Sit-on-top kауаkѕ are thе mоѕt uѕеr-frіеndlу kауаkѕ around аnd hаvе bесоmе incredibly рорulаr.
When I decide to purchase my first sit-on-top kayak, I did tons of research trying to fіnd mоrе dеtаіlѕ about this kind of boat. But fіndіng the rіght ѕіt-оn-tор іѕn’t quite еаѕу, unlеѕѕ уоu knоw what to lооk fоr. That’s why I compile this list of review for you.
I believe those kауаkѕ I picked аrе ѕtаblе, durаblе, tough, affordable аnd ones thаt provide еаѕу еntrу and еxіt аmоng many other bеnеfіtѕ.
These are the Top 3 Picks of Sit-on-Top kayak:
Why I Picked the Lifetime Tamarack Kауаk
If you’re working with a budget or you’re not quite ready to invest in a higher-end model, the Lіfеtіmе’ѕ Tamarack might be just the ticket.
Lіfеtіmе’ѕ Tamarack іѕ a sit-on-top kayak which can bе used for ѕеvеrаl rеаѕоnѕ. It hаѕ been wіdеlу uѕеd fоr fishing рurроѕеѕ. It саn bе uѕеd іn rіvеr, lаkеѕ, bасkуаrd роndѕ, etc. Wіth tоnѕ оf fеаturеѕ, Lіfеtіmе Tаmаrасk Sit-on-top kауаk соmеѕ at a vеrу reasonable рrісе.
I fished the Lifetime Tamarack 100 (also called the muskie angler) for 2 years and thought I’d give it an honest review for those that want to get started in kayak fishing without spending a lot of money.
I bought 2 of them for 300 bucks new at Walmart, shipped to my door with paddles. The prices on them vary wildly depending on the season. I added a Garmin Striker 4 and battery for another 100 bucks on one of them, and the other one was for my GF or friends to join me.
Mounting the fish finder on this yak was super easy. The transducer fits almost perfectly in the scupper recess on the bottom of the hull. The included front rod holder is perfect for trolling and there are 2 addition rod holders in the rear. Storage space is adequate and I was able to fit 2 nights worth of gear in it doing a trip from Dingmans Ferry to the water gap.
It is extremely stable and you can stand on it and lean. Its light (and cheap) so you can just drag it around and toss it on in your truck. The seat back is actually really nice, but the seat padding is a joke. The hatch lids could be better too, but they do the job. I’m 5-10 170 and it was a good fit.
The only major downside is that it is a slow kayak. The range is probably like 3 miles RT for a solid day of fishing with light wind. Its only 10 feet long and the hull isn’t exactly sleek. It tracks pretty damn good for not having a rudder, but going out in any wind over 10MPH is a challenge. I was out on Raritan Bay near Keyport with this and almost got blown to Perth Amboy when the winds kicked up to about 15-20. It took some serious effort to get back to shore. I did it, but it was hell. I never felt unsafe because of the stability, it was just painfully slow.
If you want to try kayak fishing to see if you will really get into it, this is a great choice. I caught many NJ northern pike and bass on this boat. I even got my first Muskie on this thing. I only brought it out to the salt once, but if you pick your days it would be fine in the bay. Turns out I really like kayak fishing and just picked up a used Hobie peddle yak. I will probably never buy another power boat unless it’s something that will get me to the canyon.
Check the current price on Amazon.
Old Town Predator Pedal
This is the kayak that I can’t afford yet, but I really love it.
Avid fishermen will fall head over heels in love with the Old Town Predator Pedal. As one of the tops sit on top kayaks in terms of agility, maneuverability, and speed, it’s among the best personal fishing vessels you can find.
Its specially designed hull allows for exceptional speed while its superb balance makes standing up a piece of cake. Moreover, this is a pedal-powered kayak, which gives you plenty of control and maneuverability, while keeping your hands 100% free. The Predator Pedal Drive can be mounted in mere seconds and is storable for easy docking.
This remarkably designed kayak is a superb piece of equipment, but note that just because of its stand-out features, it’s quite heavy and expensive.
Check the current price on Amazon.
Perception Pescador 12 Angler Kayak
The Perception Sport Pescador 12 Angler Kayak is one of the best deals out there for a high-end kayak. It is one of the few available that has a price tag that makes it affordable for anyone looking to get into the sport. Even though the price is low, the quality is high. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a sit on top kayak when you can buy the Pescador.
The most interesting think about this SOT is that is actually the 2008 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 but was renamed when Perception and Wilderness Systems merged. However, the Tarpon was priced over $600 more than the Pescador. So for $600 less, you can get a high-end model with a different name. Pretty cool, huh!
Now, what is unique about this kayak? The Perception Sport Pescador 12 Angler Kayak is easy to paddle, stable and comes fully stocked with everything you need for a fun time on the water. The hull is designed for perfect tracking on the lakes and rivers. The large cockpit is designed for any size paddler and is easy to enter and exit. Overall, I highly recommend the Pescador 12 Angler Kayak.
Features To Look For In Sit-On-Top Kayak
Here are some of the key features to keep in mind when choosing a sit-on-top kayak.
If you plan to spend more than an hour or two at a time in your kayak, look for one with a quality seat. A good seat is a seriously underrated feature in a kayak that will help make sure you’re enjoying your time on the water rather than thinking about your back. Look for good padding and multiple adjustment points so you can get the right fit for your body; your body will thank you.
Dry Storage
There’s usually plenty of room to place gear on the deck of a sit-on-top, but it’s nice to have dry storage hatches for items that are water-sensitive or if you’re worried about them falling off the side of the kayak. Just keep in mind that if you really want to make sure something stays dry, keep it in a dry bag as you can still splash water into a storage hatch.
Footrests
Most sit-on-top kayaks have footrests that are molded into the plastic of the boat. These are really convenient and don’t require any adjustment, but they usually don’t offer the best fit. Footrests that are adjustable along a track offer the most comfort and support while you’re paddling.
Weight Capacity
While you can load a kayak down to its maximum weight capacity, it doesn’t always mean that you should. Kayaks loaded to their limit will sit lower in the water and won’t perform as well. As a general rule, give yourself about 50% more capacity than what you think you’ll need.
For example, if you and all your gear weigh 200 pounds, aim for a kayak that has a weight capacity of roughly 300 pounds. Check out this post ( Does kayak have a weight limit?)
Conclusion
Kayaking is a fun activity especially when you have the best sit on top kayak. These are kayaks that are designed for beginners and they have a user-friendly designed as compared to the traditional models.
Whether you want one for fishing, recreation, surfing, touring or scuba diving, the above models that I have reviewed will offer a high level of comfort.
We examined different sit on top kayaks in reference to performance. price, comfort, features, and durability among other factors and came up with the top picks. Depending on your budget requirements and features you want, you can pick the best kayak that suits your paddling needs.
Generally, there is no way you are not finding the right kayak that suits your need and your pocket too.
Thank for reading, Happy kayaking.
