How big is too big for little boats?

Gord · Post by **Gord** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 12:47 am

I am thinking about moving into a smaller boat. I currently paddle a MR Outrage, which I really like, but am thinking I want a smaller boat.

I run 6'4", 215lbs in gear.

I am thinking Detonator on the conservative end, and Ocoee, Zoom or Prelude on the more radical side.

I definitely will paddle before I buy, but anybody have any opinions on how somesone my size will fair in one of these boats?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 1:08 am

You're probably too big to fit a master cut Acrobat unless you enlarge the cockpit opening. I'd go for a Ceemweaver w/ a float chop

Post by **sbroam** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 1:11 am

I'm 220# before gear and a Spanish Fly is not too small - just right, in fact. I think I'm too heavy for a Prelude, though - it was pretty slow and squirrelly.

yarnellboat · Post by **yarnellboat** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 1:52 am

I'd say the same for the Zoom and Solito - I felt pretty twitchy at our weight in those small boats.

Ocoee felt OK, don't have any experience in the Prelude. Could also check the Hellman Otter. If you want a hotter (but not necessarily smaller) boat than the Outrage, you could also consider a Viper 12 - that's what I'm thinking. I'd prefer that over a Detonator.

If you search some terms like "big guys", "220", "lbs" etc., you should be able to find lots of previous discussion.

PY.