The 10 Best Kayaks under $200

The Intex Challenger may be the coolest-looking inflatable kayak on the market right now. At their price point, they tend to be surrounded by children’s models, and yet the Intex Challenger manages to look adventurous and rugged. This adds an extra layer of safety for those who want to make sure they’re easy to locate, should they get lost.

This sit-on-top inflatable kayak is made from damage-resistant vinyl. Puncture resistant and stable, it comes with light aluminum paddles, a pump, and its own patching kit.

The Challenger sits two people and measures 11.5 feet by 30 inches. It can carry up to 400 pounds.

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The most efficient way to keep your budget in check is to go back to the basics. The Aquaglide Yakima offers a great opportunity to do just that, despite being a maneuverable and stable vessel. One thing where the Yakima did not cut costs, however, is in its safety standard. The Boston valves are high-quality, the material is resistant, and it includes an easy-to-carry patch kit.

It’s a sit-on-top inflatable kayak made from 24-gauge PVC with Integrated polyester deck skirts The end result? No stops in the middle of the road forcing you to check the air pressure or to reflate.

The Aquaglide comes with two original Yakima seats, which are padded and very ergonomic. A couple of transport handles round out this very affordable package.

The Yakima is 11 feet long and 31 inches wide with a carrying capacity of up to 400 pounds. When not inflated or assembled, it fits easily in any closet.

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In addition to being affordable and well-made, the Sevylor K1 Quikpak is also a statement of efficient, smart design. It comes as a very neat-looking and light backpack, which can then be unzipped, assembled, and inflated in less than 15 minutes. And the backpack itself is turns into a comfy padded seat.

This sit-on-top inflatable model is made from rugged 21-gauge PVC. The kayak’s bottom is reinforced with tarpaulin to add some extra resistance to punctures, which makes this a very reliable partner for your next lake trip.

The storage area is equipped with bungees to secure your belongings. And while adjustable seats may be too complicated to include in an inflatable kayak, Sevylor did manage to equip the K1 with adjustable foot rests, which go a long way in making the trip more comfortable.

This kayak is meant to fit just one person, but it can accommodate a fairly large one. Nine feet long and nearly three fit wide, it can carry up to 400 pounds.

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If inflatable kayaks are not your thing altogether, but you also want to keep good quality materials and a strong brand at your side, consider sacrificing a little bit of length. After all, size doesn’t matter as much as movement, right?

Sun Dolphin is one of the most respected kayak brands out there, after all, and the Aruba is one of their top budget-friendly recreational models. Their 8-foot version is more affordable than the 12 or 10-foot ones, and will also save you money in freight and transport. However, it still includes the comfy padded seat backs, a storage compartment, and a drink holder from the larger models

It’s a sit-in kayak made out of High Density Polyethylene, with UV-protection coating.

It’s 8 feet long, 36 inches wide, and weighs only 27 pounds. It has a carrying capacity of 260 pounds.

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Pelican is best-known for its high-end fishing kayaks, but that doesn’t mean that they neglect recreational kayakers, or those who are looking for the best possible “first kayak” experience.

Light and fast, the Pelican Pursuit 80X sit-in kayak is very maneuverable and has superb tracking – which is what we have come to expect from Pelican. It turns quickly and can therefore resist the occasional type I or II rapid, and its puncture resistant hull will keep you dry throughout. It’s made from RAM-X Impact resistant polyethylene, with ERGFORM back rests.

Although very small, it is a great option as a second kayak as well, as it can easily fit inside an SUV. The only downside? A relatively limited weight capacity: the Pursuit requires either little gear or a light rider.

At 7 feet, 9 inches long and 28 inches wide, the Pelican Pursuit weighs barely 26 pounds. This is close to nothing, allowing it to be lifted with just one hand. It can only carry up to 200 pounds, though, so pack light.

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Sea kayaking has that special quality of simultaneously evoking both super-crystalline tropical beaches and slightly riskier experiences. This means that finding a sea kayak on a budget can be especially tough, as many of the added security features required for a sea kayak tend to inflate the price tag steeply.

However the Rave Sports Sea Rebel sit-on-top inflatable kayak has managed to overturn these stereotypes at every step. Sleek and easy to assemble, this kayak steers well, making straight lines easy. It comes with 4 foam-filled handles and foldable aluminum paddles. The bottom is coated with tarpaulin, which protects it and makes gliding easier. The hull is 420 Denier nylon.

The Sea Rebel is 8 feet, 7 inches long and 35 inches wide. It weighs 22 pounds and is ideal for carrying up to 200 pounds.

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The Blue Wave Sports Nomad is a super-strong option for those who don’t want to waste strength during transport, or need something they can store discreetly in an apartment. With anti-leak welding in its 24-gauge PVC and three separate air chambers, this inflatable sit-in kayak was meant to resist and to keep soldiering on. The pressure valves are also equipped with double air-tight seals to ensure nothing deflates in the middle of your ride.

It is also equipped with adjustable and removable foot rests and seat covers, and the collapsible aluminum oars are light, yet made of high-quality resistant material (87-inch aluminum, one piece construction.) Add two directional bottom fins, and the result is a reliable and stable kayak that won’t bother you during the trek, but will resist calm and rough waters alike.

At only 9 feet long, 20 inches wide, and weighing 21 pounds, the Blue Wave Sports Nomad can nonetheless carry up to 220 pounds. It comes with a light but efficient foot pump for quick and easy and inflation.

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Swimline is rarely considered a big name in the kayaking industry, but they have really made an effort with the Solstice to provide a quality and resilient kayak. It’s an inflatable sit-on-top model made from heavy duty K80 PVC. It has two seats, two paddles, and a whole lot of fun all bundled up at a remarkably low price. And it looks rather classy to boot!

Some smart add-ons to the beam floor provided remarkable resistance and control to this kayak. It turns around quickly and can face a good rapid without breaking too much of a sweat. The seats are bulky but provide extra padding to keep your back at ease, and they’re fully removable as well, so if you would rather sail solo, you can adjust the seat configuration very easily. The oars are made of lightweight aluminum and can be split in two for easy transport.

At 10 feet long and 33 inches wide, the Swimline Solstice can carry up to 360 pounds. Its full weight is 65 pounds.

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Fans of thrills and occasional danger understand that the best rapids are not always easy to reach – which is what makes this light, inflatable 2-person sit-on-top Sea Eagle Pro kayak a great option. Despite being very easy to transport, it is sturdy enough to resist up to Type III rapids. This is one of the top-selling sports kayaks for a reason.

Added fins at the bottom for extra stability, smooth paddles, and efficiently foldable, the SE330 still manages to stat at an affordable price and to handle heavy loads of up to 500 pounds. The hull is also seawater and UV-resistant. It’s made from K-80 Polykrylar with I-Beam floor coating.

The round hull and hidden fins are a mainstay of this model, and those willing to forego the Deluxe package (which includes nicer oars and a foot pump) will find it makes an even cheaper choice that can fit into any newbie’s budget.

At 11 feet long and 34 inches wide, the Sea Eagle SE300 only weighs 26 pounds, which is astonishing for its 500-pound carrying capacity. Feel free to simply carry it on your next trek, just in case an irresistible lake pops up.

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The 9-foot version of the sit-in Lifetime Payette is definitely worth the wait for a sale! Light and easy to maneuver, this kayak resists rough waters and rocky riverbeds alike. The equipment is basic, but enough for a comfortable ride.

A flat bottom adds stability to the high density polyethylene hull. Sturdy handles make it easy to carry and its bungees add an extra place to store the gear you don’t mind wetting.

The Payette’s backrest is remarkable for its subtle padding and holding straps that make it easy to adjust and to keep your back in the right position for easy paddling. It also provides a good reference point for beginner kayakers who have a tendency to slouch. The adjustable foot rests and large cockpit make it friendly for larger sailors too. Although it has shock cord straps, it doesn’t come with oars or paddles.

Weighing in at 46 pounds, the Payette can carry up to 250 pounds. The full length measures 116 inches (or just over 9 feet) and it is 30-inches wide.

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