[dgax65]

Most of the kayak manufacturers make a large capacity kayak. Cobra makes the Fish N Dive, Ocean Kayak has the Prowler Big Game and Malibu has the Stealth 14 and X-Factor. Both the Prowler Big Game and the Fish N Dive are around 12 feet long. The Stealth and the X-Factor are over 14". I think you will find that the Malibu yaks are faster and track better. The best thing to do is try out several models to see which one is the best fit. OEX in Mission Bay has the Malibu yaks. They might even have access to a Big Game for a test paddle. OEX in Kearney Mesa has the Prowler Big Game and can probably arrange for a test paddle.

OEX has had some killer deals on X-Factors lately. Your friend might want to check them out at the Fred Hall Show in Del Mar. There will probably be good deals to be had.