kayak for an old fart

[Ray]

The long skinny and most unstable are usually the fastest.
If I get one, it has to be something sit on top and stable for my wife.
She yaks with her friends a lot.

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

I started out with a Malibu X Factor. Could stand and flyfish in it all day. 600lb capacity and could store tons of equipment. I wanted something faster. I now have Hurricane Phoenix 160. 16' 28" wide and very fast. Also only weighs 55lbs. It is now my go to boat as it eats up nasty waves with no problem and drafts less than most boats because of weight and length.

[Ray]

Demo days is the way to go.
See how hard it is to load and unload from a truck, get in and out of, how much room it has, and ride/stability.

[cajun bill]

sorry it took me so long to respond, but been pretty busy lately. Thanks to all for the good info and Ray, I will take your advice and demo one from P&P before deciding. Another question, leaving the "purist" argument aside, which would be better, to paddle or to "peddle"? My first thought is to pedal since that would leave my hands free to cast and also, from the little I know about paddling a kayak (a friend has one), using a kayak paddle is a sure way to get soaking wet. Next question, for someone my age and weight, I'm thinking a sit on rather than a sit in, would be better.

From the recommendations, putting aside cost, it appears the Diablo and Hobie Outrage or PA are the leading contenders, correct?