Best Cheap Kayaks: Top Reviews that Suit Your Needs

How do you determine the best cheap kayak for your needs? I will show you that in a while. But first, let me say this.

Kayaking is a very lovable activity. Whether you are doing it for recreational purposes, income needs such as fishing, or for sports, kayaking can be quite memorable. That’s why you need to learn every tip before you get in.

While I may not cover everything here, I will give you reviews of some of the best cheap kayaks that you can start with. Take a look at what I have in place for you. First, the reviews!

Best Cheap Kayaks: Top Reviews 2021

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Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

Our first best cheap kayak model that we will look at is the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. This is an inflatable professional series kayak model that can be used for fishing. The kayak is super stylish and comes with some cool colors to choose from.

More importantly, this kayak has several other features that will come in handy when looking for an awesome model to go with.

For starters, the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is an inflatable kayak. You will pump it to use and deflate it when you want to store it. Thanks to its super tough laminate PVC that’s designed with a polyester core.

This gives it a lightweight design and a higher resistance to any form of damages and abrasion. The same goes for the heavy sunlight impact.

To get the best user experience, you will use the high-pressure inflation technology, which provides quicker and extra rigidity.

Once this is achieved, you can get better stability. Coupled with the high-pressure spring-loaded valves, the inflation is as fast as the deflation.

That’s not all there is, though. This kayak again includes removable skews that you can use in both deep and shallow glasses of waters.

Coupled with these two skews are 2 floor-mounted footrests that maximize your comfort and ensures that you experience an easy paddling experience too. In addition to that are 2 integrated and recessed holders for your fishing rods.

So, you can use this kayak for fishing. The bucket seats are comfortable and easy to adjust to. They leave space and will enable you to access the removable and easy to adjust mounting brackets in case you want to set additional accessories.

The kayak can, therefore, be fitted with smart GPS systems, top fish finders, and swivel holders for the fishing rods.

Features

  • Inflatable kayaks
  • Super tough laminate PVC
  • Polyester core
  • High-pressure inflation technology
  • High-pressure spring-loaded valves
  • Removable skews
  • 2 floor-mounted footrests
  • 2 integrated and recessed holders
  • Bucket seats
Best Cheap Kayak

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Higher resistance to
  • Comfortable and easy
  • Stable in water
  • Durable PVC technology

Cons

  • Limited storage space

Intex Challenger Kayak Series

Unlike the Excursion Series, this model is for single kayakers that love the thrill of cool recreational rides and some peaceful moments.

The Intex Challenger Kayak Series is a nimble and durable kayak that’s made out of highly durable welded material. The model comes with super cool eye-catching graphics that will maximize safety when riding on the lake or even in a slow-moving river.

Unlike the other models, this kayak comes with a cockpit that’s designed for both comfort and enjoyment of super cool space.

The model comes with an inflatable I beam for additional stability and a better weight limit. It includes a cargo net that’s strategically set to provide additional storage for extra gears, including wet suits.

Nonetheless, this model still uses the same inflatable technology that its sister above has. As such, it comes with a super-rigid laminate PVC and a polyester core.

While this model gives it a lightweight design, it ensures that this kayak is equally resistant to both damage and abrasion.

In addition to that, this kayak has high-pressure spring valves for quick inflation and deflation. The seats are equally inflated before use and offer the best comfort with their backrest.

Like the model above, this one has 84-inch aluminum oars and a repair patch kit with a simple to follow user manual.

Enjoy this rugged vinyl construction and have more space in this 30 by 15 by 108 inches kayaks that weigh 27.2 pounds and supports up to 220 pounds of weight.

Luckily for you, this kayak is easy to care for since it comes with a carry bag that you can use to transport it safely and a repair patch for any tear or leakage.

It is easy to make use of, and you can have a simple storage space with dry and wet bags tied using the D-rings.

Features

  • I beam
  • Rigid laminate PVC
  • 84-inch aluminum oars
  • Vinyl construction
  • 2 pounds
  • 220 pounds of weight
Are Cheap Kayaks Worth It

Pros  

  • Very stable in water
  • Durable with rugged vinyl
  • Easy to care for and maintain
  • Best for both pro and newbies
  • Simple to inflate and deflate

Cons

  • May tear or leak is mishandled

Intex Challenger One Person Kayak Series

You won’t find so much that’s new when it comes to the Intex Challenger One Person Kayak Series. Rather, it is more or less the same as the model that we just saw. It is simple to use and will leave you with some cool time.

From our assessment of the Intex Challenger One Person Kayak Series, this best cheap kayak offers numerous features that you will love.

It comes with a superior tough and rugged vinyl material. The material is designed to withstand heavy wear and tear, harsh environments, and, more importantly, any form of damage that might be caused by the sun’s UV rays.

Apart from that, the kayak has high-pressure valves with spring-loaded technology. These valves will not only provide you with easy inflation and a quicker deflation but again with extra rigidity and awesome stability.

More importantly, this kayak offers you the freedom to improve its design and leave you with a much more efficient kayak model for your use. You can fit in additional accessories such as the GPS systems and paddle holders.

It has floor-mounted footrests and an adjustable bucket seat that you can inflate to your desired comfort levels.

To match your desired level of style, this kayak is equally designed with the welded materials and additional graphics.  It is safe for use on the lake and even on a slow-moving river.

The entire cockpit is again designed for the best comfort and set to maximize space for easy movement. The additional inflatable I beam on the kayak’s floor will again maximize the stability.

Use the cargo net to maximize your storage, and you can use the included repair patch and the Hi output pump to repair and inflate your kayak at any time.

Apart from the rugged vinyl construction that these models share, they weigh about 27 pounds and hold up to 220 pounds of weight.

Features

  • 220 pounds weight limit
  • Inflatable I beams
  • Vinyl construction
  • Spring-loaded valves
  • Inflatable kayak
What Is The Best Kayak For A Beginner

Pros

  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Extra storage space
  • Adjustable comfy seats
  • Durable and stable on the water
  • Light in weight and easy to move

Cons

  • Needs to dry before storage

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Finally, for our best cheap kayak review, we have the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. This is a two-person inflatable kayak that’s easy to ride, control, and work with.

The model comes in a variety of colors. You can choose your favorite color or go with a universal hue.

That aside, this kayak offers several features that you’ll find quite intriguing. These features are reliable, ideal and include some of the following.

To start us off, the kayak offers an adjustable seat. You can set the seat to your best comfort and work with it for an extended period of time.

The seat is inflatable and comes with a backrest. This design maximizes the style and works with the dimensions of the cockpit to provide you with maximum comfort levels.

Next, this kayak measures 10.3 ft. X 3ft. X 1.8 ft. when fully inflated. This means it is wider, safer, and ideal for exploration.

One thing that I love this kayak for is its maximum weight limit, which stands at 400 pounds. It can easily carry two people and additional accessories.

To carry these accessories, the model allows you to have extra storage space behind the seats and to the rear of the kayak. Thanks to its rugged vinyl design, the additional weight, once within the weight limit, will have no impact whatsoever.

In addition to what we have seen, this kayak is loved by many users, including newbies, since it is fitted with the best technology for directional stability.

It has a removable SKEG that provides the best directional stability and increased visibility.

The bright and yellow color again maximizes visibility in case you are kayaking under misty weather conditions.

Features

  • Adjustable seat
  • 400 pounds
  • Rugged vinyl design
  • Removable SKEG
  • Bright and yellow color
How Much Does A Decent Kayak Cost

Pros

  • Best directional stability
  • Ideal for lakes and mild rivers
  • Durable with rigid vinyl
  • Light and easy to transport
  • Larger weight limits

Cons

  • Has no fishing rod holders

Best Cheap Kayak Buying Guide

Until now, we have seen top reviews of the best kayaks on the cheap-end. What next should we look at? Before we get into any other thing, let me take you through the top factors that you must consider when buying the best kayak on the lower end.

Material of Design

Inflatable kayaks like you have seen the best cheap kayaks that you will find today. Even so, to have a better experience in the water or with the kayak, you must ensure that you get a durable kayak.

Such a kayak is hard to find if you don’t know what to look for. However, finding a kayak that’s designed from a durable material is very important. Some of the materials which perform extraordinarily well include the following:

  • Rigid laminate PVC
  • Vinyl construction

With proper design, these two will provide you with high-end durability. They will last longer, and more importantly, leave you with kayaking experience.

Weight

When you own a kayak, irrespective of whether the kayak is cheap or not, someday, you’d want to transport it, move it, or store it. As such, you should have a kayak that’s light in weight and easy to move around.

So buy your kayak depending on its weight. You can focus on the type of material of design, among other things.

  • Wooden kayaks – heavy
  • Inflatable kayaks – light

Lightweight kayaks, especially the inflatable models, are light. Again, they are easy to carry since they can be folded. The choice lies with your taste and preferences, though. Personally, I will go for an inflatable model since I have a smaller trunk.

Size

The size of the kayaks determines the comfort levels of the kayak and the overall experience that you will have. A larger kayak will carry more people while a smaller one will have fewer people too.

A kayak with more space will provide you with enough room for storage and to bring your pet on board. Even so, a smaller kayak is ideal for some alone time. Most of such models are again best for sport kayaking.

Look for a size that is ideal for you, and remember that a great size works well with a lightweight design.

Capacity

Another very important factor to consider when buying a kayak is its capacity. What is the weight limit that the kayak can carry? This is a question that you’ve got to ask yourself over and over again.

The weight limit will determine how many people you can carry in your kayak without the kayak sinking or capsizing. Make sure that you stick to the weight limit levels if you want a smooth ride without any accidents.

Strength

Again a strong kayak will withstand the harsh kayaking environments. In most inflatable models, strength is determined with the material of design and other cool technologies such as the use of I-Beams and the inclusion of a polyester core. With a strong kayak, you can easily use aluminum alloy oars.

Adjustability

Is your kayak adjustable? Most inflatable kayaks are. Luckily, they are the most affordable models too. For inflatable kayaks, you can adjust the seats to suit your needs, including your paddling skills and general stature.

Ease of Use

Then there is the ease of use. A kayak with a SKEG or removable skew is every easy to ride on a straight line. A model that comes with footrests is equally ideal when looking for the best comfort levels. So is a kayak with adjustable seats.

Whichever the case, focusing more on the ease of use will make your work easy and your kayaking experience even better.

Best Cheap Kayak: Additional Information

With every factor laid out for you to consider when buying your best cheap kayak, here are other additional information that you should learn when dealing with the best kayaks for your needs.

Use of a Skeg

Before I tell you what a skeg is used for in a kayak, I will tell you what a skeg is. A skeg or skag like it is sometimes called is the sternward extension on the keel of your kayak.

It is used in the boats and ships, too, and allows the rudder to be mounted easily on the centerline.

When it comes to the uses of a skeg in a kayak, the skeg will have two main functions. These functions include:

  • Acting as the precise rudder, which allows the kayak to turn accurately and safely
  • In a boat, the skeg protects the propeller of a boat or ship from debris and impeding dirt.

Parts of a Kayak

Another thing that you know and which will play a very crucial role in your kayaking experience is the anatomy of the kayak. What are the main parts of a kayak?

Depending on how you look at your kayak, the kayak often has several parts that you should be aware of. These parts are:

  • Bow: The section that’s pointed to where you are going
  • Stern: The section pointing from where you’ve come
  • Port: Left side of the kayak
  • Starboard: Right side of the kayak

In addition to these parts, there are other parts that you should know in a kayak. These parts include the following.

  • Deck: the topside
  • Keel: the bow-to-stern ridge on the hull
  • Hull: the bottom piece
  • Cockpit: kayak’s control area
  • Seat: sitting place in the cockpit
  • Deck line: Stretchy (bungee) or Rigid (static)
  • Hatch: your portal to an inner cargo area

NOTE: These are the basic parts of a kayak. There are several others that you will learn. However, this is a great place to start from.

FAQs

The next thing that we can brush through is FAQs. Take a look at some of the most common things that people ask about.

Are cheap kayaks worth it?

It depends. With proper training, you will realize that even a cheap kayak is worth it. Indeed, you can easily learn every trick in no time and enjoy your kayaking experience. Use an expert instructor, enroll in classes, or work with a loved one who is a pro.

What is the best place to buy a kayak?

Buy your kayak online. When you buy online, you will find a variety of models to deal with. You will again find the best offers at discounted prices. This means getting better kayaks at the most affordable prices.

How quickly can you inflate a kayak?

If your kayaks use the high-pressure spring-loaded valves, you should be able to inflate it in no time. Nonetheless, for a one-person kayak, the time frame is often less than five minutes. Only a manual pump may take longer but will seldom hit the tenth-minute mark.

What is the best kayak for a beginner?

A kayak that fits in their needs and serves the purpose for which they are bought. Focus more on the pricing, features, and use.

How do I care for my kayak?

There are simple rules for caring for your kayak. They include; following manufacturer instructions, cleaning your kayak, loading within the weight limits, and storing the kayak in the right way. If you follow these four rules properly, you can have your kayaks for as long as you want.

How much does a decent kayak cost?

At 200 USD, you should get a decent kayak. Even so, there are kayaks that will cost more than this. Focus on your needs to get the best kayak.

Our Top 3 Recommended Products

To wrap up our best cheap kayak reviews, here are the top three products that we have recommended for you.

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

The first one is the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. This model takes this first place since it is a premium model. It has some of the best features that you will find useful. Some of these features include the super-tough laminate PVC, polyester core, removable skews, and high-pressure inflation technology.

Intex Challenger Kayak Series

The next model that we highly recommend is the Intex Challenger Kayak Series. This one is equally awesome for anyone who wants a memorable ride. Like the model above, it contains some high-end features. Some of its best features are high-pressure spring-loaded valves; a floor mounted footrests and integrated and recessed holders.

Intex Challenger One Person Kayak Series

Finally, we have the Intex Challenger One Person Kayak Series; this one is the same version as the above. However, it carries only one person. This will help you to save some dollars. Even so, you will still get the same features as the model above. That’s why this model is a budget-friendly option.

Conclusion

If you were looking for the best cheap kayak, I believe that this post has been of help. First, we started out with reviews of some of the best kayaks on the same budget. Then we followed with a smart buying guide and included several other need-to-know information.

As such, you can easily relate what we have to what you need. With proper focus and care, your kayak will last longer and serve you better. Make sure that you take your time to choose a kayak that suits both your needs and your budget.

Buying online is a thing. It will save you so much money and leave you with several kayaks to choose from.

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