Perception Acadia Series Kayaks

Hey Kathleen,

Definitely not recommended...Stick with a one seater if it's just going to be you.

This is a little late for an answer, but check out the Wavewalk W500 that is a new concept based on a co-jointed dual-hull system. It also has a generously sizeable cockpit and its REALLY STABLE. The specs put the max. loading at 360 lbs.
Check this :
http://www.wavewalk.com/W_Fishing_Kayak_Product_Information.html
Retails at $996 and upwards for variants of the model.

i...fortunately or unforunately look like a full back..not exactly kayak material. I'm great with water, i'm a master diver, just need something i can fit in

Both are considered very stable and geared toward the recreational/novice paddler on flat water. Given the width and legth, both of these kayaks should handle very similar - but the Tribute will be slightly faster. The Tribute is also much lighter and easier to load on a vehicle or haul to the water.

Either the 11.5ft or the 13ft model would support his weight (about 198 pounds) and then some. They are also a bit wider, which lends the feeling of stability. As a beginner, it is best to go try out a few rental boats until he finds one that he is really comfortable with, and find a boat that matches the measurements of that boat within your price range.

38 x 21"

I couldn't find a Perception 9.5 sit in but the Perception Tribe 9.5 sit on kayak has a max capacity of 300lbs.

www.preceptionkayaks.com

Dependent on where you are in the Puget Sound area, there are a number of good kayaking shops available to customize your boat. In the South Sound, I'd check with Alpine Experience, Olympic Outfitters, or South Sound Kayak. In the Seattle area, you have the REI flagship store, Kayak Pro Shop, or Northwest Outdoor Center. If you live further north, LFS in Bellingham, or Sterling's (also in Bellingham) would be your best resources. If you are on the west side of the sound, try Sport Townsend or PT Outdoors in Port Townsend.

I'd look at getting a sit on top for class two. Water wieghts about 7lbs per gallon. The Acadia has no bulkhead or hatch, so youll want to have float bags in the boat for moving water, otherwise you could be swiming with a pretty heavy sea anchor! Or look at the boats that have a bulkhead dry compartment. These boats only fill the cockpit with water but the bulkhead compartment stays airtight and floats up high in the water.