What is the best sit on top kayak? Whether you intend to use a Kayak for fishing or for exploring some inland or coastal waters, a sit on top kayak (SOT) can be a good option for you. Depending on the model you get, it is also generally easy to navigate while offering increased mobility. And if you are a beginner kayak-er then you will want to choose the best sit on top kayak that will fit your new lifestyle.
Sit On Top Kayak | Purpose | Weight | Length | Paddlers | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Lifetime Tamarack 120 Angler | Fishing | 52 lbs | 12 ft. | One | | 4.3 |
2. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem | Surf, Lakes, Pets | 57 lbs | 12 ft. | Two | $$ | 4.5 |
3. Lifetime Emotion 90277 Temptation | Surf, Rivers | 56 lbs | 10 ft. | One | 4.4 | |
4. Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 | Surf, Lakes, Fishing | 41 lbs | 10 ft. | One | $$ | 4.8 |
5. Ocean Kayak Frenzy | Surf, Fishing | 43 lbs | 9 ft. | One | $ | 5 |
How to Choose the Best Sit on Top Kayak from Hundreds of Options
With the many sit on top Kayaks sold on the market today, you may need some help making a decision when considering all the factors that can give a sit on top kayak optimum performance.
Benefits of Sit On Top Kayaks
- Comfort - Provides longer leg room for larger body types compared to traditional sit in kayaks.
- Safer - Self-Rescue is possible if it tips over, so there is reduced risk of getting trapped underwater.
- Sturdy enough to bring pets
- Plenty of storage to carry all your supplies like fishing poles and food.
Purpose
There is an array of sit on top kayaks that are available in different designs depending on their purpose:
Surfing. Kayaks for surfing are normally short and slow in flat waters.
Scuba Diving. Kayaks with a tank well are more suited for scuba diving purposes.
Touring. Touring kayaks are designed with sleek and longer hulls to improve speed. They also have a large cargo space for a day’s supply.
Fishing. Fishing kayaks are easy to spot as they are normally fitted with fishing accessories such as rod holders and easily-accessible storage spaces.
Paddle alone or with a companion
While you may consider getting a double or triple kayak, thinking you can use it for solo trips, this may not be a good idea. Kayaks that can fit two or three people can be hard to maneuver alone. If you frequently use a sit on top kayak alone, you’re better off getting a single sitting kayak.
Kayak Dimensions
The dimensions of the kayak play a big role on its overall stability and maneuverability. Generally, longer kayaks are faster while shorter kayaks are easier to handle. Wider kayaks are usually more stable.
Material used
The material used for a sit on top kayak dictates its durability for wear and tear. Most common sit on top materials are:
o Rotomolded polyethylene – This material is the least expensive and it is normally used for recreational kayaks. Polyethylene is impact resistant and flexible; however, it is also soft so it scratches deeply and deforms easily. Because of its heavier weight, this material increases drag.
o Polycarbonate plastics – Compared to rotomolded polyethylene, this material is more expensive but is scratch resistant, less heavy and more repairable. This material looks like fiberglass and reduces drag in the water.
o Fiberglass – Fiberglass is a popular material for sea kayaks. It is lightweight and tough enough to withstand rough waters, but more expensive than polycarbonate plastics. In case of damage to a fiberglass kayak, it is easy to repair even with do-it-yourself methods. Fiberglass kayaks can last for decades with proper care.
o Kevlar – It is probably the most expensive kayak material being used. It has similar properties to fiberglass but is lighter. It also doesn’t tear but will just flex.
Kayak Hull Design
Basically, you’ll find sit on top kayaks in either U or V shape. U-shaped sit on top kayaks are commonly used for moving waters like in rivers. For still waters, V-shaped kayaks are your better option. For stability the flat bottom is good.
Maximum weight capacity
It would be good to have a kayak that can handle not just your weight but also be able to carry your supplies.
Cockpit height
Keep in mind that a low-seating position results in a higher center of gravity. This is important for enhanced stability. It also reduces your risk of falling in. However, if you are a tall person, a low-seating position may be uncomfortable for you. So this will be a compromise between enhanced stability and comfort.
Ease of transportation and storage
Some people have issues in transporting and storing their long or wide kayaks. This is true for those with no dedicated vehicles for transporting their kayaks. That is why some people prefer to get an inflatable sit on top kayak because they are lightweight, and can be transported using smaller vehicles and are also easy to keep until the next use.
Cost
Cost matters especially if your budget is limited. If you are considering several kayaks with similar features, the price can be a good determining factor.
1. Lifetime Tamarack 120 Sit On Top
Lifetime’s Tamarack Sit-On-Top Kayak, Tan, 120" is a popular option for those who are looking for a durable kayak that can be used for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. This boat comes with a padded seat back, 6-inch storage hatches in the center and rear, two fishing pole holders, one rod holder and T-handles. What’s more, it also comes with a 5-year warranty.
Product Specifications:
· Maximum weight capacity: 275 lbs.
· Material: Blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a number of extra fittings to enhance your fishing experience. It has a flat bottom with stability chine rails and deep tracking channels that prevent the boat from easily tipping off. Material used in the construction of this kayak is UV and impact resistant. Tracks well and is easy to maneuver. | The drywell does not completely stay dry. Weighs 52 pounds which is a bit heavy considering that it is a solo sit on top kayak |
2. Tandem Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
If you want to take your child or a pet on a kayaking adventure, the 12-Feet Malibu from Ocean Kayak is a good choice. It has 2 comfortable seats with 3 seat wells and can be paddled solo or tandem. It does have overlapping foot wells as well as carry handles for your supplies. Being a lightweight tandem kayak weighing only 43 pounds, it is easy to carry and transport.
Product Specifications:
· Maximum weight capacity: 425 lbs.
· Material: Polyethylene
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable seat with adequate cushioning and 4-way adjustability for added comfort. Large storage stern tank well. Replaceable skid plate for added durability. | This can be a bit costly. |
3. Emotion Temptation Kayak, Sit On Top 10.25 Feet
Versatile and quite stable, the Emotion Temptation Kayak is a designed for solo kayaking trips. You can use it on streams, lakes and calm surf. With its ST Perfomance Hull, it offers speed, stability and optimum performance. Apart from that, it also has molded foot wells that let you position your feet and legs in a relaxed position while kayaking.
Product Specifications:
· Maximum weight capacity: 275 lbs.
· Material: Polyethylene
| Pros | Cons |
| Made of high density polyethylene that is known to be a strong and durable material It has a tankwell with a cargo net lacing as well as a solace hatch where you can keep your things. Ledgelock paddle keepers to securely hold your paddle. 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. | It comes with a seatback that is sewn to the front cleats, so removing it in case you need a customized seat requires cutting the straps. In some units, the front hatch is not totally water tight, but caulking can fix this issue. |
4. WILDERNESS SYSTEMS Tarpon 100 Kayak
This kayak is known for its stability and comfort. It is also versatile as you can use it for casual paddling on a lake or for playing in the surf. One of its unique features is the Keepers XL foot brace system that can be easily adjusted depending on what position you are comfortable at. Weighing just about 42 pounds, you can carry this kayak without assistance.
Product Specifications:
· Maximum weight capacity: 325 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Midship and bow Orbix hatches that are water tight to keep your gadgets dry. Comes with a tankwell with bungee, cup holder, gear storage pockets and padded handles for carrying the boat. Uses a combined V-shape and U-shape design for versatility in paddling through moving and still waters. | The seat cannot drain water as there are no holes in the seat pan. If you take in some water, you may have to manually drain the kayak . |
5. Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
If you are looking at a solo kayakfor its tracking ability, the Ocean Kayak Frenzy can be one of your best options. It also has a good track record when it comes to stability and maneuverability. A separate seat back won’t be necessary as it already comes with a padded one that has thick cushioning and padding. This seat can be adjusted in 4 ways to suit your desired comfortable position.
Product Specifications:
· Maximum weight capacity: 325 lbs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with molded side handles, bow and stern carry handles and a molded cup holder. It has a replaceable skid plate in the rear for added durability. It is lightweight, just weighing about 43 pounds so it is easy to transport. A stern tank well that has removable bungees for storage. The boat is 31 inches wide, providing you adequate stability in the water. | While the boat is wide, its seat is just about 18 inches wide which is a bit narrow for large people. Doesn’t come with a dry storage area |
Conclusion
The best sit on top kayak in terms of overall performance and features is the Tandem Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak. While it is a tandem kayak, a number of its users claim that it can be easily maneuvered solo. However, if you are looking for a kayak that costs less than $500, you may also consider getting a Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak as it also has numerous good features.
| | |
| |
The post Best Sit on Top Kayaks 101 appeared first on Outdoor Adventure Geeks.
