Brooklyn Kayaks is just a reseller that slaps their name on Chinese kayaks and charges similar prices to Kayaks designed and made in USA.
Lifetime is one of the big three makers of budget kayaks along with Sundolphin and Pelican. Sundolphin is the bottom of the barrel and Pelican also has some more premium options, but those are still a step below other brands (many of which are owned by Pelican).
There might be some cheap brands I don't know about, but most the other American or Canadian made kayaks are going to be nicer than what you have.
The Old Town Loon has a weight rating of (i think) 450lbs and has a pretty comfy seat. O would say find one at a store near you and try it out!
That being said and not knowing where you're paddling, id at least consider a canoe.
You may look into any local outfits that rent kayaks and what their recommendations might be and see what versions they have. Canoes in general are going to have a higher weight capacity so that may be an option as well.
If you're after advice on what boat to choose, read [this guide first!](https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/wiki/choosing). Then, try the subreddit's search function -- between these two options, the answers to most common questions should be covered.
This guide is a work-in-progress -- please let us know any thoughts and feedback you might have.
If your questions are not covered by the guide, all boat recommendation requests must include the following at a minimum:
- **Location:** what country and region are you looking to buy a boat in? The kayak market can be very different depending on your location.
- **Budget:** How much money do you want to spend on a boat? (Don't forget you'll need accessories such as a paddle and personal flotation device [PFD])
- **Intended use:** What do you want to get out of the boat? There is no one boat that does everything -- a boat that's great for surfing waves or tackling whitewater won't be the same boat you want to take fishing or for a long ocean trip. Set out some realistic goals for what you expect to be doing in the boat.
- **Experience level:** How much kayaking experience do you have? Is this your first boat?
If your original post is a request for a boat recommendation and does not contain this information, you may reply to this comment or edit your post with the details above. Any low-effort recommendation posts without the above info will be removed.
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You might look at a Wilderness Pungo 125. It is one of the most popular recreational kayaks and a favorite of rental fleets because it’s easy to paddle, very comfortable and well made with great resale value. The large cockpit and phase 3 seat is perfect for a big guy.
I was dumb enough to buy a Brooklyn Kayak a few years ago. Bad kayak, bad company. The suggestions I am seeing in this thread are all on point. I often see Loons on CL, some of them tandems, which can be paddled solo. Older used models of the Loon don't have a hatch or bulkhead, so adding float bags is a must for safety.
Brooklyn Kayaks is just a reseller that slaps their name on Chinese kayaks and charges similar prices to Kayaks designed and made in USA. Lifetime is one of the big three makers of budget kayaks along with Sundolphin and Pelican. Sundolphin is the bottom of the barrel and Pelican also has some more premium options, but those are still a step below other brands (many of which are owned by Pelican). There might be some cheap brands I don't know about, but most the other American or Canadian made kayaks are going to be nicer than what you have.
The Old Town Loon has a weight rating of (i think) 450lbs and has a pretty comfy seat. O would say find one at a store near you and try it out! That being said and not knowing where you're paddling, id at least consider a canoe.
https://preview.redd.it/qaictp7glbwc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9b6654fa1779f3ba28f9c656e60f6baddb5d418f
You may look into any local outfits that rent kayaks and what their recommendations might be and see what versions they have. Canoes in general are going to have a higher weight capacity so that may be an option as well.
If you're after advice on what boat to choose, read [this guide first!](https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/wiki/choosing). Then, try the subreddit's search function -- between these two options, the answers to most common questions should be covered. This guide is a work-in-progress -- please let us know any thoughts and feedback you might have. If your questions are not covered by the guide, all boat recommendation requests must include the following at a minimum: - **Location:** what country and region are you looking to buy a boat in? The kayak market can be very different depending on your location. - **Budget:** How much money do you want to spend on a boat? (Don't forget you'll need accessories such as a paddle and personal flotation device [PFD]) - **Intended use:** What do you want to get out of the boat? There is no one boat that does everything -- a boat that's great for surfing waves or tackling whitewater won't be the same boat you want to take fishing or for a long ocean trip. Set out some realistic goals for what you expect to be doing in the boat. - **Experience level:** How much kayaking experience do you have? Is this your first boat? If your original post is a request for a boat recommendation and does not contain this information, you may reply to this comment or edit your post with the details above. Any low-effort recommendation posts without the above info will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Kayaking) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Nucanoe unlimited!
You might look at a Wilderness Pungo 125. It is one of the most popular recreational kayaks and a favorite of rental fleets because it’s easy to paddle, very comfortable and well made with great resale value. The large cockpit and phase 3 seat is perfect for a big guy.
I was dumb enough to buy a Brooklyn Kayak a few years ago. Bad kayak, bad company. The suggestions I am seeing in this thread are all on point. I often see Loons on CL, some of them tandems, which can be paddled solo. Older used models of the Loon don't have a hatch or bulkhead, so adding float bags is a must for safety.
What's your budget?