Best Of
Kayaking
Updated: February, 2025
Top 9 Best Cheap Kayaks 2025
Finding a great Keyak on a budget can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be! In this blog post, we'll compare the top Cheap Keyaks that offer great quality and value for money. We'll cover the features and specs of each model, so you can make an informed decision on which one is right for you. So, let's take a look at the best Cheap Keyaks and find the one that suits your needs!
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#1 Platinum Award
Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
Love the Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak?
- Adjustable inflatable seat with backrest
- Cockpit designed for comfort and space
- Maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Removable skeg for directional stability
- Bright yellow color for visibility
- Made for smaller bodies of water
. . .
The Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak is an affordable and convenient option for those looking to explore waterways. Setup is quick and easy and the quality of materials used is impressive for its price point. Tracking can be difficult without the included skeg, and paddle length could be improved, but overall performance is admirable and it's an incredible value buy.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup
- Convenient and easy to transport
- High quality materials for an affordable price
- Plenty of room for two adults
- Includes plastic skeg for improved tracking
- Sturdy despite shorter paddles
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Paddle length could be improved
- Sharp seams can cause cuts
- Difficult to track without skeg
- Splashing water into boat with extended paddling
- Not suitable for larger bodies of water
Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak Rating
9
Setup
Convenience
Quality
Room
Tracking
Paddle
- Super tough laminate PVC with polyester core
- High pressure inflation for extra rigidity and stability
- Includes 2 removable skegs for deep and shallow water
- 2 floor mounted footrests, 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable bucket seats
- Removable and adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories
- Carry bag and repair patch included
- Storage space in bow and Stern with stainless steel d rings
- 3-ply super tough construction
- Unaffected by gasoline, oil and salt water
- Includes 86 inch Aluminum Oars and High-output pump
. . .
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is a great choice for anyone looking for an inflatable boat. It is lightweight, durable, and comes with all the necessary accessories. It can handle wake from passing boats and is suitable for shallow waters. It is also affordable compared to other models on the market.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Three-chamber construction and puncture resistant vinyl material
- Weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.
- Includes oars and life vests
- Easy to transport and store
- Handles well in calm and choppy waters
- Affordable compared to other models on the market
- Rigid body with no flexing
- Quick turns when necessary
- Ideal for use in shallow waters
Cons
- Paddles lack adjustable arms
- Carrying bag not particularly sturdy
- Not suitable for long-distance trips
- Not suitable for extreme weather conditions
- May be difficult to maneuver in strong currents
- May be difficult to control in windy conditions
- May require more effort to paddle than other kayaks
- May require more effort to steer than other kayaks
- May require more effort to stay on course than other kayaks
- May require more effort to stay upright than other kayaks
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Rating
8.8
Durability
Accessories
Weight
Portability
Performance
Price
- Super tough laminate PVC with polyester core
- High pressure inflation for extra rigidity and stability
- High pressure spring loaded valves for easy inflation and fast deflation
- Accessories included: 2 removable skegs, 1 floor mounted footrest, 2 fishing rod holders, detachable and adjustable GoPro & phone mount, removable & adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories
- Includes paddle, hi-output air pump, carry bag, inflatable seat booster for elevated seating, adjustable seat, grab handle on both ends
- Storage space in bow and Stern with stainless steel d rings for tying down Dry bags and gear
. . .
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is an ideal solution for those looking for a kayaking experience without the hassle of a traditional vessel. It is lightweight, packs down to a transportable size, and provides plenty of stability and security on the water. Setup is easy and it can handle up to 400-450 lbs combined weight capacity. It is great value for money and perfect for anyone looking to get into kayaking.
Pros
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- Three air chambers and I-beam construction floor for stability and security
- Good performance and handling
- Short skeg design for easy turning in place
- Everything you need comes packaged together
- Setup takes about 15 minutes
- Deflation only takes a few minutes
- Can handle up to 400-450 lbs combined weight capacity
- Great value for money
Cons
- Cheap quality oars
- No adjustable features for different arm sizes
- Heavy to carry if hiking any distance
- Can be difficult to set up alone
- No storage compartments
- Not suitable for whitewater kayaking
- Limited color selection
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Rating
8.8
Portability
Stability
Tracking
Value
Durability
Setup
#4 Bronze Award
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
Love the Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak?
- 5-minute setup
- Easy-to-carry backpack system
- 21-gauge PVC construction
- Tarpaulin bottom for puncture protection
- Multiple air chambers for safety
- Double lock valves for easy inflation/deflation
- Backrest for added comfort
. . .
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak is a great option for those who don't have much storage space but still want to enjoy kayaking. It's lightweight, holds up to 400 pounds, and inflates and deflates quickly. It has a comfortable seat and is easy to carry. However, the paddle is small and the tracking and speed are not great. Despite this, it provides great value for money, especially for bigger folks, and is easy to set up and pack down.
Pros
- Weighs only 18 pounds and can hold up to 400 pounds
- Inflates and deflates quickly and easily
- Comfortable seat cushioning
- Simple yet effective design
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Great value for money
- Sets up quickly and packs down nicely for transport
- Allows for plenty of time to enjoy nature's beauty
- Fits larger folks comfortably
- Can travel downstream with ease
Cons
- Paddle is too small compared to standard models
- Hose or pump may need to be purchased for longer trips away from shorelines
- Tracking is difficult due to balloon-like structure
- Speed is affected by design
- Drifts off course easily
- Difficult to go upstream
- Leaves behind other kayaks with traditional hard shell
- Not suitable for more experienced kayakers
- No storage compartments
- May require additional accessories
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak Rating
8.6
Portability
Back Support
Accessories
Tracking
Speed
Value
#5 Runners Up
Pelican Sentinel 100X Kayak
Love the Pelican Sentinel 100X Kayak?
- Multi chine flat bottom hull for stability
- Measures 9'6"" and weighs 44 lb for easy transport and storage
- Made using patented Ram-X materials for durability
- Comes with ExoPak removable storage compartment
- Additional flotation inside the hull to meet or surpass ABYC Standards
- Maximum capacity of 275 lb
. . .
The Pelican Sentinel 100X Kayak is a great choice for outdoor exploration, offering a balance of stability, maneuverability and portability. It is lightweight and tracks straight across open water, and is comfortable to use thanks to adjustable foot pegs and a comfortable seating position. It is an affordable option for those just getting into kayaking, and is suitable for calmer waters such as lakes or bays. It is also great for taking furry friends along too.
Pros
- Excellent balance of stability, maneuverability, and portability in a lightweight package
- Adjustable foot pegs and comfortable seating position
- Tracks straight across open water
- Glides quickly through the water without too much effort
- Affordable price point
- Excellent comfort levels
- Moves decently despite being relatively lightweight
- Great for leisurely exploration
- Light weight makes transporting easy
- Offers enough stability for even novice users
Cons
- Seat sits in a non-draining well
- Molded areas of the deck that capture and retain water
- Inadequate seatback providing little support
- Low freeboard height
- Grip points could be improved
Pelican Sentinel 100X Kayak Rating
9
Stability
Maneuverability
Portability
Tracking
Comfort
Price
#6 Runners Up
Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak
Love the Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak?
- Made in USA
- Optimized and elevated seating console
- Frame seat folds and is removable
- Large bow and stern tank wells provide ample storage for crates and fishing gear
- 2 double-barrel rod holders can accommodate up to 4 fishing rods
- 3 solo mount recesses enable you to easily add mounts & accessory holders (sold separately) without drilling
- Molded-in trays and cup holders keep important items and refreshments within easy reach
- Length: 11' 6"
- Width: 35"
- Weight: 77 lbs
- Max Capacity: 425 lbs
- Two Integrated, dual fishing rod holders for hands-free storage
- Self draining scupper holes in the footwell to keep you dry (scupper plugs not included)
- Water Types: Lakes & Ponds, Slow-Moving Rivers & Calm Coastal
. . .
The Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak is an excellent choice for anglers looking for an all-day fishing experience. It offers great stability while standing up, has plenty of storage space, and is even compatible with a trolling motor. It can be difficult to transport due to its size and weight, but overall it is a great product that lives up to expectations.
Pros
- Stability when standing up and fishing
- Maneuverability
- Plenty of room on the deck
- Enough storage space to fit camping gear
- Paddles well despite its size and weight
- Trolling motor compatible
- YakAttack RotoGrip Paddle Holder
- Accommodates larger individuals comfortably
- Tracks well through slightly fast water
- Handles like a barge when turning
Cons
- Difficult to transport due to its size and weight
- Paddle holder located near the front of the boat can get in the way
- Minor scuffs from shipping
- Requires planning ahead of time
- Barge-like turning
- Heavy and bulky
- Elbow grease required to remove scuffs
- Need help to load it
- Takes time to get set up with a trolling motor
- Can be expensive
Perception Outlaw Fishing Kayak Rating
9
Stability
Maneuverability
Storage
Transport
Paddle Holder
Cosmetics
#7 Runners Up
Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak
Love the Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak?
- 22-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
- Multiple air chambers allow another chamber to stay inflated if one is punctured
- Airtight System is guaranteed not to leak
- Mini Double Lock and Double Lock valves use two locking points for easy inflation/deflation
- Spray covers block splashes to help keep you dry
- Fits one to two people (removable middle seat)
- NMMA certified to hold up to 400 lbs.
. . .
The Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak is an affordable and reliable inflatable kayak, weighing in at 25 pounds and featuring a wide hull design for stability and maneuverability. It is suitable for recreational use on calm waters such as lakes and slow-moving rivers, and comes with a durable PVC construction and multiple air chambers for puncture resistance. It includes a foot pump for easy inflation, but users may need to invest in better oars than those included. It provides good stability on calm waters but may not be suitable for more turbulent conditions. Additional items like coolers and dry sacks may be necessary for comfortability during long trips, and splash guards can be added for protection against splashing.
Pros
- Lightweight at 25 pounds
- Wide hull design for stability and maneuverability
- Two adjustable seats
- Durable PVC construction
- Multiple air chambers for extra buoyancy
- Inflates quickly with foot pump
- Handles well on calm waters
- Stable on turbulent waters
- Affordable
- Ideal for recreational use
Cons
- Inflation with valve provided can be challenging
- Not suitable for more turbulent conditions such as rapids or windy lakes due to its lightweight build
- Oars included tend to move around while paddling and soak you up with water
- Not enough back support from either seat
- Splash guards not included
- Not suitable for long trips
- Not suitable for fishing excursions
- Not suitable for rougher waters
- Not suitable for long distance paddling
- Not suitable for heavy loads
Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak Rating
7.8
Durability
Maneuverability
Inflation
Performance
Comfort
Value
#8 Runners Up
Reel Yaks Pedal Kayak Fishing Angler
Love the Reel Yaks Pedal Kayak Fishing Angler?
- Effortless pedal drive
- Ultimate fishing platform
- All day comfort
- Easy to carry
- Simple to store
. . .
The Reel Yaks Pedal Kayak Fishing Angler is an ideal choice for anglers looking to get into kayak fishing. It's lightweight and easy to transport, and comes with a smooth pedal drive and seven rod holders. It also offers plenty of storage options, and is stable enough to handle choppy waters. Plus, Reel Yaks offers great customer service, with free replacement parts and improved chair straps.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Flat bottom allows it to glide through shallow waters
- Smooth pedal drive provides plenty of power
- 7 rod holders located around the boat
- Additional equipment rails for extra gear
- Compatible with Watersnake 24 thrust and 55 lb thrust motors
- Plenty of storage options with bungee straps and hull
- Stable in choppy waters
- Excellent customer service
- Great value
Cons
- Seat does not adjust up or down
- Trolling motor mount system sold separately
- Chair straps included are not the best quality
- No cup holders
- No paddle included
- No anchor included
- No fish finder included
- No battery box/battery included
- No dry storage compartments
- No scupper plugs included
Reel Yaks Pedal Kayak Fishing Angler Rating
8.2
Ease of setup
Stability
Storage
Speed
Comfort
Customer service
#9 Runners Up
Bestway Lite Rapid X2 Kayak
Love the Bestway Lite Rapid X2 Kayak?
- Inflated Size: 10 ft. 10 in. x 34 in.
- User Capacity: 2 Adults
- Weight capacity: 440 lbs.
- Premium coated nylon is puncture resistant, UV resistant, oil & water resistant
- Removable fins maximize speed and steering control
- Two adjustable seats perfect for adventures with a friend
- Removable storage bag to keep items safe as you paddle
. . .
The Bestway Lite Rapid X2 kayak is an affordable and reliable watercraft that offers features such as a reverse drive, adjustable seating, plenty of storage space, and an integrated rudder system. It is perfect for recreational paddlers or anglers who don't want to break the bank, and can be purchased through Amazon for a discounted price.
Pros
- Lightweight design for easy transportation
- Adjustable seating options
- Plenty of storage space
- Multiple rod holders
- Integrated rudder system for easy steering
- Reverse drive capabilities
- Stability and tight turning radius
- Cruise at speeds of up to four miles per hour
- Unbeatable prices available through Amazon
- Large enough to fit two people comfortably
Cons
- Heavy item so difficult to transport over long distances
- Can only be handled by one person if necessary
- Prices do fluctuate so shop around
- Not suitable for more experienced paddlers
- No bells and whistles beyond what is expected from a much pricier model
- Not suitable for navigating very choppy waters or swells
- Not suitable for more extreme water conditions
- Not suitable for more rigorous water sports
- No built-in safety features
- No built-in navigation system
Bestway Lite Rapid X2 Kayak Rating
7.8
