Canoes

[Gavin]

I'm thinking two sit on top kayaks...

[Boat Newb]

We borrowed a tandem kayak once from a friend and did fairly well together in it with the exception that I thought I was lowering the rear fin (or whatever it's called) when I was actually raising it so we had to fight tracking a little. And it was a little snug for our tall frames.

[Boat Newb]

I think Wayne is right on. Get a Old Town 169 or 174. If your gal really is that close to your size, and I ain't trying to be a smart-aleck here . . . but ya'll are heading for some tip-overs and arguments. Have you looked at truck inner tubes?

She's 6'2"ish and 180.

[MoSportsmen]

You two are not too big for a canoe by any means. I have been in canoes with over 450 pounds of human in them and it is not unusual. 17 footer would be more comfortable but even a 14 or 15 usually has a weight capacity over 600 lbs.

[fishinwrench]

A little customizing can make a world of difference. If you carry alot of weight above your hips then lowering the seats a bit helps alot, and it doesn't take as much as you might think (1-1 1/2 inches increases stability a bunch).

[KCRIVERRAT]

I've taken a buddy of mine who is top heavy floating twice and he wears prosthetic's that attach just below the knee. Got him comfortable sitting lower in the canoe at center with his "legs" off and we were fine.

Of course I needed to counter my end by drinkin' an extra case of beer.

[Boat Newb]

So I stopped by Ozark Mountain Trading Company in Ozark today and checked out kayaks. Bruce and I discussed my uses and my size and mutually decided that the Perception Pescador 12 footer would be a good choice. I like the options and being able to stretch out and the look of it. I'm going to schedule an appointment to take it and a couple of others down to the Ozark park and try them out hopefully next week.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Well according to the net it's the old Tarpon, and that's one I know something about. I'm not even close to your size so put it into perspective.

The Tarpon has excellent secondary stability and pretty reasonable primary. Tracks very well, and as is the law of kayaks, isn't the most maneuverable. It's lack of maneuverability only really applies to tight streams or not being cautious around strainers and the like. It's fine as long as you don't wait to long and think you'll spin it on a dime. I can sit comfortably on the side of mine with my legs in the water and that is how I get to things in the back.

There is nothing that can beat a demo. I would take it up into shallow water and put it through what you consider the max. You also should be aware it will feel very unstable at first, it isn't. It's kind of like sitting straddle a fence, it's hard to stay perfectly still, but with your legs down you know you won't fall. The kayak will wobble, but only go so far before the secondary kicks in.

[Boat Newb]

I can't decide. For the price of the kayak I'm looking at I can pick up a 14ft Lowe flat bottom with a trailer and titles. I really want something I can take the wife and baby on and we can run up and down taneycomo or bull shoals, etc. How much trolling motor and battery would I need for an afternoon on Taneycomo or what small outboard would you guys suggest? How hard would it be to paddle it around lake Springfield?

[hambandit]

That 12' pescador kicks a flat bottom boats butt all around. Maneuverability, noise, weight, speed, amount of water needed to float, everything about it is a jillion times better than a traditional boat when person powered. I own one. For the money you can't buy a better kayak, and ask google...you can easily find a ton of people who agree with me.

Unless of course, you need to have two people. I'd get two kayaks. Then when she doesn't want to go you don't have to haul around a tin can.

Plus you can throw a kayak in just about anywhere you can get to water.