Let me tell you this--JFYI---kayaks are sized for the expected average load. If your kayak shop tells you different be wary. If the kayak is to large it will not perform correctly because it will not "ride" in the water properly. To small and it will be unstable and plow, to large and it will not paddle well, like trying to paddle a cork. I in itially went to get the Drifter and I was told by the shop owner--who did scuba dive with kayaks --that it was way to large--for me. I left somewhat aggravated and then went back and still he would not sell me one. He insisted I buy the Scupper Pro TW. He was right, the Drifter was to large. I weigh about 185, 5-11, then consider tanks and all that for your average loads and look at a kayak that most closely brackets your typical loads. Another odd thing, long skinny kayaks can be more stable than fat short kayaks!! I think I could do well with the Prowler 13, I may buy another kayak, the Caper, for short paddles and single tank close in dives. In the Scuper I can carry two tanks, one in the back and another in the forward hatch.
Note to self, if you flood your kayak by rolling it with the hatch open or take a wave with the forward hatch open it becomes a submarine. I stick pool noodles back up in mine so that it has some flotation, plus of course trapped air. There is a whole bunch to kayaks, learning to use them, learning to remove and stow gear etc--one piece--open hatch--stow--close hatch--remove another piece--open hatch--stow--close hatch ---lol. The hatches must remain closed, gear tied down or tied off. You will roll, you may roll on purpose, so all gears and bits must be secured. N
