anybody have one? thoughts, opinions? dont hold back. i am very big (6'5" 260lbs) and am having trouble finding a boat that fits. i have heard that it is a bit of a dog, but i do fit in it well. please share.

Just because you are big, shouldn't mean that you have to settle for a dog. I'm not saying the Tsunami is a dog, because I don't know.

Are you thinking poly, or composite? In any case, there are a lot of boats made to accomodate larger paddlers and some of them use the same hull as those that are made for average sized folks; they just raise the deck a little and maybe enlarge the cockpit.

Keep an open mind and do a lot of looking. Don't get humg up on one model, or one brand. I think there are design features that you should consider as much as how well you fit in a boat. Are you into rudders, skegs, or neither? What type of hatch systems do you prefer? Good looks and style can also be a big part of the deal.

seeing as this is my first real touring boat i am thinking poly. if anyone can offer any thing outside of the tsunami175, the cd storm, i am all ears. i have done a ton of looking, but most of it brings me back to these two boats. i have not paddled the 175, just what i heard from a user. on the other hand i have heard a number of positives about it. also would like a rudder.

xlpdlr,
What are you intending to use this boat for? Exercise, Day Touring, Extended Touring, Flat water, Playing in waves etc. Besides finding a boat that fits you it physically it should also fit your intended use.

Mikekayak

This is a great all around boat for the large paddler.

I have had a Tsunami 145 for a few years, and this year added a 175 Pro to my collection of boats. I love both of the boats.
I have taken the 145 on two full 7-day trips and numerous 4-5 day trips. Rivers and Lake Superior included. I am large, at 6'2" and 270lbs. I fit very comfortable in the larger-bodied Tsunami, but I did move the seats back about 2" (one hole) to make entry/exit easier & to accommodate my legs. The 145 on a weeklong trip along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior handled beautifuly in 3-4' swells, but loaded with my big butt and a week's worth of gear, the 145 was riding pretty low in the water. Thus came the convenient excuse to step up to a 175. I could load two weeks worth of gear and food in it & still have no problems paddling it. The 175 is too long for a river float, so I have kept my 145 as well. When my boys & I paddle, speed is not a concern. If we do 10-15mi a day we're fine. So, I can't really attest to whether the Tsunami is a fast boat, but it paddles easily.

yep,,, what they said! the 175 is basically a 17.5 foot version of the 145. GREAT tracking, plenty of room and the only reason someone might call it a dog is because it is very B I G ! tons of room for a BIG paddler and gear. I work for Confluence Watersports and helped design this boat (along with the size S- Tsunami 160 and size M- Tsunami 165) hope this helps!

steve scherrer