As a fat guy, kayaking is probably the funniest watersport I know. So, I always shop around for the finest kayaks for fat guys, and today I’m going to share my findings.
Kayaking allows me to interact with mother nature, an experience I consider unmatched. So, if you want some good time on the ocean, you should get yourself a fat guy kayak.
But how do you find this water vessel? Well, I’ll share the essential items to consider when shopping for the boat.
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Additionally, I’ll review the best fat man kayaks on the market for you to make a reliable purchase.
In a hurry? Check out my best kayaks for fat people below.
5 Best Fat Guy Kayaks
- Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Best Sit-On-Top Fat Guy Kayak
- Intex Excursion Pro – Best Tandem Inflatable For Fat Guys
- Lifetime 90806 Kayak – Best Two-Pack Fishing Kayak For Fat Guys
- Perception Flash 9.5 – Best For Both Angling and Recreation
- Driftsun Rover 220 Kayak – Best Large-Capacity Tandem Inflatable
Why Do Fat Guys Need The Best Kayaks?
As fat guys, we are more often heavyweight. So, we need kayaks that can bear our weights. Luckily, we’ve such kayaks, and they can support up to 600 pounds.
We are not just talking about the load capacity but also the storage volume. Most big guy kayaks come with rear and front storage to carry bulky loads. That’s in addition to human weight.
What’s more, a majority of them come with more than one seat (what we call tandem kayaks) to accommodate more kayakers.
You also need a high weight capacity kayak for stability reasons. Given that a majority of them are built to bear huge weights, they are naturally stable on the water.
Plus, kayaks for fat guys come with wider dimensions to give you more room to maneuver. Their seats are also adjustable and well-padded. All that makes them very comfortable.
Types of Kayaks For Fat Guys
Generally, kayaks for fat guys come in two broad categories: single-person and tandem kayaks.
a) Single-Person Kayaks
Single-person kayaks are for solo kayakers and can either be sit-on-top or inflatable kayaks
i. Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks let you sit on top and not in, just like the name is suggesting. As a result, you can get in and out of the boat seamlessly. Sit-on-tops also provide you with more room to paddle and stretch out your legs.
Here are the sub-types:
- Fishing Sit-On-Top Kayaks – These kayaks for fat guys are just what their name is suggesting. They are specifically for fishing exploits. So, they come with several fishing accessories like rod anchors, rod holders, and fish finders.
- Recreational Sit-On-Tops – Unlike fishing sit-on-tops, recreational sit-on-tops don’t feature a lot of fishing accessories. So, they are not for professional anglers but just for fun water explorers. These kayaks are stable and maneuverable to allow you to have some fun exploring the waters.
ii. Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are air-inflated water vessels that you can use for water tours or fishing. These boats are generally buoyant, and so they are naturally lightweight.
The water vessels are not just easy to inflate but to deflate too. So, they are relatively easy to pack, set up, and transport.
b) Tandem Kayaks
Are you planning to kayak with friends? Then what you should be buying is a tandem kayak.
These kayaks for tall guys come with the capacity to accommodate more than one person.
Tandem kayaks are mostly for fun, short water exploration, but a few others come with essentials to encourage professional fishing.
While these kayaks are mostly sit-on-tops, we also have a few good options that are inflatable.
Also Read: Best Fishing Kayak For Big Guys, Best Kayak Coolers, Best Kayaking Gloves
Top 5 Kayaks For Fat Guys
These five kayaks stand out for fat guys:
1. Perception Pescador Pro 12 – Best Sit-On-Top Fat Guy Kayak
(Load Capacity – 375 Lbs)
The Perception Pescador Pro 12 is arguably the best sit-on-top fishing kayak for fat guys. The boat features a mesh lawn-style seat with a two-level adjustment to give you the best seating comfort.
This fat man kayak comes as a one-piece, leak-proof build and has built-in buoyancy, thus safe. Its robust construction enables it to bear up to 375 pounds.
The kayak has built-in accessories like rod holders, thus ready for fishing. It is 12-ft longer, therefore suitable not just for fat guys but also for taller ones.
The boat has a large rear and front storage for your cargo and a more expansive cockpit.
Additionally, it features a skid plate that allows you to drag it on the beach without damaging its construction.
Highlight Features
- Leak-proof construction
- Fishing gear-equipped
- Skid plate
- 12-ft long
- Rear and front storage
- Lawn-style two-level adjustable chair
2. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak – Best Tandem Inflatable For Fat Guys
(Load Capacity – 400Lbs)
If you are a fan of inflatables and would want a tandem option, you’ll love the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak.
This inflatable tandem boat comes in a lightweight construction to encourage transferability.
The kayak’s body is laminated PVC, and so it is resistant against massive impact, seawater, UV damage, abrasion, and oil.
It comes with a high-output pump for convenient inflation. The pump allows you to inflate it until it’s rigid and buoyant. That is thanks to its spring-loaded valves.
The special valves also make the deflation of the vessel effortless. As a result, it is easy to pack and carry.
The big man kayak comes with its sizeable travel bag. There is also a user-friendly patch, in case the vessel gets punctured.
Furthermore, it has two amazing skews, two flexible bucket seats, two floor-mounted footrests, and mounting brackets for fishing accessories.
Highlight Features
- PVC construction
- Two adjustable seats
- Gear-packed
- High-output pump
- Travel bag
3. Lifetime 90806 Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak – Best Two-Pack Fishing Kayak For Fat Guys
(Load Capacity – 275 Lbs)
The Lifetime 90806 Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is another excellent sit-on-top fishing kayak.
This big man fishing kayak comes as a two-pack. Thus, buying it allows you also to gift someone.
The boat’s seat is not just well-padded but also adjustable. Its footrest is also flexible, and so the vessel is quite comfortable.
It comes with two paddles, two hatches, and rod holders, thus ready for fishing.
There is a paddle keeper for securing the paddles and chine rails to boost its stability. It also has deep hull channels to track its performance.
This kayak is easy to move as it features rear-end T-handles. Its bottom is flat and sturdy to promote on-water stability and safety.
What’s more, it comes in a UV-resistant high-density polyethylene construction, thus durable.
Highlight Features
- Adjustable, cushioned seats
- Multi-positional leg rests
- Paddles available
- Deep hull channels
- T-handles and paddle keepers
- UV-protected polyethylene construction
4. Perception Flash 9.5– Best For Both Angling and Recreation
(Load Capacity – 325 Lbs)
The Perception Flash 9.5 kayak is a fantastic single-person sit-inside fishing and recreational kayak.
This kayak boasts of gear storage in the back as well as a cup holder and small front storage.
It has rod storage for if you want to fish, but won’t get in the way if you just want to take this kayak out for a fun afternoon.
This kayak is easily adjustable to make the back rest and legs comfortable.
It’s a short kayak, making it great for beginners or someone who wants the kayak to be able to turn quickly.
This has a 325lb load capacity, and is best for places with not many waves, like a calm lake.
It comes in an ultra-stable, leak-proof one-piece polyethylene construction and features a slip-resistant deck and built-in cupholders.
Highlight Features
- Rigid and stable one-piece construction
- Rod holders and cupholders
- Slip-resistant deck
- Carry handles
- Water-resistant cargo hatches
5. Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak – Best Large-Capacity Tandem Inflatable
(Load Capacity – 600 Lbs)
If you want a large-capacity inflatable tandem, you can’t go wrong with the Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak.
This inflatable boat has a two-person capacity and can carry up to 600 pounds.
It comes with two EVA-padded seats, and so it’s very comfortable. Besides, the seats have high-back support, thus great for fat kayakers with bad backs.
The water vessel comes equipped with a hand pump, aluminum handles, and action CAM mount.
Overall, it takes 9 minutes to inflate the kayak for large person, but the deflation takes a shorter time.
The boat comes in a reinforced PVC construction, thus puncture-resistant. And given that it’s an inflatable option, it’s naturally lightweight.
Additionally, it enjoys a rigid drop-stitch base and a rocker profile, hence considerably stable.
Highlight Features
- Tough PVC construction
- EVA seats
- Hand pump
- Aluminum paddles
- Drop-stitch bottom
- Rocker profile
Also Read: Best River Float Tubes
Things To Look For In Top Kayaks For Fat Guys
Kayaks don’t come cheap, and so you have to spend your hard-earned cash on the best. Here are things to consider:
- Ideal Load Capacity
Kayaks come with different load capacities, and so you need to pick what suits you more. You have to factor in not just your body weight(s) but also that of your fishing gear.
So, go for the maximum loading capacity possible. Most big man kayaks have a load capacity that ranges between 275 pounds and 600 pounds. So, work with that range.
- Portable Design
As a fat guy, I hate carrying heavy loads, and so I prefer lightweight vessels.
So, if you are like me, then you should be shopping for lightweight kayaks. Such vessels are effortless to transport.
I particularly like inflatable because of their portability. Given that they are air-inflated, they are naturally lightweight.
- Durable Construction
You want the best kayak for heavy person that doesn’t get punctured, right? You also want an option that doesn’t scratch easily, right?
Well, then you have to go for a puncture-resistant and scratch-proof kayak.
In that case, consider materials like softshell, polyethylene, and composite (fiberglass). Such materials make durable boats, thus reliable.
- Comfortable Chair
The seat needs to be comfortable, and you can confirm that by looking at three things.
One, you should check to see if it’s well-padded. If it is, then you’ll feel comfortable seating for long hours.
Two, the seat should also be adjustable, especially the backrest.
Three, check to see if the seat is breathable. If it is, then that translates to comfort.
Extra Buying Considerations
- Ease of Access
Given that you are fat, you may not be as flexible as slim guys. As a result, you must pick a kayak that you can get into and out of seamlessly.
The upper part should be spacious for you to access the water vessel with ease.
- User Safety
Your kayak for large man must be safe on the water. For starters, it should be stable not to capsize when you get on top.
It’s also vital that you check its weight capacity to avoid overloading it.
Some vessels come with slip-resistant decks, leak-proof constructions, and back support to boost the overall user safety. So, consider the features.
- Large Dimensions
Generally, a kayak with a larger cockpit feels roomy, thus more comfortable. It provides you with more legroom and seating space to allow you to maneuver the vessel quickly.
So, consider shapes like oval, elliptical, and any other that promises a broader cockpit.
FAQs About Kayaks For Fat Guys
1. What Is The Best Kayak For A Fat Guy?
A fat person needs a highly comfortable, safe, stable, and roomy kayak. These five kayaks for fat guys demonstrates those qualities and are therefore the best:
- Perception Pescador Pro 12
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
- Lifetime 90806 Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
- Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 Angler and Recreational Kayak
- Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
2. Can Fat People Kayak?
Why not! Fat people are advised to kayak because kayaking is fun, and you can do it solo or with friends.
Find an excellent boat to bear your weight. That will ensure that you kayak safely, your weight notwithstanding.
3. Are Fat Man Kayaks Safe?
Fat man kayaks come with several provisions that make them safe. For starters, they come with specified load capacities to avoid overloading.
Most of them also have antiskid bottoms, ergonomic seats, back support, to name a few safety features. So, yes, fat man kayaks are safe.
4. How Can I Maintain A Kayak?
The best way to maintain a kayak is to clean it regularly. Ensure you remove dirt and mud after leaving the waters.
After cleaning, ensure the boat dries appropriately. You should also clean its accessories and lubricate the metal parts routinely.
Additionally, you can prevent UV damage by spraying a sun-protection spray.
5. How Much Weight Can A Kayak Bear?
On average, kayaks for fat buys bear a maximum of 275-600 pounds. So, it depends on the type of vessel and whether it is a solo kayak or a tandem.
Concluding Thought
If you are fat and you love kayaking, then the above kayaks for fat guys are worth considering. We’ve solo and tandem options, as well as sit-on-top and inflatables. So, order what suits you.