34-inch beam for a good amount of stability and construction for its cost.

As the design is best utilized on the calm water of a lake or a slow-moving river, a pair of skegs is provided that can help give it some track in case there is a slight breeze or waves.

 Technical Specs

• A very large inflatable kayak – can be considered the largest one – with a very high weight limit.
• WHY IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR WATER OR DYNAMIC OCEANS
• It one of the highest-rated inflatable kayaks on the market today.
• It is equipped with paddles, a pump, a repair kit together with a carrying bag.

5. Best Sit-In Kayak For a Big Guy : Wilderness Systems Pungo 125

Crafted with an ultra-large cockpit of 57 inches in length, Wilderness Systems has made a wonderful kayak keeping long-legged as well as big-framed paddlers in mind.

The Pungo 125 also has an additional six inches of leg space and the seating changes according to one’s comfort.

To this, there is conveniently a removable console in front of the seat together with thigh pads; one couldn’t have asked for a better-designed boat.

A large amount of storage can be seen in bow and stern storage hatches, and additional bungee cord webbing and though the maximum weight of 425 pounds of the kayak should enable some weekend cruises.

Slightly less wide than some other kayaks on this list at 29 inches, it should be enough stability for even the larger framed individuals.

Technical Specs

•     In the centre console, there are impressions for cup holders, fishing gear, or cameras.
•     Customers find foot and knee braces comfortable to wear because they can adjust the product to fit perfectly.
• Good insertion of solids and tracking element

6. Best Touring Kayak For a Big Guy : Old Town Loon 126

It is constructed with a bow and stern compartment for the storage of lots of gears; it is suitable for any sized paddler along with its gears.

Of course, if you so wish you can also utilize the space for a miniature ‘second person’ or even your dog in case you desire company.

Similar also to the Pungo 125, there is a ‘work deck’ option which drops down to offer extra space while loading or unloading the boat and more storage space. They have gone further to provide a USB charging port for devices, that was a delightful surprise.

The seat is very comfortable which is always a plus on long paddling and, the wheeled seat back moves for a while when paddling.

They are best used in flat water; I would not hesitate to use it on the sea as long as the prediction shows good weather.

 Technical Specs

• A kayak meant for big guys that have a high weight capacity.
• A very open design especially for bigger shapers and camper-shaped individuals.
• Lge concrete is watertight sounding; Large substantial watertight transom hatch

7. Best Whitewater Kayak For Big And Tall Guys (300 Lb Capacity): Jackson Zen 3.0

Selecting a proper whitewater kayak is always not easy more so for big and tall persons. The majority of them sit inside kayaks with slim cockpits to enable easy negotiation of the waves in the water. However, Jackson Kayak is an exceptional case that can be considered to follow the best practices and characteristics of both worlds.

It also can support 280 pounds due to the built-in wheel joints and push handle on the Jackson Zen 3. Small: 0 can fit most paddlers and their day equipment.

Like anyone would expect from a premium whitewater kayak, the seat is fully adjustable, and indeed very comfortable even when the trip lasts for hours.

As importantly and on the same note, the operational capacity of 390L keeps the boat buoyant, something that is quite crucial in class III+ whitewater.

Last but not least, this whitewater kayak for a big guy  is currently listed and discounted by 25 per cent on Backcountry and therefore, crowned the best value till it runs out of stock.

 Technical Specs

• It can run class IV whitewater.
• Superb 300-pound carriage for a recreational kayak especially for the white water.
• Lightweight: This equipment can easily be carried, it is only 50lb.

8. Best Whitewater Kayak For Big And Tall Guys ‎(550 lb Capacity): Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130

The Sea Ghost 130 from Vibe Kayaks can be fitted with a simple term as being the mountain goat of the Kayak family. This stable intermediate, Kayak is just as comfortable paddling across the ocean or through the river or even across a lake.

It comes with a whopping 550 lb weight capacity making it a sit-on-top than for the largest of Paddlers. They equally leave a good reserve space for any fishing gear that they intend to take along. However, we recommend that the total weight that should be inserted into the chair is no more than 390lb since the company wants it to be very fast and reliable.

Originally designed for the fishing market it its all-round versatility makes it much more than ‘Just a Fishing Kayak’. Its smart and ergonomic hull design makes sure it’s very stable in the water but also very fast and very Nip.

A further determined by the toe control and a drop-down rudder help Sea Ghost to maintain a straight path. Interestingly, it they do help, especially during a windy day, or whenever there is a strong current in the water. The least fit of Paddlers would not find it hard to manoeuvre this Kayak through the water.

But! …. Everything stated and described above has its price and although it is not necessarily cheap the price is not going to dequeue anyone either.

However, I do not want this review to be as biased as possible so below are the imperfections of the Sea Ghost.

 Technical Specs

• Weight: ‎75 lb
• Width: ‎33″
• Weight Capacity: ‎weight capacity restrictions to 550 lbs.
• Length: ‎13 foot
• Material:  PVC

Planning to Buy the Best Kayak for the Larger Person – What to Look For

Buy a large and a wide kayak.

Of course, you can study all the characteristics of a kayak model and read some target customers’ feedback from big and tall kayakers, but it will be much better to sit in your potential kayak before opting for the purchase.
If you can, go to your perspective model in store and try it on for size remembering it will be harder to get in and out of while out on the water.

As a rule, main dimensions such as length are directly proportional to the amount of leg space which is provided in most cases. This can however, depend on the style of your boat (sit-in, sit-on, etc). When evaluating the sit-inside kayak you need to look at the cockpit size and that the kayak has moveable foot pegs and back rest.

Looking at some boats some are raised with a higher deck which allows the paddler to accommodate large feet. This is especially important if the boat has a rudder that is operated by foot pedals meaning that the person operating it will be seated in front of the left kayak.

Last, ensure that you have the correct information concerning the weight of the boat in case it has to be loaded. This pertains to the total loaded weight that the big man kayak is capable to handling or support besides the paddler.
When a big man kayak is overloaded, the kayak settles low on the water, and thus, is slower and less responsive to commands. Stability is also affected and can be reversed in such a way that capsizing becomes easier.

How To Choose Among Different Types Of Kayaks

To help you understand how to choose a proper type of kayak, it is vital to comprehend the differences between them first.

Now you know that it is time to decide what sort of paddling you are going to engage in or what sort of kayak is going to suit you best.

Therefore, if most of your canoeing will be done at relaxed gentle sweet water lakes on bright summer days then certainly there are lighter and cheaper plastic or inflatable kayaks that you could go for. These are convenient to transport and use in storage and are relatively cheaper in the market.

You can plan to take your family and or dog with you and ensure that the kayak can accommodate other passengers and the material used is strong enough to prevent the dog from scratching it with his nails.

If your paddling activity also entails some more challenging expeditions, then you will most likely have to procure a higher-end kayak.

There are reasons in deliberation of which types of kayaks are really worth the extra money because downs and actual higher-end fishing kayaks come with a huge amount of customization and feature fishing rod holders.

Similar thing could be said about multi-day or ‘touring’ trips. Additional storage space is essential and a keel as long as possible and the hull dimension should be the slim as possible so that it will be easier for paddling.

See to it that your touring kayak has a comfortable seat that has adjustable feet pedals and the seat should also have thigh braces to make the long day paddling fuller.

Sit-In Vs. Sit-On-Top Kayaks For A Big Guy

Some of the distinctions include The two major types of kayak design, there are several differences between the two models.

Sit-in kayaks have a section known as the cockpit in which the paddler sits and this part covers up for the legs and lower part of the torso. This makes them good in wet or cold environment where the cockpit can be enclosed by a spray skirt.

Sit-in the kayaks are again more balanced since your body mass is located inside the boat’s hull and thus, their design can be sleeker, faster, and resistant to wind and waves. For this reason they are preferred for longer cruises or any other trips that require a better performing ship.

A sit-on top kayak offers the paddler more space since there is no specific cockpit hole that the paddler has to be fitted into as is the case with a sit-inside kayak. You can never shield you from splashing waves/rain and for this, sit-on-top kayaks offers are placed higher from the water.

They can also make them less stable; however, to alleviate this sit-on-top boats are generally more beamy to improve the stability. This does not in any way mean that there are no efficient kayaks in the market today. Most Large angling models fall under this category and can be moved at a decent speed with loads of storage space. This is the case with most leisure and general-purpose kayaks or those for beginners.

Something about kayaking I appreciate is that it is one of the most flexible sport about the kind of persons interested in it. Just because someone is slightly bigger than the average person does not mean they cannot kayak, in fact, they can and should. What is actually meant is you get to choose a way cooler kayak.

From the above reviews, you can see there are many kayak for the big guy or gals,’ which serves their additional requirements such as high weight capabilities, additional cushioning, additional support, ease of getting on or off the stroller.

So the question of what the best kayaks for a big guy or girls is the type of kayak, your budget and purpose you wish to put the kayak into.

However, if you forced me to select just one, and I had a gun to my head, I would have to go with the Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130. In sum, fishing kayaks are in principle not a problem for large men – pun not intended. The Sea Ghost however has the desired balance of; cheap price, heavy carrying capacity, comfort and stability.

And it’s a fishing kayak which means I have a perfectly good reason to sit on a lake cup of beer in my hand. Well, thy might be sound more like reasoning out loud!