Let’s have a deep insight into the list of best fishing kayaks of 2018. After putting in a lot of research, we curated a list of these 12 best fishing kayaks on the basis of many factors like durability, built, quality, level of comfort and user experience. So Let’s see how each of these cater to your needs
In This Article
- 1 What is a Kayak?
- 2 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FISHING KAYAK FOR YOUR NEEDS – HAVE A LOOK AT OUR BUYER’S GUIDE
- 3 1. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 9-foot Angler Sit On Top Fishing Kayak with Paddle and Deluxe Kayak Seat
- 4 2) Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
- 5 3) Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
- 6 4) Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
- 7 5) Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
- 8 6) Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak
- 9 7) Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler Kayak
- 10 8) Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
- 11 10) Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
- 12 11) Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak with Paddles
- 13 12) Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 130T 13 -foot Tandem Sit On Top Kayak 2 or 3 Person Package – Includes 2 Hero Seats and 2 Paddles
What is a Kayak?
These are boats that are extremely slim and quite small that has the capacity to accommodate one to three people at a time and are used by a limited number of people. It is also referred to by the term canoe due to certain similarities. But both of these are quite different. They differ in terms of sitting and paddling positions of the occupant. When using a kayak, a person sits facing forward with his legs also in the same direction. In this case, the person uses a two-bladed paddle. On the other hand, while using a canoe the paddler sits facing the forward direction but he sits in a kneeling position/posture and makes use of a single-bladed paddle.
We recommend you also read:
Before you buy your Very own Kayak, Here are some important aspects to ponder.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FISHING KAYAK FOR YOUR NEEDS – HAVE A LOOK AT OUR BUYER’S GUIDE
The popularity of kayaks have increased quite a lot in the past few years and have paved the way for industrial expansion in this segment. With the incoming of a lot of top players, there are now a lot of manufacturers available that produce excellent quality products in this segment and that be a tough deciding factor. Sometimes great competition leads to great confusion among the customers. So let’s have a look at some of the key deciding factors to choose the best fishing kayak for your needs:
LENGTH – The length of a kayak is a huge performance factor and decides how it will perform on the water. So to choose the perfect long kayak for your needs, you need to first decide the type of water you will use your kayak on, such as lakes, rivers, sea or ocean. Those which are less than 11 feet in length have more maneuverability while those which are longer than 12 feet have great speed and are much faster. For smaller water bodies you should go for kayaks that have high maneuverability while for the bigger water bodies you should opt for kayaks that are faster in terms of speed. Apart from that, it is important to keep your body height in mind while deciding which kayak to buy.
STABILITY – Fishing kayaks have to have excellent stability because unstable fishing kayaks will surely risk danger to your life. They need to have a perfect balance between maneuverability and speed because at times you will use it for fishing and at the time to surf the waters. So it is better to go with the one that offers optimum stability without compromising on any aspect of stability. The narrower kayaks can be paddled easily and thus it is the ideal choice for strollers and anglers, but it is quite less stable.
STORAGE – You should go for a fishing kayak that offers great storage space for all your essentials. Apart from this choose one that is easier to store as well. Some kayaks have integrated storage components as well as live wells while on the other hand, some have areas to store external necessities like milk crates and coolers. They sit on top kayaks have molded internal hatches while on the other hand, the sit-in models feature more open space in the hull for easy storage of the gear. So when it comes to storage it is better to decide what all the things you need to carry with you and then decide which kayak suits your needs.
KEEL – A keel is basically a fin-shaped piece of plastic that sticks down into the water from the hull of the kayak in order to improve the speed and tracking. Few have integrated keels while certain others have retractable keels and some others have none of them. If you need to go fishing and stay in deep waters for a long time, prefer choosing a keeled model as it will be more efficient to paddle. It is better to choose the one that has no keels if you are going to surf shallow rocky waters.
PORTABILITY – The portability factor is very much important as is any other factor. Today’s kayaks are usually heavy and need a proper facility for convenient storage. So choose one that is quite lightweight and easy to carry around and doesn’t trouble you much. Sit on top models are usually heavier than sit-in models. SO choose wisely after deciding all your needs and requirements.
1. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 9-foot Angler Sit On Top Fishing Kayak with Paddle and Deluxe Kayak Seat
Surely a flagship product from one of the top 10 kayak brands which are surely creating a lot of vibe among people. It is the most stable sit-on kayaks and the kayak reviews 2018 are surely making this product the best sit on top angler kayak and one of the best recreational kayaks of all time.
The product dimensions are 108 x 32 x 15 inches
Essential Features :
- It has an adjustable seat and features a rear pouch.
- It comes with two sealed hatches.
- There are four different carrying handles
- It features a cargo storage component at the back with bungees
- It has mounting Point essential for storing Scotty, RAM, Vibe or Railblaza Accessories
- It has Paddle
- It even comes with bungee Side Paddle Storage
- It has a lot of storage space
- One of the best kayak for any kind of waters
- Features all the essential accessories needed to start fishing with
- Really stable
- Has one of the best manoeuvrability.
- It has a little bit shorter length due to which it compromises on the tracking front.
- Probably not the best choice to win a race.
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 7/10
SPEED – 8/10
STABILITY – 8/10
FEATURES – 9/10
VALUE – 9/10
OUR VERDICT
The Vibe Skipjack 90 is an impressive little kayak for a variety of different reasons. It is really affordable and features a good user experience. It comes with features that you generally get in the costly kayaks. It performs really well in all kinds of waters and the great choice for fishing.
The areas it excels in are maneuverability and stability. The design of its hull makes it outperform and stand out from the crowd. The bow and hull of this kayak have a well-designed keel that allows better tracking. The design makes it extremely stable for all kinds of people, having different shapes and sizes. One of the ideal choice for the fisherman who likes to spot fish by standing up and casting. It comes with a full-fledged package and lets you fulfill all your kayak needs.
Surely value for money product. It is an ideal choice for a fisherman or for recreational paddlers who want to own a high-quality kayak at the affordable price range.
2) Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
If you want you to buy a fishing kayak in this lifetime of yours, Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak is the best option for you. It is one of the cheapest kayaks that you can buy and is surely a complete value for money product. It is yet another best kayak for fishing and surely one of the best fishing kayaks with pedals.
Product Dimensions are 120 x 31 x 14.1
INCLUDES
- A front and a rear hatch measuring 6 inches
- Two fishing rod holders that are flush-mounted.
- The seatback is padded and comfortable.
- It has paddle cradler along with a bungee
- Contains bow and stern carrying handles as well
- It comes molded-in footwells
- It has a rod holder mounted at the top position.
- Features deep hull tracking channels.
- Chained rails that enhance stability.
- Comes with a limited 5 Year warranty
Key Features
Rod Holders – It has three-rod holders in total, out of which two are mounted with the hull and one is mounted at the top between the paddler’s legs
Storage Compartments – Features two six-inch storage compartments in the rear and center positions that gives you plenty of space to store your essentials. Its design allows you to store essential items even in the hull compartment such as a kayak cooler
Adjustable Seat – The seats are adjustable and really comfortable. Even the footrest positions are a lot comfortable. As a result, the kayaker gets extra support from the good seating position which allows more better control over the kayak and hence reduces the fatigue level of the body as well.
High-Density Polyethylene Hull – Plastic hulls are usually heavier but feature certain advantages. They are easy to maintain and less likely to crack upon hitting something. Hence they have natural flexibility. The hull of this kayak has a UV resistant coating which prevents the kayak from getting bleached.
Paddle Included – It comes with a paddle included and that too its own paddle. Its also features bungees on the sides and front so that you can stow your paddle safely when it’s time to pull out your rod.
- It is Ultra-stable due to the presence of chine rails on its hull
- A paddle is included with this kayak
- Extremely lightweight weighing at just 52 pounds.
- Made up of HDP(high-density polyethylene) hull that features a UV resistant coating.
- It stays on course efficiently due to the presence of Deep hull tracking channels
- The seat is adjustable as well as the footrest positions.
- It comes with a five-year warranty.
- Comparatively slow
- Difficult to manoeuvre
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 8/10
SPEED – 7/10
STABILITY – 8/10
FEATURES – 8/10
VALUE – 8/10
OUR VERDICT –
Stability – One of the primary benefits of the Tamarack is its fantastic stability. Fishing kayaks are unique in that they need to be ultra-stable to provide a safe platform for the fisherman to cast from. The Tamarack features chine rails on its hull. Those chine rails, coupled with the kayaks wide flat hull, prevent the boat from tipping. This stability enables you to get a good solid cast and move about the kayak, to attend to the three different rods you can have on the go, without having to worry about the kayak capsizing or dumping you over the side.
In addition to the chine rails, the Tamarack features deep hull tracking channels. These channels help to keep the kayak tracking straight, acting in a similar way to a skeg. This is ideal if you want to be paying attention to the fish and not correcting your course every five minutes. The downside of this feature is that they do impact the maneuvering performance of the craft. The Tamarack is not designed for sharp turns or high top speed and isn’t particularly multi-purpose. If you are looking for a kayak that doubles as both a fishing and touring kayak, then you are going to be disappointed on this front
Durability – The Tamarack is certainly built to last. Its high-density polyethylene hull is capable of taking on a few collisions without cracking and doesn’t need much maintenance. As standard, it comes with a UV resistant coating to prevent fading, which is ideal if your idea of a good time is spending hours fishing on a bright and sunny day. Although if you plan to do that, it might be worth investing in a canopy to avoid sunburn.
Comfort – As anglers spend a lot of their time sitting and waiting for the fish to bite, it’s essential that a fishing kayak is comfortable. How comfortable a fit the Tamarack is for you is entirely dependent on how tall you are. The craft itself is only 12 feet long, which isn’t small, but large sections of the bow and stern are taken up by built-in storage lockers. While the storage lockers are undoubtedly handy, the lack of leg space may be a problem for taller paddlers. The Tamarack does have a fully adjustable seat. It is, however, somewhat basic, so if you are planning on spending hours out in the water day after day, then it might be worth upgrading to a better seat. Complementing the adjustable seat are five-foot good grooves for each foot, making the kayak comfortable for all but the tallest paddlers.
CONCLUSION – The Tamarack in an excellent entry-level fishing kayak. It provides an exceedingly stable platform to cast off from, has plenty of storage for both gear and your catch, and is remarkably easy to handle. The only seemingly downside is its limited length, which might be uncomfortable for taller paddlers.
3) Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
SCORE – 74/100
This is yet another great product which features the fact that it will surely make you love kayaking in a way you have never done before or experienced before. So now experience the comfort of sit on top kayak that you can use anytime and anywhere to spend quality time and have a collection of unforgettable moments.
FEATURES –
- It is lightweight and easy to carry around. Weighs around 44 pounds for a 10-foot model
- Provides maximum stability for riding in deep waters
- It has open cockpits that allow easy entry and exit
- Comprises of adjustable foot braces that can accommodate individuals of any height.
- Contains large storage compartments which are perfect for the dry bag with cord rigging
- It comes with paddle holders
- A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) can be used as a tow-behind or as an extra storage compartment
- It has padded seats that are adjustable.
- Comprises of retractable carrying handles.
- A larger weight withstanding capacity as compared to other kayaks even on the 10-foot model
- Great storage compartments on this model
- Stable even for a tall person
- Open cockpit
- Adjustable foot braces
- Lightweight
- Does not include rod holders for fishing
- Does not track well for smaller persons
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 7/10
SPEED – 7/10
STABILITY – 8/10
FEATURES – 7/10
VALUE – 7/10
OUR VERDICT –
If you’re looking for a stable kayak that handles well in lakes and rivers this is certainly a great kayak. It is lightweight and can be handled easily by one person. It is even perfect for taller and heavier people. The storage compartment on the front of the kayak is a great place to store a dry bag or small cooler for beverages or fishing gear. In the trms of price, it is perfect for both beginners as well as experienced kayakers. The seating area comes with large and really comfortable searing pads. They even provide protection to your thighs for a comfortable paddling experience. The unit comes in a range of different colors that can suit anybody’s needs.
4) Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
SCORE – 88/100
This is one of those few best kayaks that provides you with an added extra back support that increases your comfort level and user experience. SO a blend of great comfort and unbeatable user experience is what that defines Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
Product Dimensions are : 120 x 30 x 13 inches

Features and Benefits
Quite an expensive kayak although but still has great features :
- Carrying Handles – To make your life easier, Sun Dolphin has added carrying handles to the design of the Aruba 8. A kayaker is more likely to spend a decent amount of time carrying the kayak to and from the water. The presence of these carrying handles makes carrying this lightweight kayak easier for people of any age group.
- Large, Open Cockpit – Because the Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 is designed with a large, open cockpit, beginners will find that it is fairly easy to get in and out of this kayak. This is very important as getting into a kayak can often be a leading cause of frustration or bad user experience for new kayakers.
- Adjustable Padded Seat – The seats are padded as well as adjustable and allow you to customize it to fit your comfort needs.
- Onboard Storage – In comparison to other more expensive kayaks, the Aruba 8 does not have quite as ample storage but compared to other budget-friendly, beginner options, it has great storage. There are bungee cords on the front which be used to hold anything like backpacks or coolers, and it also has a stern hatch, which can be used to store any items you want to keep dry. If you plan on taking any cellphone or radio to communicate with others, you will want to take full advantage of the hatch behind your seat to ensure that they stay dry.
-
- Durability: This kayak is extremely durable as it is made from high-density polyethylene. It has the capacity to survive underwater obstacles as well as collisions with the occasional rocks. The shell may dent, but a breach is extremely rare.
- Dents are easy and quick to repair at home. Aruba carries a two-year warranty for added protection and peace of mind.
- Tracking and Stability: Two important features in any personal watercraft. Aruba features a narrow bow and stern to help keep it on track. It slices the water, instead of pushing it like many blunt designs will. At a mere 40 lbs, it sits lightly on the water and provides great tracking ability.
- Aruba is 30” wide and has a flat bottom, both features help it remain stable on the water.
- Ease of Transport: Getting your ‘yak to the water is important. Aruba will fit on any car-top carrier or into the bed of a truck. At 40 lbs, it can be easily carried from vehicle to waterside by anyone.
- Load Bearing: All 10-foot boats have a smaller load limit. Aruba is capable of carrying a weight up to 250 lbs. There is a small covered storage compartment just behind the seat and some room for gear around your feet.
- Comfort: Aruba offers three features to maximize your comfort while paddling. The first is the high back support. Second are the foot braces that are adjustable. These offer you a nice way to improve your paddling efficiency as well. Lastly, Aruba features a built-in spray deflecting collar to keep you a bit drier.
- Seat: There is no padding on the seat. This will create an uncomfortable experience during an extended outing.
- Water Conditions: This is a basic boat, so it is best used on flat water. It will handle slight chop of the wakes created by other boats, but it does not perform well in higher waves.
- Limited Storage: The compartment behind the seat is about the size of a small shoe box and the storage in the cockpit is non-existent if you are over 5’8′, thus making it unfriendly for anglers. It’s not friendly for two persons.
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 8/10
SPEED – 8/10
STABILITY – 8/10
FEATURES – 7/10
VALUE – 8.5/10
OUR VERDICT-
The Sun Dolphin 8 kayak is an extremely affordable option for all those who want to get started with recreational kayaking. The kayak comes with good storage, adjustable seating, tracks and paddles, and a molded-in paddle holder. The Aruba 8 measures at 8 feet in length, 28 inches across, and weighs just 27 pounds, while being able to hold up to 260 pounds in weight It is definitely much more than a basic model, which is why it is far more affordable than most other options. It would be great for any person just dipping their toe into the pool of recreational kayaking or any kayakers on a budget. If you plan on using your kayak frequently for several hours at a time or you are a larger person, you will be more comfortable going with other options.
5) Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
SCORE – 88/100
Product Dimensions: 120 x 30 x 13 inches
If you want the best 10-foot kayak, this is the best option to go for. One of the best products from the house of sun dolphin that you can take anywhere and anytime to enjoy the best kayaking experience. Its comfort level is unmatchable to any other kayak out there.

FEATURES –
1) Perfect For Rivers And Lakes – The Sun Dolphin Excursion is great for fishing on the lakes and rivers. It is lightweight and is made from toughened PVC. It’s also UV protected, which helps to protect the hull from any peeling or cracking due to the harshness of the sun. It helps to retain the color of the paintwork. It comprises an enclosed cockpit, which is great to keep the water out especially while paddling.
2) Fishing Accessories And Storage – There are two fishing rod mounts on both sides of the kayak and a third-rod holder which has the tendency to swivel. You can even store a water bottle just beside the swivel holder. Also, you can store your other necessary equipment safely under the bungee cords. It has a large cockpit due to which there is no restriction during casting and reeling. It also includes a paddle holder, so you can keep your paddle secure while you’re busy fishing.
3) Plenty Of Room Inside- Although this kayak is an enclosed one it is not restrictive. The cockpit is large and it comes with an adjustable seat which is padded. There are also protective thigh pads that provide for extra comfort and prevent the knees from getting sore. It even has adjustable foot braces which can be tweaked as per your choice.
4) Excellent Stability – The Sun Dolphin Excursion is 30 inches wide. This sit-in kayak provides great stability. It helps to perfectly maintain the center of gravity as the rider is placed lower down within the kayak.
5) Lightweight and Strong- Although it only weighs 41lbs, it can hold up to 250 pounds. So you shouldn’t have to worry about overloading.
- Great for short and recreational kayak trips
- Designed for stability but not high speed
- No problems in tracking
- Smaller kayak that can fit in some trunks
- Stable and does not tip very easily
- Great for shorter kayaks since it has foot rests that are adjustable.
- Some parts may get damaged or even can break on first use .
- Might result in some issues with tracking at times.
- It doesn’t have a pad for the seat bottom. So all you have to do is get one of your own.
ASSESMENT –
DURABILITY – 8/10
SPEED – 8/10
STABILITY – 8/10
FEATURES – 7/10
VALUE – 8.5/10
OUR VERDICT –
If you are looking for a starter or semi-professional fishing kayak, then Sun Dolphin Excursion kayak is an excellent choice for you. Most fishing kayaks would cost a lot, but this comes at a modest price and a perfect choice for those who are on a modest budget. So have fun on the water and catch some fishes.
6) Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak
SCORE – 82/100
Product Dimensions: 163 x 34 x 17 inches
This is the best thirteen-foot kayak that you can ever buy for the small happy family of yours especially if you want to have a quality time with them fishing and kayaking. Now enjoy the scenic beauty of nature without burning a hole in your pocket and get the much-needed break you deserve.

FEATURES –
- Perfect for accommodating 1, 2, or 3 persons
- It has three storage compartments hat remains covered.
- Features an Onboard shock cord Deck rigging
- The seats are deluxe and adjustable with essential back support.
- It has a lot of other storage areas.
- Perfect for solo usage as well as tandem usage.
- Offers a fast means of rigging, with very little additional effort required.
- The perfect way to teach your children kayaking with the availability of a third seat.
- Sufficient storage space for a light fishing expedition
- Comfortable, easy to use and maneuver, even for inexperienced users.
- Not an optimal fishing kayak, lacks devices like transducing spots, fish rod holders, etc
- Prepare yourself for water splashes, as it will be common for sit-on-top kayaks.
- This Sun Dolphin kayak is less watertight than expected
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 7/10
SPEED – 8/10
STABILITY – 7/10
FEATURES – 7/10
VALUE – 7.5/10
OUR VERDICT
Just to reiterate, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is a good product but comes in the mid-range when it comes to quality. However, functionally, this 13.5 feet will be great for a good time out on the water for a few hours. It is made for the type of person who embraces high impact kayaking blended with a combination of light fishing. If you are the angling, ‘basket has to be filled’ type, then the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak might be a better choice for you, although it is not a tandem kayak. But since we all have to start from somewhere, this particular Sun Dolphin kayak gets the green light, especially for beginners.
7) Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler Kayak
SCORE – 98/100
Product Dimensions: 156 x 33 x 15 inches
Speaking of the best angler sit on top kayak that has ever come from the house of Vibe, Vibe Sea Ghost 130 Angler Kayak lives up to its expectations. A perfect blend of balance, stability, durability, and comfort gives new definitions to kayaking experience. Perfect for any person with any height it doesn’t let you worry about having a bad user experience.

FEATURES –
- Comfort
- It has a dual position Vibe Hero seat
- Four carrying handles that provide easy gripping
- A built-in cup holder
- A rudder system controlled by toe which is pre-installed
- Gear Mounting
- Fishfinder transducer port that has mounting points and a protective lid
- Four integrated gear tracks
- Two fish rod holders that are capped flushed and mounted
- Two side bungee paddle parks
- A fast access bow paddle park
- Cargo
- Two sealed hatches along with bag inserts
- A rear tank well that has an adjustable bungee
- A large sealed center console that has mounting points for accessories
- Two tackle tray holders
Construction
- It is made up of rotomolded single piece polyethylene material.
- It comprises of ten scupper holes and comes with plugs included
- The skid plate is replaceable.
- It has ample amount of space for the fisherman. Provide a great user experience to those who spend more time on water.
- It has the extra-wide hull that manifolds the stability of this kayak making it perfect for fishing on the river, a lake, or even out in the surf
- This kayak has extra rod holders so that you have plenty of space for all of your rods while you are fishing
- It has a large rear tank well that provides plenty of additional storage while you are out fishing
- You will love the foot controlled rudder system which gives you a lot of control over your kayak, even when you are surfing in high waves.
- You get front as well as rear hatches that are easily reachable with your arms to provide you quick and easy access to all of your equipment.
- This kayak also comes with tackle tray holders that are conveniently located so that you can swap out or attach your tackle to your line with ease.
- This kayak also has a center console which gives you, even more, storage options for gear when you are on the water. It also gives you plenty of space to pack food, snacks, and water while you are out on long fishing trips
- The rudder on this kayak is great for helping you save energy on those long days when the conditions on the water are rough, choppy, and windy.
- This is made of durable and lightweight rotomolded, single piece, polyethylene material which makes it easy to stow, move, and get on or off of the water.
- This kayak is a little pricey for what you are getting, but no compromise with quality for sure.
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 9/10
SPEED – 9/10
STABILITY – 10/10
FEATURES – 10/10
VALUE – 9.5/10
OUR VERDICT –
Overall, this is a large, durable, easy to use kayak that has a lot to offer. The durable and lightweight rotomolded polyethylene construction makes this kayak perfect for fishing in any type of water and weather, during any time of the year. The material of this kayak makes it really easy to transport, and even easier to get on and off of the water. The Vibe Hero seat on this fishing kayak is really comfortable and gives you plenty of space so that you are never uncomfortable for those long fishing days, on the water. The toe controlled rudder system is another nice feature on this kayak and gives you ample control so that you can save energy when kayaking and fishing in the rough water, high winds, and choppy conditions. It is highly appreciable that this kayak has a handy port on to which you can easily and securely mount your fishfinder. This model is perfect for long fishing days and trips because it has plenty of room that you can use to store all your essentials.
8) Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
SCORE – 82/100
If you love convenience and portability, definitely go for Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak. It gives you a user experience much beyond of your expectations and takes away all your tensions of easy storage. So enjoy kayaking like never before with this wonderful piece of art.
Product Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 15 inches

FEATURES –
It’s a Convertible kayak!
Although it is fitted with two seats and best paddled in the tandem mode, one of the seats can be removed and the other moved to the center for solo use. When paddled solo it takes more effort to get moving because of the extreme length and weight. When kayaking in the tandem mode, it is capable of really picking up some nice speed, especially on flat calm water.
Optional Decking
Already standard with this model is a more closed-in feel with the longer decking. You can also purchase separately solo or tandem decking that completely closes the top except for the cockpit. There are very few inflatable kayaks that provide this feature. The added decking increases the overall weight but makes it look fantastic and also offers more protection from the elements, which is a real bonus.
Sits Low In The Water
If you have previously paddled hard-shell kayaks you might appreciate that the Convertible sits fairly low in the water making it easy to paddle and maneuver.
It provides a more ‘authentic’ kayak feel and accounts for a great user experience no matter the design of the kayak.
Decent Back Support
The back support offered by the foam seats is decent. The back of the seat comes about halfway up your back when you sit against it.
Storage Space
There is a small storage area under the decking right at the back and right up front. It is perfect to hold a small to medium size dry bag or two. You can also place more gear on top of the decking. using bungee cords or simple slips. It has great handling and can withstand a weight up to 550 lbs.
Tracking and Speed
The bow and stern are very pointed while the skeg is of a decent size, both of which help with the tracking and speed. It is not the fastest kayak out there but it is also nothing to complain about.
Bag
The carry bag that comes included in the package is made of strong nylon and has fairly heavy duty handles to carry it. The bag is not fancy but easily fits the Convertible when deflated and can be rolled up without much difficulty.
Pros:
- stable
- good maneuverability
- easy to paddle
- good amount of leg room
- Best for solo use
- good tracking
- optional spray decks can be added for more protection from the elements
Cons:
- Quite heavy at 56 lbs.
- Easier to control on calm flat water as opposed to ocean swells
- Setup time is longer than most other inflatable kayaks
- Takes a little longer to dry out.
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 7/10
SPEED – 8/10
STABILITY – 8/10
FEATURES – 7/10
VALUE – 7.5/10
OUR VERDICT –
Without any complaints, it is a popular kayak that looks great and has awesome features. It provides a nice ride, is reliable and easy to paddle with the advantage of being able to use it for solo trips or with a friend or family member.
9) Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
SCORE – 90/100
This is the best recreational kayak of this year and perfect for a small family for spending a quality time. So take a break from your regular life and go kayaking in this wonderful 12 feet kayak from the house of Malibu.
Product Dimensions: 144 x 34 x 20 inches
FEATURES –
- Accompanying Seat Backs – The kayak comes with two Comfort Plus seats that makes your journey a comfortable one. There are also three molded-in seat wells for use whenever required.
- Feet First! – The kayak was designed to have foot wells that overlap. This allows the centre paddler to comfortably sit in any postion.
- Skid Plate – The skid plate is a revolutionary kayak accessory that helps lengthen the lifespan of your kayak. With a skid plate in place, damage to the kayak’s keel is limited. The skid plate is replaceable. The skid plate wont last forever, so it is better to keep a spare whenever you are heading out.
- Attractive Design – Available in Sunrise Orange, Yellow, and Green, the kayak is easy to spot in the water. The color combinations add extra glow to the ambience of kayaking. Perfect for solo or tandem kayaking and built for two to three persons. Water barely comes through the scupper holes that allows you to enjoy a drier journey out on the water.
- Perfect for solo as well as for 2 to 3 people.
- The seats are reconfigurable that makes it a worthy purchase.
- I is really lightweight which increases the user experience and joy of kayaking.
- Not very fast and is a particularly slow one. However, that weakness is balanced out by its incredible stability, which is a must for tandem boats that might be carrying a new paddler.
- This kayak has almost no storage space when it’s carrying two paddlers. The XL version of it has slightly more space and would be a better choice for paddlers who expect to bring a friend and some extra gear.
ASSESSMENT –
DURABILITY – 9/10
SPEED – 9/10
STABILITY – 9/10
FEATURES – 9/10
VALUE – 9/10
OUR VERDICT
One of the best kayak user experience wise. Converting easily from a tandem to a solo kayak just might be the best feature you could ask for in this kind of boat. It provides a good paddling experience makes it less of a specialized piece of equipment and more of an everyday, go-to boat. It is highly versatile on the water and makes paddling a lot more fun.

10) Sun Dolphin Bali SS 12-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
SCORE – 89/100
A perfect example of a shockproof kayak that you can ever buy. Provides perfect protection while kayaking from any unwanted accident with its inbuilt protection technology while you are kayaking the water.
Product Dimensions: 144 x 29.6 x 14
FEATURES –
- Dry storage compartment and P.A.C – The Bali SS Sit-on Kayak comes with a dry storage compartment to store all your essentials while you go triping. It also comes with a P.A.C storage bag (Portable Accessory Carrier) that can take your wallet, car keys, phone, shoes and an extra water bottle with no problem. Storage is an essential feature for every kayak, and it’s really sad to see that some models don’t come with multiple storage options. Even though water enters the boat from drain holes, the dry storage area of this kayak keeps the stuff safe from water.
- Durable materials and ergonomic hull design – Kayak hulls are made of different designs for different purposes. The Bali SS Sit-On Kayak comes with an exterior that is made out of a high-density polyethylene called Fortiflex, which is sturdy and do not get damaged from fresh and salt water. The material that the Bali SS Sit-on-top Kayak is made of is such tough stuff that no praise would be enough for it . It is made up of a UV stabilized material, which means that it will not lose its color easily from sun, rain or wind exposure. The polyethylene construction is also credited for promoting the great paddling and tracking abilities of the kayak. It is this material that will help you paddle across a lake or river with great ease and much better stability.
- Colorful and well-crafted kayak – Some people don’t care what their kayak looks like or what colors they come in, while some customers are crazy about the colors and craftsmanship of their kayaks. If you like to have a variety of colors to pick from when choosing your kayak, then you’ll adore the Bali SS Sit-on-top Kayak. It is available in different colors, and this means that you will have a better chance of picking your favorite color. SO you get great user experience with great look and feel.
- Size matters – The Bali SS Sit-on-top Kayaks’ length is between 8 to 10 feet, and the width is 30 inches, and the weight is approximately 40 pounds. It is a lightweight kayak and weighs less than other kayaks that come with polyethylene frame materials. Because of its size, it is easy to carry around and have great profitability. Unlike inflatable kayaks, its hull design is solid, so it can be stowed away in a corner of your garage. It sit-on kayak perfect for a single person and features an open cockpit for faster entries and exits. Even though it is made for solo trips, you can take a child or pet with you. The kayak is built with a large, comfortable seating area that is fitted with a paddle holder as well and foot braces that are adjustable, and protective thigh pads. These features allow the kayak to accommodate paddlers of a wide range of height sizes. With these awesome features, you can paddle for a long time and never feel tired or any kind of body pain. Please note that the maximum weight that this kayak can hold is 250 pounds.
- Tracking and stability is good;
- Wide cockpits give more room for movement;
- Large seating area that has protective thigh pads;
- Perfect for slow waters such as rivers and lakes;
- Has foot braces that are adjustable;
- The carrying handles are retractable.
- It is lightweight and can easily be carried;
- Has Portable Accessory Carrier for extra storage;
- Comes with paddle holder.
- Water can enter the boat via drain holes;
- Surprisingly, there is no seat pad.
OUR VERDICT –
For a twelve feet kayak, the Sun Dolphin Ball SS Sit-on-top Kayak is reasonably priced and perfect for first-time buyers or those who do not have deep pockets for a new kayak. Even though it is a stable kayak, its slowness makes it more suitable for younger kayakers. Also, the size of this kayak makes it a great choice as a playboat in a pool or any non-flowing water body. So, if you intend to take it on more rapid waters like an ocean or sea, consider getting something faster. If you are planning on kayaking for a competition or if speed is generally what you are looking for, the Bali SS Sit-on-top Kayak will not serve your needs. Overall, the price, size, stability, and weight make this a good choice for leisure kayakers.
11) Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Fishing Kayak with Paddles
Product Dimensions: 120 x 36 x 19
This is the best kayak with paddles and usually kayaks with paddles are the best choice. They let you just sit and paddle without the added tension of using rods for kayaking. So you get a great user experience and definitely a quality break
from your regular daily schedule.

Features
- This is a two-person kayak and can accommodate either a single person or two persons or even three persons.
- It is length is 10 foot and it comes with paddles.
- It is available is two different colors – olive green and camouflage
- It is made up of a high-density polyethylene material which displays superior strength and durability in terms of strength and build quality.
- It comes with a five year manufacturer warranty.
- It has maximum weight withstanding capacity of 500lbs.
- It has a shape and design of a hull which gives this kayak extra stability and balance. The length of the kayak is 10 foot which gives a much better tracking to the kayak when you take it into the waters.
- The package comes with the following items – Two paddles that are double sided, clips for the paddles, two padded backrests, three pole holders for fishing, and a storage hatch which spans across z size of six inches.
- The product dimensions are 120 x 36 x 19 inches and it weighs around 60 pounds.
- Its shipping weight is around 82 pounds.
- The width of this kayak is 36 inches.
- The material of which this kayak is made up of has the capability to protect from harmful ultra violet rays of the sun.
- Since the kayak is constructed with HDPE material, it provides high resistance against fading, cracking, and peeling of the material layer.
- It comes with multiple footrest positions to comfortably adjust your feet. It is completely suitable for any kind of riders with any foot size.
- This kayak has such a good build quality that it won’t sink until and unless there is a hole in the kayak body somewhere.
- This kayak is perfect to use in rough waters as well as in oceans.
- This kayak comes with scupper plugs pre-installed in it.
- It is not very fast when you take it into the water but definitely does the basic job well. It maintain a standard speed while kayaking in the water and a good tracking.
- This kayak is quite heavy to handle and surely cannot be moved around with a single person.
- It is a pretty much expensive kayak and can burn a hole in your pocket where money draws into the picture.
OUR VERDICT
To sum up the Lifetime Sports Fisher, it’s very close to being the ultimate fishing kayak, but it just falls short due to some unfortunate compromises in design. It has achieved its aim of becoming lightweight, easily transported and accessible, but each of these features has come at a cost, meaning that in less than favorable conditions, navigation and maneuverability take an unfortunate hit. But having said that, considering the pleasing price point, and sheer scope of accessories that can be attached to the hull with very little effort, the Lifetime Sports Fisher is still excellent value for money, and comes highly recommended from its user base. With space for three people on board, it’s superb for families and friends and is more than stable. It’s built to last and will serve you well for many outings.
12) Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 130T 13 -foot Tandem Sit On Top Kayak 2 or 3 Person Package – Includes 2 Hero Seats and 2 Paddles
A perfect blend of paddles and hero seats make this kayak the perfect choice for kayakers. The built quality is excellent that gives great comfort and durability. Perfect for enjoying a quality time with your loved ones.
Product Dimensions: 156 x 35 x 16
Features
- This is a 13-foot long kayak.
- The length of this kayak makes it extremely good for providing the best tracking because longer the length of the kayak, more better is the tracking of that kayak.
- It is yet another one of the best sit on top kayak that can accommodate anywhere between one to three persons.
- It comes with two hero seats as well as two paddles.
- It comes in four different colors: blue lagoon, Jamberry, moss camo, and sunset.
- In general terms, it is a three-person sit on the top fishing kayak that can provide you with an ultimate fishing experience with your loved ones that you will always remember
- It weighs around 80 pounds.
- The maximum weight withstanding capacity of this kayak is 500 pounds.
- In case you want to go solo paddling in this kayak, it has an optional center paddle position that can give you perfect balance while riding and maintain proper tracking.
- The package includes the following: two flushes mounted rod holders with caps, as well as four mounting points for Scotty mounted rod holders or RAM or Railblaza mounted rod holders.
- It has dimensions of 156 x 35 x 16 inches
- The paddles that comes with this kayak are 90 inches long from tip to tip.
- One of the perfect kayak for fishing, for travelling with your loved ones to explore the scenic beauty of the nature or the sea or oceans.
- It is also the best kayak for family recreational activities and let you spend some quality time with your family.
- There are twelve drain holes along with plugs included in this kayak.
- It comes with multiple storage options and provides you with ample space to store all your essentials. It comes with two sealed hatches that have bag inserts, a large bungee rear tank well as well as a bow cargo bungee system.
- The foot rests are adjustable that provide an extra layer of comfort .
- It do not comes with a rudder.
- It is quite heavy and requires at least two people to carry it around. Hence it is not that much portable.
OUR VERDICT –
If you are looking for a kayak that will work almost as well for one rider as it will two, the Yellowfin 130T is a great option. Equipped with sufficient storage space and two comfortable seats that can be positioned in multiple locations, the Yellowfin 130T provides everything you need to hit the water and catch fish. It is quite heavy and often needs two people to carry it around. We’d like to see it include a skid plate to protect the bottom of the hull, but that is an acceptable trade-off for such an affordable and well-designed tandem kayak. Anyone looking for good quality, portable and stable kayak is likely to be pleased with the Yellowfin 130T.