New guy here, and I've got a question. Shocking, I know.
I've been looking at IKs online,and i think that might be the right path for more river running enjoyment. I've had a play boat, a SOT, sit-in fishing yak, iSUP and a number of canoes. The Ex-wife has most of them in the basement, which means I'm limited to one of the two 16' canoes that I've got with me. The GF is probably going to be my next ex if I make her paddle in the same boat with me anymore, so I'm either in the market for more boats or more women. Boats are cheaper.
I've not done anything above class III, and aside from an upcoming commercial raft trip, I don't really plan to. I've seen a few IKs on the water, but none of my paddling buddies have one for me to try out.
So, after that long build -up, here is my question. It looks like these boats range from 13" -15" between the tubes. I'm 6 '5" @ ~240 lbs and I wear a 38" waist. How wide is too wide of a butt to fit and enjoy being in an IK?
From my own experience, you'll fit fine into most IKs and be comfy in one. The few that will likely feel too small are the Sevylor River X and the Aire Force. The bigger question in my mind is how comfortable are you on the water? The IKs, even at your weight, will feel more stable than a playboat, yet much more nimble than a canoe. IKs can be a blast if you're comfortable on the water, and also being in the water now and again.
New guy here, and I've got a question. Shocking, I know.
I've been looking at IKs online,and i think that might be the right path for more river running enjoyment. I've had a play boat, a SOT, sit-in fishing yak, iSUP and a number of canoes. The Ex-wife has most of them in the basement, which means I'm limited to one of the two 16' canoes that I've got with me. The GF is probably going to be my next ex if I make her paddle in the same boat with me anymore, so I'm either in the market for more boats or more women. Boats are cheaper.
I've not done anything above class III, and aside from an upcoming commercial raft trip, I don't really plan to. I've seen a few IKs on the water, but none of my paddling buddies have one for me to try out.
So, after that long build -up, here is my question. It looks like these boats range from 13" -15" between the tubes. I'm 6 '5" @ ~240 lbs and I wear a 38" waist. How wide is too wide of a butt to fit and enjoy being in an IK?
Check out Aire Outfitter II. Great boat for you!!
I’m 5’9” 200lbs and I paddle it solo. Abundant amount of room for gear and yourself I think it has the most weight capacity out of all IK. Kayak is almost 13’.
Thanks for the info! Feelin' good about this now. After a fishing float on Saturday I popped into the shop that happened to be at the put-in. They had an Outlaw I on consignment, so I sat in it on the floor and am glad that I did. Specs on the internet say I'm a bit heavy for that particular boat, but I'm on the right track. Will definitely do some research on that Tomcat. Thanks again folks!
I would second the plan to get a tandem IK and row it solo. I ended up in a buddy's single duckie on Deso. Ran Coal Creek in it. It filled up like a bathtub, and took at least a minute to drain. I was able to ride it out, but an inflatable submarine doesn't handle very well.
I share similar dimensions, too.
Alright, picking your brain for a second on the Cronin. Relative to the other boats in your fleet (especially your Tomcat), what's your take on it?
Edit: With the exception of leaving a few gas stations, I've never been 6'6". BUT I have been 330 lbs. It's taken a decade or so, but I can speak from experience that in spite of hurdles, it is possible to get back down again.
What Learch said..I am 6'4" 'and was pushing 300 at one point and could still paddle my single Lynx or Force just fine..the only duck i ever tried that was simply too small was an In nova Safari ..was popping a wheelie at only 220- 230 lbs.....
Hello there, I'm the same size 6-4 and 240. Cronins are awesome! Super stable and deceptivly fast, though you give up A LOT of mobility. I would suggest it to anyone who doesn't play(surf/eddy) a ton or wants to take on big water easily.
I'm team tomcat, if you are looking for something that won't break the bank and still dink around. It bails quick, and has great mobility compared to the Cronin. Coming from a playboat makes me think this is a much stronger fit.
I've had the chance to paddle both a ton before I made the change to a hard shell... I'm excited to hear what you chose.
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