Newbie

[seaslug]

The small Hobie is rated to about 240 pounds. I weigh almost that much and carry probably 50 pounds of gear and water (live bait tank with battery and about 40 pounds of water) plus tackle, etc.

The small Hobie would ride VERY low in the water.

[cashe]

There is a Hobie dealer in Dana Harbor, that probably will let you try a small, and bigger kayak so you can compare them.He is right on the water. If you plan on going outside of the bays, you will want the larger size kayak. I'm 63, and weigh 230. I bought my kayak to get in shape, and it's starting to work.I like it so much that I now own two.One is a Malibu Pro 2, it is 13ft. long. I use it to fish with my grandson, the other is a 15ft. Malibu Extreme, that I realy like, because it's faster. I have no problem loading them by myself. In the last 4 years I've had 6 operations on my legs,so you know I'm not in the best of shape, but getting better. Hope to see you out there soon.

[PerryC]

John,
Glad to see I didn't disuade you from trying out the sport. It is pretty cool Hobie's are top notch kayaks, but there may be a few more to try if you're looking at the smaller or lighter models that are right about 45-50lbs in weight and 10' to 12' in length. Cobra makes a few, the Escape and Navigator you may want to look at. Ocean Kayak makes the Scrambler XL, Caper and Prowler13 that be in the neighborhood of what you may like. Malibu Kayaks makes the Pro Explorer which also deserves a look and Wilderness Systems makes a 10 foot and 12 foot Tarpon you may be interested in. All in their own rights well built kayaks that are also very fishy should you decide to wet a line. These aren't the only ones which may be right for you, just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Please let us know where you're at with your selection and what your impressions may be of those you have tried. TC&TL,
Perry