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[Derekfish]

I am/in the market for a kayak to fish out of, but being 6'7" I am having trouble finding somethingI fit in comfortably. I sat in a revo the other day, and seems like my legs are a hair too long to peddle the mariage. That rules out Hobie. Blower! My next option would be the Ride 135, but I have heard they are like paddling a barge? My weight is about 250lbs. Is there anyone out there that is my size that can guide me in the right direction for a good yak to fish the bay and rivers around the shore? Any guidance would be much apprieciated. I am new to the forum, I am really looking forward to getting involved once I get the yak situation figured out. Thanks in advance.

[CB kayak 02]

I don't think you can rule out a hobie, the Pro angler 14 or 12 would both be suitable for you and they both have a longer length between seat and pedals.

[kevinfry]

Johm Veil is a real tall guy amd he paddles a Manta ray 14. It is a pretty fast boat. He uses it in some pretty rough water
The Malibu Kayaks are supposed to be pretty nimble too. The Ride was built for stability, not speed. The Tarpon 140 from same company would be much faster,

[Derekfish]

Im sorry, it was a outback I sat in, and with the peddles all the way forward I was maxed out on room. Too much knee bend when pushing peddles all the way forward, and also rubbing a bump out on the sidewiththe peddle. With the revo being a foot longer, I wonder if I would have that same issue? I would love to go all in for one of the PA, probably going to stick with the revo if it is a good fit being on somewhat of a tight budget. I hope I can make a Hobie work, as I like having the use of both hands.

[M_Duong60]

I have no experience with the hobie brand but I know that they have a 16' boat? called the adventure island maybe there is more space?

[J.A. Veil]

Johm Veil is a real tall guy amd he paddles a Manta ray 14. It is a pretty fast boat. He uses it in some pretty rough water
The Malibu Kayaks are supposed to be pretty nimble too. The Ride was built for stability, not speed. The Tarpon 140 from same company would be much faster,

Kevin is right. I am 6'4" and 240 lbs so I need a large and comfortable kayak. When I sat in the Hobie Revo and Outbacks in a showroom, my hips rubbed up against the side of the seating well -- not very comfortable. I can personally vouch for how comfortable the seats are on at least 4 Native models (Manta Ray 14, Manta Ray 12, Slayer, and Ultimate). I have used a Manta Ray 14 since 2008 and am very happy with it. The Manta Ray 14 is a fast paddle kayak -- at a normal paddling effort, I can cruise at 3.5 - 3.8 mph, which feels noticeably faster than several other paddle kayaks I have used when on guided charters.

I would be happy to let you take a test ride in mine if you are interested. I live in Annapolis.

[hardhead]

Manta ray 14...tough boat to beat in comfort or speed,don't rule out the Ocean Kayak line or Tarpon 140

[Shady]

Im 6'4" 200lb and ride an Outback. I have the peddles out as far as they can go without hitting the side of the kayak and feel my height is just about the max for the outback. But I agree with Matt, you should check into the PA. Never peddled one myself but they seem to have a ton of room.

[ronaultmtd]

Most folks would consider me a fairly large economy size fella- slightly over 6' and 260#. I have an Ocean prowler 13 and a Hobie Outback- I have the peddles set at the max and it is a comfortable stroke for me to peddle- have used the Outback for almost two years- love it- plenty of stability, handles rough waters, and reasonably fast- no problem keeping up with the fleet in our mass meet and greets- and I do not ever get the dreaded "numb butt" syndrome....the Prowler is a fast paddle yak, but I can't cover as much water paddling as I can peddling- not even close and the prowler is a wet boat- but it can handle some extreme water and is a good boat to launch from the surf- it really shines in Lilly pad, spadderdock choked waters where snakeheads lurk-

[russ498]

Go to Backyard Boats in Annapolis. You can water test anything they have. Sitting in a boat isn't a good test for fit. You need to pedal/paddle to really evaluate the fit. Also, Annapolis Canoe & Kayak is next door. I think you can wet test their boats as well.

[rwh]

You mentioned the Ride 135. I just bought a 2013 135. The hull has been redesigned so that it doesn't paddle like a bardge. I don't have any experience with any other kayaks, but I am not a big guy, 5' 7 @ 165 lbs, and I have no problems paddling it. Went yesterday going upcurrent in a .3 knot flow with a side wind blowing 10 to 15 maybe a bit higher. Paddling at a comfortable pace, and I'm a total newb
and out of shape, two apps on my phone said my speed was 2.5 to 2.9 knts. Not sure if that's considered fast or not. Like I said, I'm 5' 7 and with my seat all the way forward, the foot pegs all the way toward me, I have 13" to spare for leg room and 6 or 7 behind the seat. Width wise, i can sit cross legged and my knees dont touch the sides. My deck stays totally dry all the time. I recommend you try one if you can. I love mine!

[Derekfish]

I really appreciate all thf e insight. I had my mind set on the Ride 135, until i started looking into the Hobie line. My concern is I get something with a paddle, and will still have the itch for the peddles. I have read many posts where folks start with a paddle, and a few months later are wanting to switch to peddling. One good thing is kayak fishing is becoming very popular, so it doesnt seem like it would be hard to sell a used kayak if I wanted to upgrade.
I did go to backyard boats last week, that is where I sat in the Outback on land. The fellow in there was hoping to have the test boats available this week if the weather warms up. I am for sure going to take both the revo and outback for a test run to see how comfortable I fit. If they are a good fit, it looks like I will have to explore my other options. I hadnt considered the Native line, but after reading the good comments I am going to look into them. Thanks for all your input. Hope to see some of you all out there soon.

[dhawk]

Litttle late to reply Im 6'5" and go 300+ I use a malibu X-factor and love it it tracks well and has plenty of space

[Tall_Timbers_Kayaker]

I'm 6'3" with a 34" inseam. I have a 2012 Hobie Pro Angler (now the Hobie 14). My pedals are set at the middle setting. I'm sure I could grow my legs by another 2 or 3 inches and still have pedal adjustment. It is also a great boat to fish from.

TTYaker

[docirv]

I am 6'3" and weigh in at 230 and am comfortable in my Hobie Outback.