Been thinking of getting a kayak. Just having a hard time finding one I think would work.

I am 290 lbs. I want one that's stable, that I can secure my load to, and that is comfortable. Cheaper would be good although I know that may be a tough thing to get. What models should I look at/test drive? What PFD can I get that won't add too much bulk to my already hefty frame (i want to be able to move around easily).

Some direction would be really helpful.

Also, are there any rental places around DFW?

Ah one more thing, would like to be able to put it in the bed of my truck? lol

B, I think Mariner Sails does paddling sessions at White Rock Lake on Thursdays, although they may not have started that yet for this spring. I would paddle anything you consider buying if you can. I have a Ride 115 and a Commander 140. Both of these would handle you and your gear just fine. It's why I own them. Send me a pm and maybe we can get together for a test ride.

Search this kayak section back 1-3 weeks, there were a couple of similar threads, larger guys asking about appropriate kayaks. A lot of good advice and assorted brands/models were given.

The Wilderness Ride 115 is an awesome kayak, I just bought my first one back in February and I was like you and didn't want to break the bank on my first go around. I'm 6 ft, 300# so stability and weight rating were a big factor for me as well, I ended up buying the Perception Striker 11.5 from Academy. It has a 500# weight rating so it holds me and my gear with no problems, its a dry ride, very stable, and not that hard to paddle. I found mine on clearance for $449, I think the ones they have now are $499. Just to give you an idea of my size and size of the kayak here is a picture.

I am also 6' 300# and went with the striker. I purchased one of the last two at the Bryant Irving Academy for $449 two Sundays ago.

Nice fish Upchurch! How do you like that taco paddle clip?

Depends on budget, im 6ft 2in and 300lbs,love my pa14 ,a good stable feel to it.

I've been looking at the Native Mariner Propel (10 or 12) or a canoe the Old Town Discovery 119. I was hoping to stay under $1000 (will do $1500 for the Native Mariner)

I checked Mariner Sails out and will visit them when back in town next. Thanks for the lead guys.It looks like I would be able to check them all out at Mariner (except the 119).

I'm thinking I'd like to go with a pedal yak.

You can get a great kayak for around $1000. (dont forget to add $$$ for a paddle/PFD)
Check out the WS Rides (I love mine) and Santa Cruz Raptors for sure. DEMO DEMO DEMO

Come on out to the Mariner Sails demo day on the 25th on lake lewisville

Sorry meant Native slayer

If you wanna paddle, u could test out the frontier, biggame 2 and ride 135. The maibu xfactor is also nice but is 14.5' long and is gonna stick out your bed a ways :-/

If u wanna peddle the hobie PA is the boat for u. Its heavy though and a lot of anglers eventually end up trailering them.

If u wanna sail look at the hobie Adventure. Artie and I demoed the tandem. Together I think we
Added up to around 600LBS. MOSTLY ARTIES WEIGHT
Mariner has all of those yaks for u. Mountain sports in arlington also has the ride 135.

Looks like I have some shopping to do

How fast can those pedal hobies get to?