In this post, I’ll review the top 7 recreational kayaks under 250 on the market in 2020.
A recreational kayak is normally made of polyethylene, plastic ABS or composite material. They are 9 to 12 feet long and have 27 to 30 inches wide at the cockpit. They’re perfect for the beginners and other people who enjoy paddling on the relatively calm water. The most obvious advantage of recreational kayaks is that they’re quite a bit cheaper than touring one’s due to its material.
Recreational kayaks are also a couple inches wider than their touring counterparts, which give them a little extra stability. This is a nice feature not only for beginning paddlers but also for anyone who loves to fish or take photographs from their boat. It’s a “comfortable” experience on a recreational kayak.
Back to the main topic, the top 7 inexpensive recreational kayaks under 250 dollars. Normally, I won’t recommend you buy a kayak mainly based on its price. But I know sometimes, price does matter. When I was a student, the only kayak I could afford is the one under 200 dollars(Nowadays, it’s really hard to find one under 200 on the market.) So, that’s the reason why I write this article, I can totally relate to that kind of situation. Before you read the post, you can check this article first: 7 Reasons Why Buying Cheap kayaks is a Bad Investment
Here are my picks for the top 7 inexpensive recreational kayaks under 250 in 2018. Remember, the prices may change at any time. You should check the final price yourself.
- Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kayak
- Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak
- Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak
- Lifetime Zenith 10 Kayak
- Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
- Field & Stream Blade Kayak
- Pelican Fazer Kayak with Paddle
I’ll give you a brief intro for each kayak and I find some of the most informative reviews from all of the shopping websites.
| Name of the kayak | Weight capacity | Price |
| Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kayak | 225 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
| Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak | 275 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
| Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak | 300 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
| Lifetime Zenith 10 Kayak | 275 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
| Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak | 250 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
| Field & Stream Blade Kayak | 275 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
| Pelican Fazer Kayak with Paddle | 275 lbs | Check out Price on Amazon |
Table of Contents
Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kayak
Whether you’re an angler or enjoy the occasional ride across the water, you’ll love the Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kayak. Lightweight and UV protected, this kayak boasts a heavy-duty construction that’s still easy to transport, and a flat bottom to increases stability while you’re casting out. Multiple footrest options accommodate big, tall or small riders. Paddle out and enjoy the water with your kayak and included Liftetime® paddle.
Features
- 1-person sit-on-top kayak
- Great for fishing or recreational paddling
- Designed for calm waters
- Includes a paddle
- Footrest positions accommodate most riders
- Stable, flat bottom
- Pontoon design
- Not compatible with rudders
- Molded-in swim-up deck
- Two flush-mount rod holders, one adjustable rod holder
- High-density polyethylene construction
- Front and rear shock cord straps
- Front T-handle, lightweight for easy transport
- UV protection that won’t fade, crack or peel
- Set of 2 bungees for easy carry and storage
- Molded carry handle for easy transport
- 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Product Details
- Length: 8’5″
- Width: 29.5″
- Maximum weight capacity: 225 lbs.
- Boat weight: 43 lbs.
Good reviews from customers
Easy to carry from car to pond. The single handle it comes with is good for short duration carrying. Handles on the sides would have been nice. Accessory mounts behind the seat would have been good too. Very easy to maneuver. Standing is possible, but I’m hesitant to try casting while standing until I buy/rig some stabilizers. Rows reasonably straight, not like a regular kayak though. The Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kayak is not meant for distance, but stability.
Bad reviews from customers
The Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kayak works well for fishing but the clips holding the seat consistently came out so the seat collapsed, eventually the clips broke – this was on the maiden voyage and we were being very leisurely so not rough housing. Overall you get what you pay for, it was worth the price but expect some things to break easily or not be the most high quality.
<<Buy the Lifetime Hydros 85 Angler Kaya on Amazon>>
Pelican Trailblazer 100 NXT Kayak
Features
- Next Gen. of the Pelican® Trailblazer Kayak
- 1-person sit-in recreational kayak
- Perfect for paddling calm to light surf waters
- Great for beginners
- Offers tremendous stability
- Easy to paddle
- Twin-arched multi-chine hull
- Constructed with RAM-X™ impact resistant materials
- ErgoBase™ seat pad
- Molded footrests for comfort
- ErgoForm™ padded backrest for superior comfort
- Cockpit table featuring a bottle holder and separate, accessory compartments
- Additional bottle holder in the seat
- Drain plug
- Carry handles for easy transport to and from the shore
- Stern storage tank well with a bungee cord to secure items
- Bungee cord
- Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty
Product Details
- Length: 10’
- Carry weight: 36 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 275 lbs.
- Width: 29″
- Depth: 14″
- Beam: 28″
- Cockpit dimensions: 20.5″W x 425.”L
Good reviews from customers
This kayak is priced at the low end of the spectrum, which makes it a perfect choice for a novice paddler. This kayak has a wide flat bottom for stability and had the structural integrity of a tank. This kayak will work great for those that like to run creeks with debris and other obstacles as you don’t have to worry about hull damage. The boat will float if full of water and you have to really try to roll it over. We have a fleet of these for our college students learning to maneuver on moving water and in swift currents.
Bad reviews from customers
The coaming (the part of the cockpit where you put a spray skirt) is not designed to be used with a spray skirt. I suppose with a very tight bungee cord you could hold a spray skirt on, but it is not meant for serious whitewater or any kind of water that breaks over the boat. However, it’s nice to have something to keep drips, spray and sun out of the cockpit. 99% of people will never notice, want or use a spray skirt, however, so it’s just those who do or want to, who will find it a negative.
Pelican Bandit NXT 100 Kayak
Great for recreational use, the Bandit NXT Kayak by Pelican® offers excellent stability for beginners and awesome tracking for every adventure. This boat is easy to paddle and offers comfort via the adjustable, padded backrest and molded footrests. The Bandit 100 NXT offers plenty of storage space, plus carry handles.
Features
- Next Gen. of the Pelican® Bandit Kayak
- 1-person sit-on-top recreational kayak
- Perfect for paddling calm to light surf waters
- Great for beginners
- Offers great stability and easy traction
- Easy to paddle
- Twin-arched multi-chine hull
- Constructed with RAM-X™ impact resistant materials
- Molded seat with ErgoForm™ backrest
- Adjustable padded backrest for superior comfort
- Molded footrests for comfort
- Carry handles for easy transport to and from the shore
- Storage platform with bungees
- Large storage tank well with a bungee cord to secure items
- Drain plug
- Dual position bottle holder
- Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty
Product Details
- Length: 10’
- Width: 30″
- Boat weight: 40 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Good reviews from customers
This kayak is excellent in performance. It’s easy to keep on track and takes very little effort. Very well balanced. I was worried about the light support on the backrest but it proved to be just fine with 4 hours of paddle time. It’s a very simple layout and impressive as such. Purchasing the style that has holes such as this one, seem to make them much more stable. Took on very little water and stayed dry the majority of the time. The seat is slightly raised with adds comfort and keeps you dry.
Bad reviews from customers
The only downfall is there is no sealed storage.
Lifetime Zenith 10 Kayak
The Zenith Kayak by Lifetime® offers high performance and a laid-back, recreational vibe. Complete with a flat bottom hull and chine rails, this boat boasts awesome tracking and excellent stability to keep you cruising the waters. An adjustable seat back and footrests keep you comfortable while you paddle, and the multiple storage options accommodate your gear all season long.
Features
- Designed for one paddler
- Great for recreation
- Flat bottom hull with deep tracking channels for better stability and improved tracking
- Chine rails extend tracking performance
- Adjustable seat back for comfort on the water
- Footrests adjust to multiple positions to accommodate most paddlers
- Oval storage hatch and bungee shock cords for gear
- Front and rear toggle handles plus molded-in side handles for easy travels
- Made with long-lasting UV protection and impact resistant durability
- Manufacturer’s five-year limited warranty on the hull
Product Details
- Length: 10’
- Width: 30″
- Carry weight: 44 lbs.
- Maximum weight capacity: 275 lbs.
- Materials: high-density polyethylene.
Good reviews from customers
It is actually one of the fastest easy paddling ones we have. Very steady and light. Way more than I expected for the money. I would recommend this to anyone that doesn’t want to spend a lot. It is better than a couple that we have that we paid 2 and 3 times as much for.
Bad reviews from customers
It was too heavy for me to pick and put on roof carrier. I had to return for a lighter model. (It did weigh more than the other option but I don’t think it is overweight.)
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak is great for river and lake trips. This one-person touring and expedition kayak features a paddle leash, adjustable foot braces, adjustable padded seat, and protective thigh pads to keep you comfortable while you’re out on the water. Multiple storage compartments give you plenty of room to store all your gear, while durable Fortiflex® material keeps your kayak lasting for years to come.
Features
- 1-person sit-in kayak
- Great for rivers and lakes
- Shock cord deck rigging
- Large open cockpit
- Carrying handles
- Paddle Leash
- Adjustable foot braces
- Protective thigh pads
- Adjustable padded seat
- Storage compartment
- Water bottle holder
Product Details
- Length: 10’
- Width: 30”
- Weight: 41 lbs.
- Maximum capacity: 250 lbs.
- Materials: Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex® high-density polyethylene
- Manufacturer’s 2-year warranty
Good reviews from customers
The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak is very nice, low price entry level kayak. I got into this one and was pleasantly surprised by the comfort level and just how nice the unit handled and tracked, this is a very nice low-end kayak that seems like it will last for years with the proper care.
Bad reviews from customers
These may hold up on lakes but I had 6 of this to go down the Chattahoochee River,-class-II rapids, so nothing bad and had holes on the bottoms of all but one by mid-summer. They are not sturdy enough to take the pounding of the rocks and there was a weak area just under the box. My suggestion is to go with a better model than the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak .
<<Buy the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak on Amazon>>
Field & Stream Blade Kayak
Made for your next kayaking adventure, the Field & Stream® Blade Kayak boasts plenty of recreational features. From the paddle keepers to the carry handles, this boat is practical, while the adjustable seat back and footrests offer comfort on the water. The sit-in design keeps you low to the water and offers better stability and easier paddling.
Features
- Sit-in design
- For recreational kayaking
- Made for one paddler
- Carry handles at the front and rear
- Foam seat with adjustable backrest for all-day comfort
- Footrests adjust for extended comfort
- Two paddle keepers
- Action camera mount
- The built-in front console offers storage space
- Bungee cord storage for stashing gear
- Rear well accommodates one large bucket (up to a 5 gal. capacity)
- Cup holder
- Drain plug, scupper plugs
Product Details
- Length: 9’7”
- Width: 31”
- Maximum weight capacity: 275 lbs.
- Boat weight: 45 lbs.
Good reviews from customers
The Field & Stream Blade Kayak is the ideal choice for the adventurer. Features such as the action camera mount, built-in front console storage space, the rear wall and bungee cord storage make it suitable for recreational activities. Paddle keepers and carry handle ensure practical use, while the adjustable seat back and footrests provide comfort on the water. The sit-in design keeps you low to the water while offering better stability and easier paddling.
Bad reviews from customers
My ONLY complaint is due to the shiny plastic the boat is made of, it shows scuffs and scratches pretty easily.
Pelican Fazer 100 Kayak
The Pelican FAZER 100 is a very nice recreational kayak only found at select retailers. Built on a twin-arched multi-chine hull, this sit-in kayak offers great stability and good tracking. It features an adjustable ERGOFORM™ padded backrest with a seat cushion for increased comfort, a storage hatch with a bungee cord to store your gear, a cockpit table, bottle holder, drain plug and carrying handles. Made of RAM-X™ impact-resistant material, it is built to last.
Features
- Adjustable padded backrest, seat pad, and molded footrests allow you to adopt a natural and efficient paddling position
- Storage hatch allows you to stow on-the-water essentials and secures with a bungee cord
- Ergonomic carrying handles
- Drain plug
Product Details
- Length: 10′
- Beam: 28 in
- Depth: 14 in
- Cockpit width: 25″
- Cockpit length: 54.8 in
- Weight: 38 lb
- Max Capacity: 275 lb
Good reviews from customers
This Pelican model is well made without any questionable parts. Other than being 10 feet long it is pretty easy to move around and fits on top of my Mazda easily. The rear storage compartment is nice but definitely not waterproof. There is on top storage on the front via some nice color matching bungee cords. The white bottom shows wear really well and in my opinion that is good for maintaining the kayak. It does have two single handles on the front and back that seem fairly made and now handles in the cockpit.
Bad reviews from customers
I can’t find any bad review in this product. It’s not perfect, just not so popular on the market.
See more: 8 Cheap Recreational Kayak Under 300, Top 7 Recreational Kayak Under 500
And if you consider buying a decent sit-on-top kayak, you should read this post: My Top Picks for Sit on Top kayaks
Conclusion
Hope you find this article helpful. I try to collect the newest information for you. If you find anything in this article wrong or outdated. Please leave your comment below, I will update it as soon as possible. See more:
Thanks for reading. Happy Kayaking.
Awesome post! I think you made a good point right off the bat – price shouldn’t always be the deciding factor when choosing a recreational boat or kayak, but sometimes it does play into the equation. I think that the most important thing to consider is what you ACTUALLY need. Of course, we all want the shiny new toys with all of the bells and whistles – sometimes it’s complete overkill to have, though. Especially for first-time boat buyers, a great resource can make all of the difference. Finding good advice that isn’t diluted by others’ thoughts and experiences can be hard. Pages like this one can help a TON when getting ready to buy a boat: https://www.hashtagboatlife.com/buy-boat-for-sale/ – These resources help you identify your needs, budget, financing, and everything in between. Keep up the good work!