This page helps you find the best kayak for big guys through detailed product reviews and a practical buying guide.
As a big guy myself, I know that I can only really enjoy a kayaking adventure when I'm using a high weight capacity kayak that allows me to navigate the lakes, rivers and oceans comfortably without having to worry about safety.
Though most big guys assume that there aren't huge-capacity kayaks, they are wrong, and I'm going to prove that by reviewing some great high capacity kayaks for heavy people.
We'll also go through how you can find a kayak that can bear huge weight by detailing a number of points for your consideration when buying a kayak for plus-size folks.
In a hurry? Then find your kayak with high weight carrying capacity on the hotlist below:
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 3 Best Kayaks for Big Guys and Heavy People
- 2 What are Kayaks?
- 3 Buying Guide for the Best Kayak for Big Guys
- 4 Best Kayaks for Big Guys with High Weight Limit on the Market
- 4.1 Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10XT Recreational Kayak - 325 lbs weight capacity kayak
- 4.2 Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable - 500 lbs weight capacity kayak
- 4.3 Ocean Kayak Malibu Recreational Kayak - 360 lbs weight capacity kayak
- 4.4 Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak - 250 lbs weight capacity kayak
- 4.5 Airhead Montana 2-Person Inflatable Kayak - 500 lbs weight capacity kayak
- 5 Best Kayak for Big Guys and Heavy People: Conclusion
Top 3 Best Kayaks for Big Guys and Heavy People
- Adjustable Comfort Flex seat with added seat/back padding
- Support Track foot brace system
- Stern Click Seal hatch
- 2 person/ 500 pound capacity, weighs 26 pounds, Suitable for up to Class III whitewater
- 330 Pro Kayak Package features two movable, super comfortable Deluxe Kayak Seats for improved back support and...
- 2 AB30 7 foot 10 inch 4 Part Paddles with asymmetrical blade and aluminum shaft
- Master the waves with ease with the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5's compact, stackable, easy-to-paddle,...
- An AirGo molded-in seat with seat pad and adjustable backrest provides all-day comfort out on the water.
- Packed with features, the Malibu 11.5 includes molded-in foot wells with calf rests for added leg support,...
What are Kayaks?
Kayaks are long water boats designed to withstand many waters and even waves.
Kayaks are usually used for recreational activities such as fishing expeditions, water races or just leisurely paddling for fun because they are stable, agile, spacious and safe small boats.
Why do you need a Kayak for Big Guys with High Weight Capacity?
Kayaks with high weight capacity are suitable for big guys and they have the capacity to hold several people without the danger of capsizing in the water.
Since these kayaks are spacious and long, one can also comfortably carry a lot of gear, a cooler box or even specialised fishing equipment.
Buying Guide for the Best Kayak for Big Guys
Big people always have a fear of capsizing or not being able to fit in regular size kayaks and that is why you need to get a kayak with high weight capacity.
Here are some tips that will help you choose the right kayak for you;
- Weight Capacity:
As a big person you need to feel safe while fishing or kayaking so you need to have a high weigh capacity kayak that will accommodate you and your luggage without capsizing.
A Kayak 500 lb capacity or more is the best for heavy people as it accommodate you and some of your items that you need for fishing.
- Style:
Kayaking is usually fun when it’s a family activity or with your buddies thus you need a kayak that will allow you to accommodate extra people and still have enough space for your gear or maybe even fishing equipment.
There are many designs of kayaks, for one or multiple people, for whitewater river kayaking, for ocean kayaking, or even for fishing. In this post we will focus on the recreational type of kayaks.
Example of a fishing kayak:
A good fishing kayak for big guys like the one shown above should have at least a spacious storage area that can be easily accessed and have a sturdy platform that allows you to cast the line from.
Then there are many other features for fishing kayaks specifically which are outside the scope of this particular article but they sure are plentiful: electric motor, pedal-operated motor, custom tackle boxes, rod holders, fish finder mounting holes, etc.
- Wide Kayak:
Getting in and out should be easy for you if you are a big guy thus you have to consider a wide and large kayak. If you are a large person, you need a wide kayak because they are more stable and minimize the chances of capsizing.
- Material:
Kayaks are made from different materials: some from inflatable plastic, polyethylene and others from fiberglass.
The kayak should be made from strong, durable material that will not puncture easily as sometimes the water can carry you to where there are rocks.
Best Kayaks for Big Guys with High Weight Limit on the Market
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10XT Recreational Kayak - 325 lbs weight capacity kayak
The Vapor 10XT Recreational Kayak by Old Town Canoes & Kayaks is made from high durable plastic (polyethylene) and is high-quality, durable model for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
It has a very comfortable and adjustable Comfort Flex Seat which is well-padded that allows you to paddle for long hours without taking brakes.
Advantages:
- This single-user kayak for big guys has quite a big volume making it stable and efficient for large heavy people. It has a nice design that appeals to the eyes.
- Old Town Vapor 10XT comes with very comfortable thigh and knee pads that protect you from minor injuries.
It has built in carry handles and glide track feet brace system for good fit and control.- This kayak has a large dry storage area at the back deck that is sufficient to hold a small cooler.
Drawbacks:
- Weighing almost 50 lbs, it can be difficult to transport on your own once out of the water.
- Adjustable Comfort Flex seat with added seat/back padding
- Support Track foot brace system
- Stern Click Seal hatch
Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable - 500 lbs weight capacity kayak
Whether you are looking for a good cheap kayak that can carry 2 people, or just looking for a single-user kayak with really high weight limit then you need look no further than the Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak.
Advantages:
- This 500 lbs high weigh capacity kayak can accommodate two people with comfort and it is made from puncture resistant, extra thick hull material which guarantees durability.
Though it is a 2-person kayak, the inflatable seats can be moved and placed as you like. So you can leave one seat at home, place the other seat in the middle, and have a huge kayak with incredible weight carrying capacity just for yourself! Other users confirm that the kayak is still easy to navigate by yourself.- It comes with 2 paddles, foot pump, inflatable spray skirts and a handy carrying bag for easy transportation.
- Both front and rear seats are inflatable making them very comfortable. The Sea Eagle 330 Kayak has two skegs on the bottom that allow you to speed up and track smoothly across the water making it more exciting for you.
- The kayak's floor is I-beam constructed to enhance rigidity and it’s the perfect kayak for fishing or skin diving.
Drawbacks:
The inflatable seats of the standard model are not so comfortable especially when they get wet; however, there is a pro version with more comfortable seats (see image) at little extra cost.
- 2 person/ 500 pound capacity, weighs 26 pounds, Suitable for up to Class III whitewater
- 330 Pro Kayak Package features two movable, super comfortable Deluxe Kayak Seats for improved back support and...
- 2 AB30 7 foot 10 inch 4 Part Paddles with asymmetrical blade and aluminum shaft
Ocean Kayak Malibu Recreational Kayak - 360 lbs weight capacity kayak
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Recreational Kayak is among the best recreational kayaks under 1000 dollars in the sit-on-top segment of the kayak market.
This kayak with high weight carrying capacity is all about fun in the sun, as it surfs waves really well and also paddles flatwater really well.
It is really designed to drop in the ocean or in a lake and have a great time with your friends and family.
Advantages:
Regardless of your size, you will enjoy plenty of comfortable legroom with the molded-in footwells and calf rests.- The kayak boasts no less than 3 cup holders for your beverages.
- This kayak has a padded AirGo molded-in seat with adjustable AirComfort backrest, ensuring comfort even if out on the water all day long. The seat also folds down, making it easy to transport and even allowing it to be stackable if you have more than one of these.
The hull is a classic shape with sturdy, durable single layer polyethylene. It is Ocean Kayak's proven and tested design with elegant and aesthetic lines.- This kayak for big guys has a dry storage right between your legs for keeping your accessories, designed to be opened and closed with one hand.
- It comes with a front and rear tank well with bungee straps to hold larger items in place.
- Easy to paddle, very stable, very sleek boat
Drawbacks:
- Does not include a paddle and is on the heavy side, weighing almost 60 lbs.
- Master the waves with ease with the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5's compact, stackable, easy-to-paddle,...
- An AirGo molded-in seat with seat pad and adjustable backrest provides all-day comfort out on the water.
- Packed with features, the Malibu 11.5 includes molded-in foot wells with calf rests for added leg support,...
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak - 250 lbs weight capacity kayak
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-in Kayak is crafted from a very high quality polyethylene hull that is very strong and durable.
Advantages:
It’s the perfect kayak for a medium heavy person as it can accommodate up to 250 pounds with ease.- This medium weight capacity kayak has adjustable foot braces and a water bottle holder for your drink.
- It has a large open cockpit making it easy to get in and out of the kayak and it has an adjustable padded seat making it very comfortable.
Protective thigh pads prevent pressure points that would otherwise cause discomfort after a while.- It also has carrying handles making it easy for you to transport it from the car to the water and back.
- A leash for your paddle is included so you can have your hands free on the water without fear of the paddle sliding off into the water.
- This kayak with 250 lbs weight carrying capacity comes with convenient dry storage for your gear where you can keep your accessories, first-aid kit and bungee cord deck rigging.
Drawbacks:
- Kayak with weight limit of only 250 lbs.
- Great for rivers and lakes
- Adjustable, padded seat back
- Storage compartment
Airhead Montana 2-Person Inflatable Kayak - 500 lbs weight capacity kayak
The Airhead Montana Lightweight 2-Person Kayak is best for lakes and moderate rough water. It is a great kayak under 500 dollars as it can comfortably accommodate two adults.
Advantages:
- This 500 lbs capacity kayak has movable and removable inflatable seats that provide great back support for long paddling hours. There are two Boston valves that enhance quick inflation and deflation.
- Though it is a two-person kayak, the seats can be rearranged and you can convert it to a 1-person kayak easily.
This orange colored kayak has bouncy tubular I-beam floors that enhance your comfort and allows smooth tracking across the lake or on the river.- It’s made from semi rigid heavy gauge PVC construction and the stainless steel frames and nylon layout does not corrode.
- The Airhead Montana Kayak has awesome front and back spray covers and strong grab handles that allow you to easily put in and take out stuff.
- It has a durable tri-laminated reinforcement on the bottom thus you have no worries when you are blown near stones.
Drawbacks:
- Paddles sold separately.
- Airhead Montana Travel kayaks are Inflatable kayaks that are perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring...
- Designed for lakes and moderate white water, this two person inflatable kayak is lightweight, compact, and...
- All 3 air chambers are completely enclosed by rugged 840-denier nylon with UV and water-resistant coatings
Best Kayak for Big Guys and Heavy People: Conclusion
A high weight capacity kayak is amazing for big guys and gals, especially if you are bringing gear or if your dog is coming along.
So, if you enjoy exploring the waters, get yourself a good heavy-duty kayak with high weight carrying capacity.
Our top pick in this category is the Ocean Kayak Malibu with its modern design and handy features.
The kayak has a weight carrying capacity of 360 lbs, features a lifetime warranty, and is fun, easy and comfortable to use.
- Master the waves with ease with the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5's compact, stackable, easy-to-paddle,...
- An AirGo molded-in seat with seat pad and adjustable backrest provides all-day comfort out on the water.
- Packed with features, the Malibu 11.5 includes molded-in foot wells with calf rests for added leg support,...
Though there are a number of inflatable options as well, with higher weight capacities of 500 lbs (like the Sea Eagle 330 and the Airhead Montana), I personally believe that the less hassle to get going, the more enjoyable your experience is likely to be.
More Resources
- Health benefits of kayaking for your body and mind: Excellent overview of the advantages