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Best Kayaks

For Big Guys (300ibs+)

Best Options and Reviews

Published May 4, 2022

Finding the best kayaks for big guys over 300 pounds is not easy. If you are a heavy adult who is interested in water sports, the selection of kayaks that you will find in your local sporting goods store will be limited. Luckily, there are some companies that have recognized this need and are manufacturing kayaks that are designed to handle more weight.

One thing you should know about kayaks is that they are not typically made to handle 250 pounds unless they have been specially made to take more weight. As I have mentioned above, some companies are making special kayaks for big guys that can handle more than 300 pounds.

So, let’s find out some best kayaks for big guys:

Best Kayaks For Big Guys (300ibs+)

Top 10 Best Kayaks for Big Guys

Being a heavyweight adult, I struggled a lot to find myself a suitable kayak that could bear my weight. At the beginning of my kayaking journey, there were not so many kayaks available that could handle 300 lbs weight. But now, many companies are making kayaks that can handle big guys.

Following is the list of some best kayaks for big guys that can handle 300+ pounds weight.

  1. Perception Pescador Pro 10
  2. Sea Eagle Deluxe Solo Inflatable Kayak
  3. Perception Outlaw Sit On Top Fishing Kayak
  4. Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak
  5. Aquaglide Chinook 120 Inflatable Kayak
  6. Driftson Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Kayak
  7. Solstice Inflatable Recreational Kayak
  8. Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Inflatable Kayak
  9. AdvanceFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
  10. Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak

1. Perception Pescador Pro 10 Sit On Top Kayak for Big Guys

100+ Reviews
4.6/5

The number 1 kayak on my list of best kayaks for big guys is Perception Pescador Pro 10. It is a sit-on-top kayak that can easily handle a heavy adult’s weight without compromising performance. It is made with sturdy Polyethylene material, and it has scupper holes that allow water drainage from the cockpit.

Specification

Size: 10 feet and 6 inches long, 2 feet and 8 inches wide

Material: Polyethylene

Weight: 57 lbs

Items Included: Kayak with Seat

Key Features

Design:

The Perception Pescador Pro 10 Sit On Top Kayak’s Design is great for fishing and recreational paddling. It performs well in a variety of water types because of its design. It is a great choice for someone who wants to be comfortable and has a lot of space to move around.

Build Quality:

 It is made from a single molded piece of high-density Polyethylene, which means it’s not only extremely durable but also lightweight and easy to carry around.

Weight Limit:

It can hold up to 325 pounds, which is perfect for heavy adults.

Comfort:

It has soft-grip handles for easy transport, so you won’t have any trouble getting it in or out of the water once you’ve reached your destination. Besides, it features adjustable footrests that can accommodate both children and adults. This makes it a comfortable kayak for big guys.

Safety:

The Perception Pescador Pro 10 Sit On Top kayak is completely safe for all ages. It features a large cockpit that makes it easy for you to get in and out. Besides, its scupper holes help keep the water level low in your kayak, allowing it to self-bail.

Pros

Cons

·         2 storage compartments

·         Comes with a Removable Skid Plate

·         Adjustable seat for extra comfort

·         Adjustable footrests for safety

·         Strong and Sturdy build

·         Durable build quality

·         Doesn’t comes with paddles

·         Weighs 57 lbs, can be difficult for some people to transport

2. Sea Eagle Deluxe Solo Inflatable Kayak for Big Guys over 300ibs

10+ Reviews
4.8/5

The second-best kayak for big guys is Sea Eagle Deluxe Solo Inflatable Kayak. It is made of strong, high-quality Polyvinyl Chloride material, with a removable and adjustable foot seat. It comes with all accessories, so you just need to unpack it, set it up, and enjoy kayaking.

Specification

Size: 12 feet 6 inches long, 3 feet wide

Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

Weight: 49 lbs

Items Included: Kayak Seat, bag, 1 paddle, skeg, repair kit, and Pump

Key Features

Design:

 The Sea Eagle Deluxe Solo Inflatable Kayak is designed with a heavy-weighted rider in mind, so you can rest easy on your next trip. If you want to take along a friend or partner, you can also install a second seat.

Build Quality:

It is made with superior Polyvinyl Chloride material with drop stitched floor. The overall material used in this kayak is sun rays resistant. This makes the overall build quality of this kayak great. It also features welded seams that make the hull stronger and more resistant to strain from paddling.

Weight Limit:

 It can hold up to 635 lbs, making it perfect for heavy adults.

Comfort:

Comfort is one of Sea Eagle Inflatable Kayak’s greatest strengths. On top of the ergonomically designed seat, padded backrests, and footrests, it offers excellent comfort, especially for big guys.

Safety:

Sea Eagle’s Deluxe Solo Inflatable Kayak is designed with safety and stability in mind. With a sleek, low-profile design and multiple air chambers, it is one of the safest inflatable kayaks on the market.

Pros

Cons

·         All accessories included

·         Easy to set up

·         Lightweight

·         Removable Skeg

·         2 Storage Compartments

·         Not suitable for rough waters as it can get punctured

3. Perception Outlaw Sit On Top Fishing Kayak for Heavier Adults

200+ Reviews
4.4/5

The Perception Outlaw Sit on Top Fishing Kayak allows for a 360-degree range of motion, giving you the freedom to fish however you want and wherever you want. It’s designed to be more stable than other fishing kayaks, so it’s excellent for heavy-weighted adults to enjoy the water.

Specification

Size: 11 feet and 6 inches long, 2 feet 11 inches wide

Material: Polyethylene

Weight: 77 lbs

Items Included: Kayak with Seat

Key Features

Design:

The Outlaw was designed for all kinds of lakes, slow-moving rivers, and calm coastal waters. The sharp hull gives you excellent stability with a wide, flat bottom kayaking experience. Its narrow hull shape and overall design allow for some speed and maneuverability when you need it.

Build Quality:

 This kayak is built to last and is made of top-quality Polyethylene, giving you many years of enjoyment. It has a hard-wearing hull that is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

Weight Limit:

 This kayak can hold a maximum of 425 pounds, making it suitable for big guys.

Comfort:

 It is designed for a comfortable ride and has a lot of great features that give you control over your comfort. It comes with an adjustable seat with adjustable footrests that allow you to enjoy kayaking for a longer time.

Safety:

Perception Outlaw Sit on Top Fishing Kayak is stable and safe enough to be used by heavy adults. It is designed in a way that makes it impossible to flip over. Besides, the holes in the floor are given to maintain the water level.

Pros

Cons

·         Removable Skid Plate

·         Strong and Sturdy Build Quality

·         Adjustable Seat and Footrests

·         Cup and Fishing Rod holders

·         2 big storage compartments

·         Doesn’t come with a paddle; you will have to buy it separately

4. Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable kayak

30+ Reviews
4.9/5

The Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak is a perfect tandem kayak for big guys to enjoy the water. Its overall size and design can easily bear two heavy adults, and it is very lightweight itself.

Specification

Size: 14 feet 7 inches long, 3 feet 2 inches wide

Material: PVC 

Weight: 25 lbs

Items Included: Fin, Storage Bag, Air Valve Adapter, and Repair Kit

Key Features

Design:

Its unique design provides extra support for bigger guys over 300 pounds so that it does not feel like you are sitting on the floor. The inflatable sides provide additional stability to keep the kayak from tipping over. It is designed in a way that 2 adults can easily enjoy kayaking.

Build Quality:

 This kayak is easy to set up and even easier to break down and pack back up when you’re done. It’s made with high-quality, durable PVC sheets that help ensure it won’t go anywhere once it’s inflated. So, the overall build quality is excellent and won’t go anywhere if you use it properly.

Weight Limit:

 It can easily handle 600 lbs of weight which is perfect for 2 heavy adults to get on a single kayak.

Comfort:

The seats given with the kayak are adjustable, increasing the comfort level. But, there are no footrests given to increase comfort. So, keep this in mind.

Safety:

The overall build quality and materials used in this Aquaglide Deschutes Inflatable Kayak make it safe. There are multiple air valves given to decrease the risk of leakage. Besides, the seats are designed to be attached at a specific position that makes this kayak safe for flipping.

Pros

Cons

·         Sharp and Sturdy Hull Design

·         Bigger and Better Size

·         Storage Compartments at Front and Back

·         Removable Fin makes it more Stable

·         Although it is inflatable, but it is a lot heavier

5. Aquaglide Chinook 120 Inflatable Kayak for Big Guys

10+ Reviews
4.2/5

The Aquaglide Chinook 120 Inflatable Kayak is one of the best kayaks for big guys; it is a great option for the people who want to go kayaking together but don’t have the right kayak that can handle their weight. Besides, it is easy to inflate and deflate, so you can take it with you everywhere on your tour.

Specification

Size: 12 feet long, 3 feet 1 inch wide

Material: PVC

Weight: 28 lbs

Items Included: Storage Bag, Seats, and Air Adopter Valve

Key Features

Design:

The overall design is great, just like other kayaks. It is made of strong and sturdy PVC material that withstands heavier adults over 300 pounds, rough weather conditions and water surfaces. The hull is designed to be sharp and easy to cut through the water.

Build Quality:

 Build quality of this kayak is great. As mentioned above, it is made of materials that can withstand harsh weather and sunray. This makes it highly durable for long-term usage.

Weight Limit:

This kayak can handle about 550 lbs of weight. But, it can bear more than 600 lbs of weight on short rides. If you weigh more than 300 pounds, you can go on a solo trip as it can be easily handled by a single rider.

Comfort:

The seats given with this kayak are completely adjustable. Each seat comes with footrests that are also adjustable. This makes it comfortable for everyone.

Safety:

Boston valves are given to protect this kayak from air leakage. Besides, the overall material is sturdy enough not to get punctured easily, making Aquaglide Chinook 120 Inflatable Kayak safe to use.

Pros

Cons

·         Easy to Set Up

·         Strong and Sturdy Build Quality

·         Boston Valves to prevent leakage

·         Lightweight

·         Removable Fin

·         No Drop Stitch Floor

6. Driftson Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak

30+ Reviews
4.6/5

The Driftsun Teton 120 is the ultimate tandem kayak for all your adventures on the river, lake, or ocean. The strong build quality allows it to handle heavy-weighted riders. Besides, the high-quality design of this tandem kayak makes it perfect for ocean surfing and whitewater rafting.

Specification

Size: 12 feet 2 inches long, 2 feet 8 inches wide

Material: Polyethylene

Weight: 72 lbs

Items Included: Kayak, 2 Seat, and 2 Paddles

Key Features

Design:

It is a hard shell made recreational kayak suitable for heavy adults. It is designed to comfort the rider while enjoying their recreational adventure trip on the water. Hull is designed to make it sharp and smooth to cut through the waters easily.

Build Quality:

The overall build quality is excellent because it is made of UV Resistant Polyethylene. This makes it suitable for long-term usage as the sun’s harmful rays and harsh weather will not affect it, making it durable for all types of usage.

Weight Limit:

It can handle around 500 lbs of weight making it suitable for a single heavy weighted rider.

Comfort:

It comes with comfortable and adjustable seats that allow you to keep your posture according to your needs. Besides, handles are given for you to easily get on the kayak while it is in the water. This makes it perfectly comfortable for big guys.

Safety:

The Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak is designed to keep you and your partner safe and sound, no matter the body of water or your level of experience. The extra-wide hull offers extreme stability, so you won’t have to worry about tipping over even if you’re a newbie.

Pros

Cons

·         UV Resistant Material

·         Strong and Hard Build Quality

·         Removable Fin

·         Wide Hull for extra Stability

·         Adjustable and Comfortable Seats

·         2 Waterproof storage compartments

·         Heavy Weighted

·         Slightly problematic in Transportation

7. Solstice Inflatable Recreational Kayak

100+ Reviews
4.4/5

The Solstice Inflatable Recreational Kayak is a fantastic choice for anyone with some extra pounds in weight. It is suitable for beginners and seasoned professionals alike. It’s lightweight yet durable and long-lasting. This kayak can be used both on flat water and white water.

Although it comes with 2 seats, it is only suitable for a single heavy weighted rider.

Specification

Size: 11 feet long, 3 feet 1 inch wide

Material: Nylon

Weight: 23 lbs

Items Included: Kayak and 2 Seats

Key Features

Design:

Solstice Inflatable Recreational Kayak is designed in a way that it can be easily handled by a single rider. Although it is a tandem kayak, a heavy-weighted single rider can conveniently handle it without extra effort. It is slightly wider than other kayaks; this makes it more stable and easy to handle.

Build Quality:

It is built with high-quality Nylon fabric that makes it strong against harsh weather and waters. You can sail in all types of waters without the risk of it getting punctured. This makes it durable and perfect for long-term usage. But, keep one thing in mind. You will have to stay away from the rocks and dirty water, as it can damage the outer layer and water can get through it.

Weight Limit:

Solstice Inflatable kayak can easily bear 360 lbs weight. 2 average weighted persons can ride this easily. But, if you are a big guy, you will have to go on a solo trip due to its limited weight-bearing capacity.

Comfort:

There are two padded seats that can be adjustable according to the rider’s needs. But there are no footrests given for extra comfort, but you can expand your legs and relax in the cockpit. This makes it comfortable for most of the users.

Safety:

The build quality and design make it strong enough to protect Solstice Inflatable Recreational Kayak against hot sunny weather and strong waves. But, if I talk about safety features, there is no extra thing that I can say that makes this kayak safe.

Pros

Cons

·         Affordable

·         Padded and Comfortable Seats

·         Convenient Size suitable for big guys

·         Lightweight

·         Easy to inflatable and Deflatable

·         No accessories are included

·         No Footrests

8. Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Inflatable Kayak for Bigger Guys

600+ Reviews
4.4/5

The Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Inflatable Kayak is a great inflatable kayak for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature without spending a ton of money. This kayak is very lightweight, which makes it easy to transport, and it has comfortable seats so you can enjoy the trip for a longer time.

Specification

Size: 10 feet 4 inches long, 3 feet wide

Material: Vinyl

Weight: 30 lbs

Items Included: Kayak, Padded Seats, Air Pump, and Paddles

Key Features

Design:

This high-quality kayak is made from a rugged vinyl material that’s built to last. Its sturdy construction will keep you safe from punctures, even when paddling through rough waters or rock-filled rapids.

Build Quality:

It is made from high-quality materials and comes with many features that make it easier than ever before to enjoy your time out on the water. The kayak is designed with two main chambers for better stability when paddling in choppy waters or strong currents, making it durable and long-lasting.

Weight Limit:

The weight limit of Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Kayak is around 400 lbs. It is suitable for a single heavy weighted rider.

Comfort:

Its seats are super comfortable, thanks to their thick padding. The backrest also has multiple adjustments, so you can find just the right position while paddling or relaxing on the shore. This kayak also has inflatable flooring to help you stay comfortable on the water for long periods.

Safety:

The Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Inflatable Kayak has two Boston valves that allow you to easily pump air into them without worrying about losing pressure. Besides, the overall build quality is excellent in terms of safety because it will not easily get punctured. So, it is a safe inflatable kayak for big guys to have.

Pros

Cons

·         Comes with Pump and Paddles

·         Padded Seats

·         Compact but Useful design

·         Removable 2 Fins

·         Durable for Long Terma Usage

·         Not suitable for rough water or weather conditions

·         No footrests

9. AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak

300+ Reviews
4.5/5

The AdvancedFrame Convertible is another best kayak for big guys. It is an inflatable touring kayak that offers excellent performance with portability. This kayak’s incredibly durable and rugged construction makes it ideal for all types of water conditions, from lakes to whitewater to the open ocean.

Specification

Size: 15 feet long, 2 feet 8 inches wide

Material: Nylon and Plastic

Weight: 52 lbs

Items Included: Kayak with Seats

Key Features

Design:

The biggest kayak in this list comes with a very useful design. The bow and stern are designed in a traditional hard and sharp design, providing stability and increasing speed. Besides, the floor is drop stitched, which enhances rigidity and durability.

Build Quality:

It is made of supreme quality Nylon and Plastic materials that make it extremely durable and long-lasting. Moreover, its overall design and structure are excellent and can withstand rough waters and sunray, making it suitable for long-term usage.

Weight Limit:

It is a tandem inflatable kayak and can handle 550 lbs of weight.

Comfort:

This kayak comes with 2 padded seats that are easily adjustable and very comfortable. But, the only thing that can make big guys uncomfortable is its cockpit area. Big buys, especially those above 6 feet, can face problems in comfort. So, keep this in mind.

Safety:

This kayak is great for people who are worried about the safety of inflatable kayaks. The AdvancedFrame Convertible is built from industry-leading materials, with welded seams and a tough Nylon outer shell, making it safe for long-term usage.

Pros

Cons

·         Conveniently big size

·         Padded Seats

·         Drop Stitched Floor

·         Strong and Sturdy Build Quality

·         Doesn’t comes with any accessory

·         Slightly heavy weighted

10. Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem White Water Kayak

200+ Reviews
4.5/5

If you plan to enjoy your fishing trip with a friend, but can’t decide on the right kayak, look no further. The Elkton steelhead tandem fishing kayak is the perfect kayak for 2 people to go fishing together. At 12 feet long, this PVC Kayak Fishing Boat has enough space for you and your partner to comfortably enjoy your time on the water.

Specification

Size: 12 feet 5 inches long, 3 feet 2 inches wide

Material: Polyvinyl Chloride

Weight: 28 lbs

Items Included: Kayak, Seats, Paddles, Hand Pump, Fins, Storage Bag

Key Features

Design:

 It is a beautiful kayak with a unique design. Its white hull has a sharp shape that can cut through the waters. Its stern has a unique shape that allows you to have more control over the boat. Moreover, it is made with high-quality Polyvinyl Chloride materials.

Build Quality:

 The overall build quality is good enough to bear heavyweight. It features a drop-stitched floor that increases overall life by protecting the kayak from leakage and punctures due to the rough water surface. So, the build quality is durable and long-lasting.

Weight Limit:

 Driftsun Rover’s kayak can easily bear 600 lbs of weight without compromising its performance and comfort.

Comfort:

 There are two comfortable seats that can help you spend hours sitting in a single position. The adjustable backrest will help you maximize your comfort level. Besides that, there are also 2 footrests given in this Kayak for extra comfort for the riders.

Safety:

The Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem White-Water Kayak is designed with safety in mind, from the inflatable seats to the removable fins. The kayak’s heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin bottom and nylon cover are puncture-resistant and durable for long-lasting use. It also comes with a repair kit that can help you patch up any small holes or rips, making it safe to use.

Pros

Cons

·         Puncture Resistant Material

·         Drop Stitched Floor for Extra Safety

·         Comes with all Accessories

·         Ideal Size

·         Suitable for 2 heavy adults

·         Easily Inflatable and Deflatable

·         Self Bailing

·         No Storage Compartment

·         No Mesh Storage

Can a Person Over 300 pounds Go Kayaking?

People of all shapes and sizes can enjoy kayaking on a suitable kayak to bear their weight. A 300 pounds person can easily go kayaking on a suitable kayak with a weight capacity of 350+ pounds.

Can Kayaking Help you Get Fit?

In general, kayaking is a great way to burn calories and build muscle, but it’s not the magic pill for weight loss unless you’re doing it with the supervision of a trainer.

Is it Hard to Get in and out of a Kayak for a Big Guy?

Getting in and out of a kayak is definitely easier if you are smaller, but it’s totally possible for bigger people, too.

You will just want to make sure you have a kayak with the right amount of room for your particular body type.

A longer, wider kayak will provide more space for bigger people, and it’s also helpful to look for a kayak with extra handles or grips that can help you get in and out of the kayak.

Conclusion

I hope that this list of best kayaks for big guys helped you find a suitable kayak. All of the kayaks mentioned above are good ones and will give you many years of enjoyment. Just be sure to stick with the weight capacity and keep in mind that they are all good for people over 250 lbs.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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