Emotion Spitfire vs Pelican Apex 80

[elcoyoteloco]

Hi all, this is my first post here.

I am looking at the Emotion Spitfire and Pelican Apex 80 "sit-on-top" kayaks (both are 8ft), because they are in my price range for a simple, lightweight kayak for casual lake paddling here in Austin, TX (very mild waters).

My primary reason is to motivate myself to get outside for some exercise, because I've gained about 100lbs since I kicked a 20yr, 3-pack-a-day smoking habit three years ago. I used to love canoeing and fishing when I was younger, so getting back on the water seems like a good way to get active.

My question is: if you were a 5'8", mid-40's overweight guy (270lb), would these be good choices to get back into kayaking? Also, any preference for either one, or maybe another brand/model I should look at?

Thanks, and any other advice or info would be greatly appreciated!

[SteveH]

I don't have any experience with either of those kayaks, but I find it hard to imagine that ANY 8' kayak will comfortably carry 270 pounds. I would suggest you check the weight capacities of the kayaks you are looking at, and you don't want to get a kayak that is rated for 270 pounds....you want some safety "margin".

I'm 230 and use a kayak rated for 350, and wish I had more reserve. My wife is 120, uses a kayak rated for 300, and because of the weight vers capacity, I have a hard time staying with her in rapids and such.

Also, if the price is an issue (isn't it always?), I suggest you take a look on the Austin Craigslist....I see lots of good deals on there all the time.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do as this is a fun hobby.

Almost forgot...welcome to the forum.

[elcoyoteloco]

Thanks Steve :)

I've been doing further research and I have to agree I need a bigger boat. I went out on a 9ft Pelican Zest earlier today and went overboard twice, lol.

I've been keeping an eye on CL, too, but so far there's not much there in my price range. I suspect there'll be more after summer's over.

I'm also now looking at this Sevylor inflatable (http://www.amazon.com/Sevylor-Inflatable-Sit-On-Top-Kayak-2-Person/dp/B003659NYA/ref=pd_sim_sg_5). I just can't afford a larger hardshell right now (ft student). Any thoughts?

Sevylor Inflatable Sit-On-Top Kayak, 2-Person
* $140 with free shipping
* 13'1" x 3'1", 31 lbs
* Dual-tracking fins for easier steering
* Holds up to 595 pounds
* Two 86" aluminum paddles

[AJarvi]

I weigh 285 and paddle a Wilderness Systems Pungo 140. It is a great boat, extremely comfortable, but not cheap. Try Searchtempest.com as it searches craigslist but will do a search within whatever radius you are willing to go.

Andy Jarvi

[elcoyoteloco]

I weigh 285 and paddle a Wilderness Systems Pungo 140. It is a great boat, extremely comfortable, but not cheap. Try Searchtempest.com as it searches craigslist but will do a search within whatever radius you are willing to go.

Andy Jarvi

Lol, that's definitely out of my price range! Thanks for that link, very cool.

I'm thinking the Sevylor may be the way to go until I can afford a proper kayak...

[Ozarkwoods]

My opinion, is try to go a bit larger or one that has a greater maximum capacity. I am almost the same weight as you and I would want a larger reserve in capacity. Austin Kayak is a great place to go to try to seek knowledge. I don't know what your price point is but look for used, if you save now a bit more then you will be able to get into something you will enjoy and fit you better. Then who know years down the road maybe you wont even need a different kayak.

[billjriv]

I liked this boat so much I went ahead and bought it from REI.I read a few reviews where people in the 200-240 range enjoy this more than stable kayak.I figured I will buy it and lose weight,then everytime I see it in the corner of my room it will give me more incentive to keep losing(praying first,kayak dreaming second):) then by next summer I will be out enjoying the Spitfire!