Best Sit On Top Kayak Under 300

Anyone new to kayaking may feel restricted when sitting inside a closed cockpit. Sit on top kayaks are perfect for beginners until they gain some experience.

Besides, other users don’t wish to spend too much. It could be they are kayak fishing and need something to get them onto a lake or smaller bodies of water.

You can check out a handful of the top sit on kayaks that offer all you need in our reviews here.

#1 Best Seller
Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Comfortable Backrest, Aluminum Oars, and High Output Air Pump for Fast Inflation, Yellow
Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak, Kayak Folds into Backpack with 5-Minute Setup, 21-Gauge PVC Construction; Hand Pump & Paddle Included
Intex Excursion Pro 2 Person Vinyl Inflatable Kayak with Aluminum Oars, Fishing Rod Holders, and High Output Pump for Rivers, Lakes, and Ocean, Red
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak, Lightning Fusion, 10 ft. 3 in.
Lifetime 90153 Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet (Green)
Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Comfortable Backrest, Aluminum Oars, and High Output Air Pump for Fast Inflation, Yellow
Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak, Kayak Folds into Backpack with 5-Minute Setup, 21-Gauge PVC Construction; Hand Pump & Paddle Included
Intex Excursion Pro 2 Person Vinyl Inflatable Kayak with Aluminum Oars, Fishing Rod Holders, and High Output Pump for Rivers, Lakes, and Ocean, Red
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak, Lightning Fusion, 10 ft. 3 in.
Lifetime 90153 Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet (Green)
#1 Best Seller
Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Comfortable Backrest, Aluminum Oars, and High Output Air Pump for Fast Inflation, Yellow
Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Comfortable Backrest, Aluminum Oars, and High Output Air Pump for Fast Inflation, Yellow
Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak, Kayak Folds into Backpack with 5-Minute Setup, 21-Gauge PVC Construction; Hand Pump & Paddle Included
Sevylor QuickPak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak, Kayak Folds into Backpack with 5-Minute Setup, 21-Gauge PVC Construction; Hand Pump & Paddle Included
Intex Excursion Pro 2 Person Vinyl Inflatable Kayak with Aluminum Oars, Fishing Rod Holders, and High Output Pump for Rivers, Lakes, and Ocean, Red
Intex Excursion Pro 2 Person Vinyl Inflatable Kayak with Aluminum Oars, Fishing Rod Holders, and High Output Pump for Rivers, Lakes, and Ocean, Red
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak, Lightning Fusion, 10 ft. 3 in.
Lifetime Tamarack Pro 103 Sit-On-Top Kayak, Lightning Fusion, 10 ft. 3 in.
Lifetime 90153 Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet (Green)
Lifetime 90153 Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet (Green)

By the end, no matter what your skill level, you will find the best recreational kayak under 300 that meets all your requirements. (Find the Best All-Around Kayak)

Contents

Why You Need the Best Sit on Top Kayak Under 300

You may find you feel claustrophobic in a sit-in kayak and want something exposed. Sit-on kayaks are popular with beginners and people who require additional space.

It also makes getting in and out of your kayak far easier, and they can offer the best fishing position out of any recreational kayak design.

Any sit on kayak under 300 will have a higher center of gravity, and as a result, manufacturers make them wider as compensation. With this, you get far more stability.

Secondly, a sit-on-top kayak is nearly unsinkable because of its enclosed high-density polyethylene hull and wide-body design that comprises multiple air chambers.

Finally, you can find your sit-on-top kayak is easy to carry, and when you’re done, you may have more options where to keep them in your home storage space. (Find the Best Kayak Rack for SUV)

Best Sit On Top Kayak Under 300 Reviews

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump

Check Latest Price

1. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump

Intex is a top name for inflatable kayaks , and the Explorer K2 is no exception, with being the most reliable tandem kayak on the market. Intex uses heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl and can resist wear and tear.

The inflatable I-Beam design adds to the kayak’s strength, making it rigid, solid, and compact.

It offers three separate air chambers for safety, so you are not under threat of sinking.

You have two comfortable seats with back-rests and are removable if you alone yet need extra storage space.

You don’t get a dedicated storage area, yet there is plenty of space for stashing gear. You can also find the kayak carries a max weight of 400 pounds, so there is more than sufficient capacity.

The Explorer K2 Kayak is best suited for small bodies of water such as lakes and mild rivers and has a removable skeg for easy maneuverability.

Pros

  • Highly affordable for a 2-person kayak
  • Comfortable yet sturdy and reliable inflatable construction
  • Pump, paddles, and repair kit included
  • Removable SKEG for directional stability

Cons

  • Small leg space in the back seat
  • Not stable in seagoing conditions

With a rough guide price of just over $120, this is one of the best kayaks on any budget. It is heavy-duty, and the performance outweighs the small cost.

It takes seconds to inflate and deflate with the Boston valves; the Explorer K2 must be the top kayak under 300.

Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak

Check Latest Price

2. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak

The Sevylor K1 is highly durable and made from 21-gauge PVC construction; besides this, it comes with a tarpaulin bottom to help stand abuse from the underwater bodies you may encounter.

Like others, there are multiple air chambers so that a puncture won’t place you in immediate danger. It comes in a carry bag, yet the pack turns into your back-rest seat for more comfort when you unpack this.

Unlike some inflatables, you have a dedicated storage area, yet it may be because you sacrifice a second seat. It offers a wide body for stability so that it can be used in moderately choppy water conditions.

Pros

  • Multi-position footrests
  • Comfortable seating with innovative back-rest
  • Double lock valves for quick inflation and deflation
  • Light and easy to carry

Cons

  • Can be hard to inflate
  • Oars don’t go in the bag

With a rough price of just under $140, the Sevylor Quikpak K1 is right in the middle of the budget range and offers decent performance. It has a weight capacity of 400 pounds so that it can cater to all sizes.

One of the most significant drawbacks of the Sevylor Quikpak K1 is that it can be hard to track even with two skegs.

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Check Latest Price

3. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Intex offers plenty of experience manufacturing inflatables, and the pro fishing kayak made for anglers is one of the best, even if it is outside the budget range.

It uses polyester laminated with PVC for the design, which helps protect against sunlight and abrasions. Chances of punctures are reduced, and the longevity of your kayak is increased. As a result, if you have kayaking dogs, this is the vessel for you.

The materials don’t bend or sag when you get in, as you can inflate to higher pressures.

The kayak length to width ratio is perfect for stopping wobbling and flipping as you cast your rod or the waters become choppy.

You can also find some small storage areas in the bow and stern, though it isn’t a dedicated storage compartment. You have a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds max, which is ideal for fishing gear.

You find two welcome rod holders at the sides of the rear seats, and these are deep. You can leave your rods without thinking they’ll fall.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Highly durable
  • Includes D-rings for tying gear
  • Built-in footrests

Cons

  • No access to rod holders from the front seat
  • Hard to fold without creasing

With a guide of just under $350, it is a little outside the budget. However, you have a versatile kayak that can be used as a tandem or solo fishing with extra space for gear.

It is outside kayaks under 300, yet it is pro-level and designed for anglers with a maximum weight of 400 pounds for lots of gear.

Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

Check Latest Price

4. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak

Unlike the others on this list so far, this isn’t inflatable and is constructed from UV-protected high-density Polyethylene.

It is very stable in calm and windy conditions with a wide body and streamlined front. Besides, it is easy to track across water tides and such.

You get plenty of storage space and dedicated storage compartments that are dry storage hatches. The remaining gear can go at the front or back.

The seat offers lots of comfort with a backrest and lots of leg space with many footrests. You can find flush-mounted rod holders to the rear of the seat and a swivel rod holder to the one side for anglers.

The kayak is self-bailing with scupper holes. You can find handles on the sides and the front and rear for easy transport and carriage.

Pros

  • Plenty of rod holder options
  • Many open and dry storage options
  • Comfortable seat
  • Very stable and easy to maneuver

Cons

  • Included paddle not very reliable
  • It doesn’t fold down like inflatables

With a guide price of just under $300, you get many fishing kayaks under 300.

You will need to think about transportation to the location, yet you won’t need to worry about punctures or deflate and inflate. It could just be the best fishing kayak for the money .

Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet

Check Latest Price

5. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet

Kayaking is fun , though when kids are learning, you don’t need the risk of them getting trapped. The Lifetime youth wave is a 6 foot sit on top with a wide design to keep the kayak stable.

Kids can even stand on the kayak without fear of it tipping. Just in case, the kayak’s rear has steps and makes it simple to get back on board, even when they get wet.

It is made from heavy-duty Polyethylene and can withstand the wear and tear of water. If you want comfort, you find the kayak comes without a seat apart from the one molded in the hull.

It comes with a few footrest positions, so it is suitable for kids of many ages.

Pros

  • Offers high visibility colors
  • Durable, Stable, and safe construction
  • Multiple footrest positions
  • Includes swim-up step

Cons

  • Seating is uncomfortable
  • Weight capacity only 130 pounds

With a rough price of just over $135, the Lifetime-Youth-Wave-Kayak can be a great addition to children’s sport. It doesn’t offer storage space, and you can’t buy aftermarket seats.

However, if your kids take to kayaking, you can hand this down or pass it on before searching for cheap sit-in kayaks. It is by far the best of sit-on-top kayaks for kids.

Sit On Top Kayak Buying guide.

When you want a sit-on-top kayak, you must be aware of certain factors.

Kayak on the middle of a sea

Materials

The construction of a sit-on-top kayak can make all the difference. Durability and ability to withstand abrasions are essential, and materials react in various ways.

With a sit-on-top kayak, you’ll see Polyethylene and PVC. Polyethylene is flexible in nature, yet a solid material, and can mold itself underwater to prevent damage.

Some are UV-resistant, while many aren’t, and you would need a dedicated storage area at home. Inflatables usually use PVC and can resist wear and tears water. This isn’t UV-resistant and can lose pressure. (Find the Best Kayaks for Kids)

Design

The design of sit-on-top kayaks determines stability, speed, and maneuverability. A wider body maintains maximum water contact to keep the boat steady. Yet, it does decrease speed.

A narrow body increases speed yet reduces stability. Anglers will choose wider bodies for fishing.

Seating

Seats need to be comfortable as you will be sat most of the time. If you’re purchasing your kayak for fishing , you need a lot of thought as you will need comfort so you can sit for ages. Back support is one of the most critical areas.

Leg Space

A feature often overlooked is space, particularly for legs. Many tandems sit on top kayak models lack rear leg space.

Storage Space

Not very sit on top kayak offers enclosed storage space when they are inflatable. However, storage space on the kayak bed can suffice as long as you can secure it.

Final Verdict

For overall performance and usability, not every model here was all about inflatable sit-on-top kayaks. However, the best sit on top from these reviews was indeed inflatable. (Read our Inflatable Kayaks Reviews)

It wasn’t about angling, although if you want fishing kayaks, you know what you need. The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump was very durable and highly resistant against punctures.

Besides this, it offers the best comfort of any sit on the top kayak without purchasing another seat. Paddling and tracking are easy and surpasses many sit on top kayak models, and it has a tremendous maximum weight capacity. (Read our Intex Excursion 4 Review

The Explorer K2 is probably the best sit-on-top kayak in this price range and probably the best kayak in other price ranges.

Read more: Best Kayak Cart

Best Sit On Top Kayak Under 300

Scroll to Top