8 Cheap Recreational Kayak Under 300

A recreational kayak is normally made of polyethylene, plastic ABS or composite material. They are 10 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, best recreational kayak under 300 dollars. (If you are finding something cheaper you can see my another article Top 7 inexpensive recreational kayak under 250 dollars.) Normally, I won’t recommend you buy a new 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. In the rest of the post, I’ll review the top 8 inexpensive recreational kayak under 300 on the market in 2018.

Here are my picks for the top 8 inexpensive recreational kayaks under 300 in 2018. Remeber, the prices may change at any time. You should check the final price yourself. 

• Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Kayak 
• Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak 
• Pelican Mustang 100X Kayak 
• Future Beach Discovery 104  Angler Kayak 
• Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Angler Kayak 
• Perception Flow 95 Kayak 
• Emotion Darter 9 Kayak 
• Lifetime Tioga 120 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.

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Kayak 

The Sun Dolphin® Bali 10 SS Sit-On-Top Kayak is perfect for your next adventure. Great for recreational use on the lake or river, this one-person kayak features a lightweight, easy to carry design with an open cockpit for easy entry and exit. An incorporated Portable Accessory Carrier can be used as a tow behind or extra storage compartment, while adjustable foot braces and a large seating area keeps you comfortable the entire trip.

FEATURES:

• 1-person sit-on-top kayak
• Great for lakes and rivers
• Lightweight, easy to carry design
• Open cockpit allows the easiest of entry
• Paddle leash
• Shock cord deck rigging
• Adjustable foot braces
• Large, comfortable seating area with protective thigh pads
• Storage compartment
• P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) can be used as a tow behind or extra storage compartment
• Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 10’
• Width: 30”
• Kayak weight: 44 lbs.
• Maximum weight capacity: 250 lbs.
• Materials: Rugged UV-stabilized Fortiflex® high-density polyethylene
• Manufacturer’s 2-year warranty

Good reviews from customers:

Nice kayak, lightweight and easy to load and unload. The PAC makes a great cooler and the front has good cargo space to. Lots of nooks for stuff and even found a spot for my fishing pole. I like the detail that went into the design with plenty of storage, and the straps are quite handy. I love the adjustable back support.

Bad reviews from customers:

This thing barely counts as a kayak. It sits up very high, flips very easily. It’s so short and stubby that it does not stay in a straight line. Whoever designed this has obviously no idea what they are doing.

The price right now is 271.99, you should check the current price on Amazon. Be aware of this kayak, it receives many bad reviews about its performance and comfort. 

Pelican Blitz 100X EXO Kayak 

Good tracking, great stability and a lightweight design, the Pelican® Blitz Kayak is ready for your next day on the water. Made for recreation, this boat offers plenty of features to keep you comfy, plus storage compartments for stashing your gear. The Blitz boasts an impact resistant RAM-X™ construction.

FEATURES:

• 1-person, recreational sit-on-top kayak
• Self-bailing
• Easy to paddle; great stability with superior tracking
• Lightweight design
• Twin-arched multi-chine hull
• Constructed with RAM-X™ impact resistant materials
• Multi-layer polyethylene, with advanced resin, construction
• RAM-X™ polyethylene boasts a more durable, rigid construction
• ErgoForm™ padded back with a seat cushion for all-day comfort
• Adjustable footrests plus kneepads for comfort
• Ergonomic carry handles for easy transport to and from the shore
• Tank well with a bungee cord to secure items
• Removable, EXOPOD 17L hard shell storage compartment
• Dual position bottle holder
• Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 10’
• Width: 32″
• Boat weight: 43 lbs.
• Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.

Good reviews from customers:

Single-person kayak – handles very well for the Money! I love the open top! This one has a strapped-on case in the back that comes with it, big enough for a couple of meals and some spare stuff, there are straps in front, to for more gear.

Bad reviews from customers:

Nice looking boat – wife liked the case that came with it and it was very inexpensive – the next morning we loaded the boat in our truck to go on our maiden voyage. The wife noticed a dent on the rear hull the size of my hand but did not want to return as we didn’t think the dent would affect the performance. The boat handled well in the water. Today, I went to hose the boat down and noticed a section of the hull bout the size of a 10-inch plate is dented in. The boat doesn’t show any signs of a collision that would account for the damage. We will return the boat and pay more for a quality brand like perception.

The price right now is 279.99, you should check the current price on DICKS GOODS.

Pelican Mustang 100X Kayak 

The Pelican MUSTANG 100X EXO ANGLER is a 10-foot sit-in fishing kayak built on a twin-arched multichine hull that offers great stability while providing good tracking. It features adjustable footrests, knee pads, a cockpit smartphone holder, the ERGOFORMTM seating system, two flush mounts and one swivel rod holder, a front deck storage hatch with bungee cord, a tank well with bungee cords to store your fishing gear or secure the included 17L hard shell removable storage compartment, and ergonomic carrying handles. Made of RAM-X™, a multi-layer polyethylene with an advanced resin providing significantly more rigidity than standard polyethylene, the MUSTANG 100X EXO ANGLER comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is lighter, stiffer and stronger, and built to last for many fishing adventures.

FEATURES:

• 1-person sit-in kayak
• Made for fishing
• Easy to paddle; great stability and easy traction
• Two flush mount rod holders
• Twin-arched multi-chine hull
• Constructed with RAM-X™ impact resistant materials
• Multi-layer polyethylene, with advanced resin, construction
• RAM-X™ polyethylene boasts a more durable, rigid construction
• ErgoForm™ seat system for all-day comfort
• Adjustable footrests plus kneepads for comfort
• Ergonomic carry handles for easy transport to and from the shore
• Ample storage for fishing gear
• Front deck storage hatch with bungee cord
• Tank well with a bungee cord to secure items
• Removable, EXOPOD 17L hard shell storage compartment
• Single position bottle holder
• Smartphone holder at the cockpit
• Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 10’
• Carry weight: 39 lbs.
• Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs.
• Width: 30″
• Depth: 14″
• Beam: 29″
• Cockpit dimensions: 25″W x 47″L

Good reviews from customers:

I bought this kayak a week ago and finally got it on the river yesterday. The good, it tracks well, comfortable, and easy to handle. Lightweight enough for me to carry it on my own. Lots of storage space. The drain plug is in a great place. The not so good. None of the storage compartments stayed dry. Glad I used my instincts and put another dry storage box in the front storage compartment for our wallets and keys. For my main use, rivers, I would have to wrap the back storage container in some sort of plastic bag may be to keep my belongings dry.

Bad reviews from customers:

Took this kayak out on the lake. The back compartment filled with water and the exo pod filled up with water. began acting as a weight and sinking the back end of the kayak. not happy at all with the performance of this product.

The price right now is 279.99, you should check the current price on DICKS GOODS.

Future Beach Discovery 104 Angler Kayak

Paddle out on your next trip with the Future Beach® Kayak. Built for the angler, the Discovery 104 boasts a sit-on-top design with an adjustable seat back and flush mount rod holders. A multi-chine hull allows for confidence on the water with secure stability while casting out. This ‘yak features plenty of storage space for your fishing gear and other essentials.

FEATURES:

• SOT design is ideal for fishing
• Multi-chine hull boasts extreme stability
• Seat back adjusts for your perfect angle
• Seats one
• Two flush rod holders
• Front and rear gear wells with bungees
• Rear storage hatch provides plenty of space for extra gear
• Storage hatch sits behind the seat for easy convenience without taking up space
• Molded-in cup holders
• Front, rear and side carry handles for easy transport to and from the water
• Manufacturer’s two-year warranty on hull and one-year warranty on parts

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 10’4”
• Width: 31”
• Boat weight: 48 lbs.
• Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs.

Good reviews from customers:

For the price, the kayak is decent with two fishing rod holders, molded in multi footrests to accommodate long and short legged explorers, hidden compartment is useful but needed to apply water sealant silicone, comes with 4 scupper plugs to cover the holes so you don’t get wet, front and rear carry handle and side carry handles is a plus, a little heavy so it requires assistance to transport from roof carrier to the ground and to the water’s edge. 

This kayak is stable, tracks straight and has lots of storage. Many kayaks in this price range do not track straight and have limited features. The seat is comfortable upon adding a foam pad, the deck storage areas are well designed. 

Bad reviews from customers:

Weigh capacity is not 300 pounds! I weigh 170 and have water in the footwells all day long. No place to conveniently store a plano box unless you want to turn around behind the seat all day. The seat is uncomfortable. if you should happen to get water in the front or rear tank well, it does not drain out. No forward rod holder, and can’t install one without access to inside of the hull.

More about kayak capacity. (Do kayaks have a weight limit? Explain the kayak capacity.)

The price right now is 279.99, you should check the current price on DICKS GOODS.

Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Angler Kayak

FEATURES:

• 1-person sit-in fishing kayak
• Great for lakes and rivers
• Lightweight, easy to carry
• Two flush mount rod holders
• One swivel rod holder
• Large, open cockpit
• Adjustable foot braces
• Adjustable padded seat
• Storage compartment
• Shock cord deck rigging
• Water bottle holder
• Protective thigh pads
• Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability

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:

Lots of room in this kayak for long legs and a very comfortable seat. Tracks nicely and moves along well in the water. Very stable – not the least bit tippy which is great when you have a fish on the line or when you have to turn around to catch that perfect picture which I’m confident enough to bring along my camera. You won’t regret buying this kayak -it’s a great value.

Bad reviews from customers:

The two-piece body style is thinner than most kayaks that I am familiar with. The way that the seat is molded as one continuous piece of the body makes it difficult to lift and maneuver out of the water. The storage well is tiny and doesn’t hold much.

The price right now is 299, you should check the current price on Amazon.

Perception Flow 95 Kayak

Paddle out, cast out and enjoy an afternoon on the water with the Perception® Flow Kayak. With a lightweight, compact build, this ‘yak is easy to carry to the shore and maneuvers with superior speed on calm waters. You’ll love the padded, adjustable seat for a comfortable ride, plus the bungee deck rigging helps keep your gear secure and close by all day.

FEATURES:

• 1-person, sit-in, recreational kayak
• Designed for recreational and sporting use in calm waters
• Convenient, compact design
• Provides ample stability, awesome tracking, and easy maneuverability
• Padded seat boasts an adjustable backrest for comfort while paddling or casting out
• Keepers foot brace system
• Bungee deck rigging
• Rotomolded kayak with high-grade polyethylene plastic construction for a UV and abrasion resistant finish, exceptional strength, and seamless, one-piece durability
• Five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 9’5”
• Width: 29”
• Boat weight: 38 lbs.
• Maximum weight capacity: 250 lbs.

Good reviews from customers:

Short and relatively lightweight kayak. Very simple, which is actually great. Tracks well and is stable, as a recreational kayak should be. Made of durable rotomolded plastic with all the edges smoothly finished.

Bad reviews from customers:

Lack of padding for your knees affects the comfort. Overall it is a very good starter kayak.

The price right now is 299.99, you should check the current price on DICK’s GOODS.

Lifetime Tioga 120 Kayak 

Built for calm, open waters, the Lifetime® Tioga 120 Kayak offers an enjoyable, single-rider experience. You’ll stay comfortable on the water with the seat back, plus the footrest adjusts to accommodate various heights. The lightweight design and carry handle makes it easy to haul your gear to and from the water, while the paddle cradle keeps your paddle in place.

FEATURES:

• 1-person sit-on-top kayak
• Designed for long-distancing paddling
• Includes paddle
• Flat bottom increases stability
• Stability chine rails
• Deep hull tracking channels
• Seat back for comfort on the water
• Multi footrest positions accommodate various size riders
• Lightweight design
• Carry handle for easy transport
• Front and rear shock cords
• T-handles at the front and rear for easy transport
• 6” storage hatch in the rear
• Paddle cradle helps keep your paddle secure
• UV construction helps protect against fading, cracking or peeling
• Manufacturer’s 5-year limited warranty

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 10’0″
• Maximum user weight: 275 lbs.
• Kayak weight: 50 lbs.
• Material: UV-protected high-density polyethylene (HDPE)

Good reviews from customers:

I have used many different styles of kayaks and I have to say I absolutely LOVE this one the most, especially for the price! I live on the coast in the southeast so I do a lot of paddling in the ocean and rivers, (and have to say we pay a lot more for our kayaks locally) and I have had a lot of great times with this kayak. Super sturdy, and glides easily through the water.

Bad reviews from customers:

The first time I used the Tamarack 120 Kayak I put a huge dent in the front. All I did is run into the muddy shore of my neighborhood pond. Went back and forth with the warranty department with no luck. Lifetime warranties are a joke.

The price right now is 299.99, you should check the current price on DICK’s GOODS.

Emotion Darter 9 Kayak

From the lightweight design to the high-performance hull, the Emotion® Darter Kayak gets you out on the water with ease. Built for one ‘yaker, this sit-in boat features an UltraLite XL molded-in seat to accommodate any size paddler. The durable foot braces adjust for convenience, while the ledge locker paddler keeper provides convenience for any trip. The HD polyethylene material, with blow-molded construction, delivers durability for the many seasons ahead.

FEATURES:

• One-person sit-in kayak
• Lightweight design
• ST performance hull for excellent tracking and stability
• Padded seat adjusts to accommodate a variety of paddlers
• UltraLite XL molded-in seat for comfort on the water
• UltraLite seat folds down for convenience
• Durable, adjustable foot braces
• Built-in foam blocks
• Ledge lock paddle keeper
• Bungee system with a bow and stern shock cords to help secure gear
• High-density polyethylene construction
• Blow-molded construction with foam flotation
• Front and rear toggle handles allow easy transportation to and from the water
• Manufacturer’s 5-year limited warranty on the hull

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Length: 9’0”
• Boat weight: 40 lbs.
• Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
• Material: HD polyethylene

Good reviews from customers:

It was so easy to steer and even though all of my family had longer boats, I was able to go so fast and keep up with them the whole time!! So comfortable and stable. It was the perfect boat.

Bad reviews from customers:

Only negative is that it feels like my weight with fishing gear is too much for a stable ride. I recently fished an 11′ 4″ sit on top and it was a much better ride/fishing.

The price right now is 299.99, you should check the current price on DICK’s GOODS.

The Top 8 inexpensive recreational kayak under 300.

Conclusion

Hope you find this article helpful. I try to collect the newest information for you. But if you find anything in this article is wrong or outdated. Please leave your comment below, I will update as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading. Happy Kayaking.