Big Guy Boat...Who's got ideas???

[Tbauer]

OK - so my buddy is 6'6 (250 lb) but all the length is in his legs...essentially 6'8". I have tride to get him into older boats like the Mongoose and Big perceptions. No go - he gets stuck because the older cockpits are too tight, and his thighs ride flat.

We tried taking all the outfitting out of a Super EZ, and that showed some promise...that boat might be a bit too advanced for a guy with essentially no roll. But, a great boat non the less, and one he could learn well and keep long.

Any suggestions would be appriciated, keep in mind that we're looking for a 'progressive' boat - one that he doesn't have to sell to his gullable friend after half a season (ie overflows, ect). Some thing that will actually be fun to paddle.

Thanks!

[ken_olivier]

New from Liquidlogic-
The Hoss is a big, yet performance oriented boat with high decks. If you're a big person it is worth finding one to try for fit. The high deck gives good space in the knee area.

Hoss has a playboat influenced hull, so it performs well and will be rewarding for surfing and flatspinning waves. The river running/creek volume distribution makes it forgiving in more difficult rapids.

check out: www.liquidlogickayaks.com Note: Hoss might not be up on the site yet.
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[JKB]

Tbauer,
If your friend fits into the super EZ and likes it he should stick with it. I think this for two reasons: first, I agree it is an advance boat but it is easy to roll in. .I have taught a couple of friends to roll in this boat It went great and they have good rolls. And like you said, when he wants to play he already has a good boat. Second, you said he wants a boat that he can sell in a couple of years. This is a good boat that will sell for years to come.

Or for my suggention of a new boat to look at. The hoss sounds cool but I don't know much about it, but I have a friend that boats an air head. He learnd to roll in it and he is 6'7. I think if your friend can learn to roll it he is ahead of the game.

well that's my two bits

Joe

[Andy H.]

I'd recommend you encourage your friend to get a 16 to 18 ft self bailing raft or a 18 or 20 ft cat. You'll be glad to have him rowing your beer and gear and someone his size would be a good oarsman for a hauling boat like that. There are lots of swaps coming up and he should be able to pick up the full kit for a reasonable price.

Cheers!

-Andy

[Caspian]

Here's a list of good used boats, less playful ones first:

Overflow X
Stikine
Gus
RPM MAX
Redline
GTX
Grind
Z (with bulkhead not pegs - BYO)

You can find most of these used pretty easily. I have a Grind for sale on gear swap. I'll cut your friend a very good deal on it.

But I like Andy's raft idea best.

[peterB]

Any one who knows Leif Anderson knows he is a monster with like size 16 feet. Easily 6'8". He left the Super EZ for the Airhead and I have never seen anyone go bigger. But it is not the easiest rolling boat. The Hoss sounds like the way to go because it is going to be forgiving, playful, and comfortable for him.

Peter

[[email protected]]

Peter,
Leif bought the Super EZ from Bob.
Didn't he get the bro hook up for the Airhead?

Just for a little perspective....

[gh]

I demoed a Hoss in a pool. I would definitely check it out.

[peterB]

Don't know the specifics of how he got the Airhead.

Peter

[HINDS]

Stick with the super EZ. At 6' 4" with a 35" inseam I know how much it sucks. This is the only comfortable boat that has any downriver play capabilities and still rips it in the hole for us Jolly Green Giants. I can fit semi-to-not so comfortably in the Airhead and must stretch every 20 minutes or I am pissed. The Z might be better for a beginer but maybe not. My weight is only 190 though so he might feel the Super EZ is a little squirtier than I do, almost got a hernia trying to bow slam that couch!