I've just sold my H:3 and need to replace it. I am having a tough time choosing between an Everest and a Mega-Rocker. I suppose you could through an El Hefe Grande into the mix for fun. 36 inch inseam, size 13 feet and weight with gear that maxes out these boats makes life interesting. I like the big cockpit on the Everest and am use to the handling of the Pyrahna / plaining hull of this boat (durability may be an issue). I like the Mega-Rockers 93 gallons and the durability and comfort of my Jackson SuperFun. My concern with the Mega-Rocker is that it is too dedicated a creek boat. I used my H:3 for flat water upstream workouts, class 4 river-running (rocky low volume western Canadian stuff), overnighters and some limited creeking. Thanks for your thoughts.

Forget both of them and go for a habitat

Changed my H:3 245, didnt like the others and the habitat does everything pretty much similar paddling to you.

But, it is going to be very very different to a planing hull so taek the time to learn how to use it properly.

Buy what you are comfortable in .

The Habitat is too small! I used to paddle a Wave Sport Super EZ...but their line up doesn't fit really big guys too well. Thanks for the feedback though.

Not sure if they are available in your area but have a look at the Fluid Solo Expedition version or the Large Solo.
Loads of space for packing overnight/rescue gear especially the Expedition version that has a rear hatch for easy packing and access to your gear when you reach the end of the day. If possible try and test paddle one a bit.

I saw them in my neck of the woods last year. Brian Joubert, a paddling buddy of mine, came back from SA raving about them, but also let us know we wouldn't be seeing them in Canada (focusing on the US market). He tried to get one shipped here for himself and it was a no go. I am bigger than Brian too, so I find the boat a bit small and the cockpits are way to small (I also find the same problem with the cockpit on the Flirt I own). Thanks for the suggestion, but I am really focusing on the two boats I mentioned.

Haha. Sorry to hear about the boat and hope that you come right.
I know Brian very well, if you see him tell him deon says hi.
Also, if you ever end up in South Africa let me know then you can come join us on some of our local rivers. Ask brian about the Blyde river(my home run).
Happy paddling.
d

Brian speaks very highly of paddling back home, his friends there and Africa in general. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to come over in the not to distant future.

Finally went with the Mega Rocker, but I will be missing having an edge as I was accustom to my H:3. Brian now has an Everest so I will steal his boat if I can't adjust.

You're always welcome come kayaking in Alberta and BC too. We have a nice 11 day trip every year during the first two weeks of July and I have lots of free time in July and August.

Cheers, Brad

Brian Joubert? Good dude.... Small world! Hope your new baby treats you really well!!!!!

Paddled lots of the big ones trying to pick one out.... The Everest has the best fit for stuffing gear into the rear and can save mega time on a cold frozen morning up north not having to waste time monkeying with a tighter setup behind the seat like a jefe,,, nothing against the other boats, I just chose on the ability to get up and get moving when days are shorter. Plus you are right it is a very fast hull,,, and for four or five day trips in big water size is sometimes pretty sweet, especially in big eddy lines when you are tired, frozen, wasted or all the above. Figure out how big your stow bags in diameter and go from there... What stuffs easily behind the seat and what doesn't.

To everyone who responded, thank you. I finally chose the Mega, but will still keep second guessing myself. I was really impressed with the quality of the Jackson over my impressions of the Everest (I have owned and paddled both brands and have had a miserable time replacing broken Pyranha parts), really like the comfort and huge cockpit on the Jackson, and the extra volume seemed like a big deal to a guy my size. It will take some time to get use to the displacement hull again and will long for an edge at times. I still like both boats and it was a tough choice. The final tie breaker was helping a small paddling shop with great customer service as opposed to Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) who was really under cutting the little guys and don't offer anywhere near the service as a really paddling shop or have the same relationship with boat and gear companies (I will continue to shop at MEC, but will check all other shops first and think its worth the few $ more to buy from the little guy...usually not even a few $ more.

I was really stoked to hear from the S.A. boys. Look us up (Brian and I) if your ever in the area.

Regards and Happy Paddling!