Yes, I do realize it's a bit inane to be posting this as the answer always seems to be, "try something and see if you like it--everyone's different," but some help pointing me in the right direction would be helpful

I'm looking to buy a playboat. I have a Jackson Fun, but have a seriously hard time throwing it around. While I am strong, I am still just really light for it, but had to get the Fun rather than the 2Fun because my legs are so long, so it has not been the ideal boat--very easy to get tuckered out trying to muscle the thing around. Fine for rivers, but challenging to throw around.

I'm about 125lbs and 5'9"...mostly legs. Any suggestions? Boats to avoid? Tips? And before you even say it, Adrian, I'm guessing your response will be the Fluid Nemesis in a small? I'd certainly love to demo it, but that gets challenging in Montana, as there isn't a dealer anymore. I do, definitely, want the boat to be a straight-up playboat, though--not a hybrid like my Fun.

Thanks for the help, folks! Much obliged!

I'm a bit shorter and heavier than you, and have the Project 52. My legs are 30-31", and I can actually stretch my legs out in my Project 52 without foam in the front. I haven't gotten to paddle it yet (got it at the beginning of December in what has been one of the coldest winters ever in NC, and I have tennis on the same days as my club's pool sessions) but it is by far the most comfortable boat I have ever been in, and the easiest to set up the outfitting in. I had it fully outfitted in 15 minutes (aside from my feet) with the hip pad pouch, a piece on the thigh hooks that goes on the outside of it and really locks your leg in place, and self adhesive thigh risers that go under the seat (which is held down to the front by velcro).

However, if you think it would be hard to throw around, the Flirt or Nemesis would probably be best, mainly because the ends are really low volume compared to other boats.

PS Jackson says that their boats have lots of room, but when I tried to get into a new Star my feet were in place, but I was sitting on the back of the cockpit rim (only wearing socks). Apparently EJ is coming to my local shop in 2 months, so I'll try to see if he can help me get comfortable in what he considers the most comfortable boats around.

I guess I should mention that my legs are between 36-37" long...so, a bit longer than yours And as for Jacksons being the most comfortable, sure, my legs don't go numb in my Fun, but my guess is that's because the boat is large for me, which does equal more leg room, but can that really qualify as saying they're the most comfortable boats? It's like saying a fat man's pants would be really comfortable on me--sure, they don't pinch or squeeze anywhere, but they don't fit.

I'd like a boat that 'fits.' Good luck with EJ--I'd be interested in hearing what he says.

(On a different note, funny you guys should be having such a cold winter, while up here in Montana, it's been mild--send some snow, or we're going to be in a world of hurt this summer).

Oh, and I did see a guy at the pool with a Project 52...maybe I'll have to pull 'the girl card' and twirl my hair and ask if I can try it out.

I think compared to your fun; the new jackson playboats, the bliss stick rads (and some other boats) all have a much higher knee position. A boat with a slightly higher knee position should mean that you'd be able to fit into a shorter and more playful kayak. Lower knee position would mean you're legs would be flatter, and stick out in front of you further, and so you'd need a longer, less playful kayak.

I think for my body shape I'd be best off with a higher knee position so I can fit better into a shorter playboat. It sounds like this kind of kayak design would best suit your body shape too!

I hadn't thought of that--with the higher knee position. I'll have to check out the new Jacksons..not sure if we have any Bliss sticks around here, but I'll look. A higher knee position could really change things! Thanks! How are the toes, btw?

have you tried raising the seat in the fun? just a couple of layers of camping mat or a bigger set of sweet cheeks... same would apply to an allstar, gives you a little more leverage to throw down, the nemesis is a good option, and there's the new pyranha molan out too, pyranha playboats tend to have loads of leg room!

i'd really advise trying the seat raising in the slightly bigger boats though, means you can have a slightly oversized boat too = MAHUSIVE loops

good luck!