Hello folks,
I'm a great big guy who has recently become infected with the urge to buy my first kayak.
I've taken a handful of lessons, and know that this is a hobby that will last so I'm figuring to buy a good one that will probably be a bit above my level so I can grow into it. I've got a full range of conditions and possibilities at my finger tips from flat water cove based day trips to full ocean expeditions. I figure 80% day trips, with a handful of multi-day a year.

Here's the problem:
6'4", 265 lbs. 35" inseam or so, 41" waist, size 15/49 (US/EU measurement).
So on many of the different rentals I've tried I either a) can not get into the cockpit, b) can not get out of the cockpit during a wet exit, c) can not get my feet into the cockpit during initial entry and especially during a rescue, d) can not get my feet onto the foot pegs, e) sit way too high, f) deck rides flush with sea level, etc.
I need a big, capable, quick, well handling boat that can take a 265lb driver, with zero-to-expedition amounts of loading...
I *think* I've narrowed it down to the following kayaks:

Valley Aquanaut HV
P&H Cetus
P&H Capella 173
Nigel Foster Shadow
Eddyline Night Hawk 17.5

Does anybody have any advice for me on these, or other boats that might be suitable?

Hi fellow big bloke.

I drive a EcoBezhig made by Perception. They have recently changed their name but I am sure you can find them on the www

It is a great a boat for big blokes I hope you can find one.

Cheers Bill

Have you looked at the HV Current Designs Nomad, or Soltice GT Titan? You might also contact NC Kayaks and see if they would custom build a cockpit to fit you. Their boats are pretty much all custom built anyway, so they might do the job. And you won't find a better boat anywhere. Their prices are very competitive. Check em out on the Internet.

Wow, thanks all for the advice!
Due to the close proximity of these boats as well as my impression of the handling it seems to be coming down to either the P&H Cetus or the Explorer HV.
From what I've heard, the Cetus is faster, turns just about as well, has higher primary stability, and a little bit less secondary.
The Explorer HV has low primary, high secondary, is a *great* boat in choppy water, and is pretty much one of the most solid all-around performers.
Am I right? Anyone know anything to help me compare these two models?

My advice about P&H is that you'd better try them on before you get too excited. For that matter, that's true of any boat. They all look good, but looks and fit don't always go together. I was all set to buy a P&H Cappela until I sat in it. There was no room for my legs. My feet were right up against the bulkhead and...well I'm so grateful that that was the case. It got me to looking at other boats and that's how I ended up with my Sirocco.

For a guy of your size, I would think you are going to have to have a pretty big boat. And if you can't get in and out of it without a struggle, you're not going to be happy with it, so be very patient and find the right one.

Performance and handling are also extremely important and until you get to spend quality time in different boats, it's going to be hard to establish a frame of reference.

Above all, don't overlook quality. That is why I mentioned NC Kayaks. They have the quality issue nailed down solid. However, with a guy of your size, the seat may have to be tweaked a little and if you're looking for a boat that turns easily...well they do offer an optional rudder. Good luck.

Delta 18.5
I'm almost as big as you and thats my next sea-kayak.
REI has them sometimes, or try deltakayaks.com
Good luck

I'm 6'5", 240 lbs, size 15 feet. I use a '04 Prijon Kodiak (booties, but not water shoes), and Dagger Specter 15.5 airalite ( water shoes). For rivers, I use a Prijon Yukon and Liquidlogic Remix 79 ( both with water shoes).

Just a further update on boats that fit - NDK Romany XL (wearing water shoes). Wearing booties - P & H Quest, Nordkapp Jubilee, Necky Tesla, Valley Skerray XL

Glad to see you're shopping around and trying them out. You won't be sorry that you took your time. Besides it's fun and interesting. You may find, as I have, that one boat isn't going to be enough. It's great to have at least a few boats to choose from--depending on conditions and other factors. Sometimes my rec. kayak is just the ticket for my day on the water.

I think my next boat is probably going to be my last, so I'm doing a lot of looking. The more I look, the more I'm finding that there is no perfect boat--for me. I'm talking sea kayaks.

Have a look at a Mission Ecobezhig. (formerly Perception Ecobezhig) I don't know if they are available in your part of the world but I am a big bloke like you and this fits like a glove for me.

Cheers

Bill

I would agree with Ben, the Prijon Kodiak is a nice boat, I would sugest looking into that one too as well as the Delta 18.5
What ever you get I hope you enjoy it, happy paddling.

Another boat for big guys is the Impex Assateague. You could easily fit in this boat and it is quite capable of delivering speed and sportiness.

I can second the Delta 18.5. I bought one (18.5 Sport) in November and paddled it a few times. I'm 6 feet and 200+ lbs and 64 yrs old. It is important to try a boat for more than a few minutes. My 18.5 Delta has a hull stiffener that runs down the middle of the hull where my heels would normally sit, limiting the amount of room for my feet under the deck. Someone with size 13 feet could have a real problem fitting and using the gas-padal style rudder control. Buying a kayak is like buying a very expensive suit with little or no alterations. You also have to grow into a boat with increased skill, strength, flexibility and balance. Sitting in it for 2-3 minutes is not like 3-4 hours on the water. Try as many boats as you can and clarify what it is you need and want.

One more bit of advice - you might want to bring someone with you to check that nothing is out of whack with the trim once you have adjusted your seat, and that your waterline is relatively reasonable.

check out the Alantis Titan im looking at one now im 6'1 210 and its great for big paddlers , stable and very well constructed

Ken, if it's not too late, you might want to check out the 1988 Dirigo 17 for sale in Florida--check out the "Unique, Extinct Kayak" thread also under "Boats". The Dirigo was an ideal choice for the larger paddler. You will love the large cockpit.

Try before you buy. Alot of dealers have a limited selection. I too is in the market for a different boat. The current one is a Current Design Titan 2008. I am 6'3", 230 lbs, inseam 34, shoesize 14, hips 45 and 57 yrs old. I've lost 40 lbs already. This makes me too light in the Titan. The reviews in the mag needs to post the hip size, inseam and shoe size. The height of the deck is also important. The higher the deck, the higher ya got to hold up your arms. 86-db@sbcglobal.net

Wilderness Systems Tsunami 175 is a great big bloke boat as well.

How about a HV Solstice with wide base seat which add 3/4" in height if the Titan is to big?

If I was the original poster I would try a CD Titan.

I am 215, 6 foot, 32" inseam and 38" waist and Solstice is great for me with a wide base seat. I am restoring a CD Nomad and putting a wide base seat in it which is easy.