How much should I spend on my first kayak?
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of kayak would be best for your needs. For example, if you plan on going on a long adventure, then a sit-on-top style kayak might suit your needs better than a tandem kayak. If money is not an issue and all types of kayaks interest you, then go ahead and look at the price ranges associated with each one.
For those who are looking for more affordable options, there are plenty available. Some can be had as low as $250! Remember that just because something has a lower starting price doesn’t mean it’s less quality. That rule can especially be applied to kayaks.
If you’re looking for a tandem kayak, then check out this article. This will help you determine if it’s something that would benefit your needs or not.
Once you’ve got the full picture of what type of kayak would suit your needs, it’s time to start thinking about the budget. The next thing we’ll discuss is the actual purchasing process and where to look for all types of cheap and affordable options.
Kayak Buying Guide:
Things to Consider When Looking for Cheap and Affordable Options
When buying a kayak, there are certain factors you need to take into consideration. This is why we’re going over these things now so you don’t have any nasty surprises after purchasing one. In order of importance, those things are as follows: Type Price Durability Weight Capacity Foot Room Tracking Speed
One of the most important factors is the kayak’s weight capacity. Why? Well if it’s available to carry two people then it will be harder for one person to paddle and more likely that they’ll get tired quicker. For those who choose a sit-on-top style or even a tandem option, this won’t be as big of an issue since there aren’t typically more than 2 people using it at once anyways. But for those who buy solo options, this is something you should consider and look into carefully before making your final decision.
Another thing to take into account is the stability of the kayak. Some are wobbly and while this isn’t that much of a problem when you’re using it in small areas, if you’re out on large open waters then this might be an issue.
That brings us to the final point which is tracking speed. What does this mean? Well, it’s how fast the kayak can go without having your paddle hit air or water multiple times. This means that with some, you’ll have to keep paddling faster for longer periods just so you don’t get left behind by everyone else who has better options.
How Much Does A Kayak Cost?
Now that we’ve covered all of the most important factors, it’s time to look at some kayaks and see what kind of prices they come with.
2 Person Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayak with Paddles: $99.99
This is a sit-on-top tandem kayak that has plenty of room for 2 people and even comes with paddles included in the price. It also has 2 seats and can support up to 500 pounds! By far one of the best options on this list.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado Fishing Boat: $65-$129
The next option is more suited for fish enthusiasts since it’s made specifically for fishing instead of recreation activities like other options on this list. It’s a 4-person model that is made of thick PVC and it even has 2 seats! You can also opt for just the single-person kayak instead if that’s all you need.
Cobra Kayaks CXR 80: $149.99
This inflatable kayak comes with a skeg track mount system to keep your tracking straight, 2 fishing pole holders on both sides, and several other accessories including a pump, carry bag, oars, and more! Not a bad deal for under $150.
Lifetime Tamarack Angler Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak: $229.24-$299.99
If you’re looking for another option that is specifically made as a fishing kayak then you can try this one that comes in a variety of sizes and at a cheaper price. The only downside is that since it’s sit-on-top, it will not be as stable when used by more than 2 people. It even has a self-draining design to make sure the water doesn’t get in when you’re not using it.
