Dude, I know you are not into a kickboat, but being a big guy myself (6'4, 240lbs) I thought I would post as requested.

I started with a float tube (trout unlimited tiogak) and it worked well enough, altough it seemed as if I was constantly patching pinhole leaks.

Frustrated, I ended up getting the water skeeter promo boat "vision" and I'll tell ya what, I will never go back to a tube! Its PVC coated(not just straight nylon) so it could take the abuse of going through thorn laden bushes (sometimes you gotta hump through that type of vegetation to get to the water) and has not failed me in the slightest. I also feel that fishing from a kickboat will allow you to get really tight to the shore 'cause your feet arent dangle as far down....

Thats my take. I also agree with the guy who posted "whatever gets you on fish"....find a deal and get out there!