Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners

Sit on top Kayaks are getting more and more popular these days. Sit on top Kayaks are the best fishing Kayaks for many. Recently most people are searching for the best sit on top fishing Kayak.

I have found that sit on top Kayaks are ideal for fishing. Such Kayaks offer more space and versatility. Sit on top Kayaks are wider than your regular sit-in Kayaks. Because of this reason, these Kayaks move slower than other Kayaks.

These Kayaks are almost unsinkable. You cannot find any cockpits or closing on such Kayaks. The paddler gets wetter with each wave. There is nothing covering the paddler’s body. Due to this, these Kayaks are more popular in warm and tropical areas.

Sit on top Kayaks allows easy access for the paddler. Since it has an open body, the paddler can easily jump into the water for a quick refreshment. This is another reason why such Kayaks are popular in warm weather.

In my opinion, sit on top Kayaks are the best fishing Kayaks right now. I like how they function. And I love the free space.

In this article, I am going to talk about some of the best sit on top Kayaks for beginners. However, all sit on top Kayaks are ideal for beginners.

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Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners [Top 10 review]

NameDimensionWeightTypeMax capacityImagePrice
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak144*34*20 inches57 lbsTwo seater425 lbs Check Price
BKC UH-TK181 Tandem 2 Person Fishing Kayak150*34*20 inches68 lbsTwo seater450 lbs Check Price
Airhead Montana Kayak Two Person Inflatable Kayak144*34*20 inches36.3 lbsTwo seater500 lbs Check Price
Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit on top Kayak120*30*11 inches44 lbsOne seater250 lbs Check Price
BKC TK 219 12.2' Tandem Fishing Kayak148*35*18 inches70 lbsTwo seater450 lbs Check Price
Sun Dolphin Camino SS96*30*12 inches40 lbsOne seater250 lbs Check Price
Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak118*35*16 inches27 lbsTwo seater450 lbsElkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak review Check Price
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak130*19*11 inches40 lbsTwo seater470 lbsSevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak review Check Price
BKC RA220 Single Fishing Kayak148*32*12 inches70 lbsOne seater450 lbsBKC RA220 Single Fishing Kayak review Check Price
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak123*36*20 inches35 lbsTwo seater400 lbsIntex Explorer K2 Kayak review Check Price

1. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak review

 

On top of our list of Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners is Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak. With a dimension of 144*34*20 inches, this sit on top Kayak weighs 57 pounds only. This Kayak is built for two. Which makes this Kayak one of the best sit on top tandem Kayaks. But one can easily fit in their child or a pet in between. The seats are comfortable and spacious.

There is one side handle on each side. So, this sit on top Kayak for beginners is easy to carry around by two paddlers. It has a capacity of 425 pounds. That is why this Kayak is ideal for any kind of fishing.

These comfort seats are adjustable and generate custom fit. There is enough space for your feet. It is very comfortable, and one can easily step out or in to the Kayak. You can get molded-in handles and skid plate.

The triple-layered polyethylene hull offers better stability and strength. You will be comfortable paddling this Kayak on the water. While you search for fish, you can even take a quick swim. You will get enough space for easy access to and from the Kayak.

This sit on top Kayak offers you the perfect seating position. You will get what you paid for. The comfortable seats, high-quality materials, and better stability make this Kayak ideal for all anglers.

Because of its unique and exciting features, it is one of the Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners available for the money.

Pros

  • Comfortable and spacious seats
  • Extra room for your child, pet or a mini-fridge
  • Gear straps storage and screw in drain plug
  • Lightweight sit on top Kayak
  • Ideal for beginners or professionals
  • Available in different colors

Cons

  • Does not come with Paddles

2. BKC UH-TK181 Tandem 2 Person Fishing Kayak

BKC UH-TK181 Tandem 2 Person Fishing Kayak review

 

This sit on top Kayak is ideal for all types of fishing. It has a dimension of 150*34*20 inches. It has a weight of 68 pounds. It offers you high-level convenience. There are waterproof storage hatches available for you. These hatches are located between each paddler’s legs.

This is a two-seater sit on top Kayak. This tandem Kayak has 7-rod holders in total. Three of them are articulated fishing rod holders. The remaining four are mounted, rod holders.

This Kayak comes with two secure paddle rest. One of the best features of a sit on top Kayak is easy to access. It will be easy for you to get off this Kayak for a quick swim in the water. The secure paddle rest lets your hands be free. You need not worry about losing your paddles.

You can even store larger gears in this Kayak easily. There is a rear cargo area that uses bungee tie-down system. This system allows you to store your larger gears and extra clothing.

You will not sweat over carrying this Kayak (at least I did not). There are sturdy carrying handles for you to grab upon.

Take a fishing trip with your partner. This Kayak is ideal for two paddlers. It offers better stability. The materials are of high-quality, and this Kayak is super durable making it obvious into the list of Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners for the money. This sit on top Kayak for beginners has 8 scupper holes. These holes will quickly drain out any water splashes.

Pros

  • Available with seven rod holders
  • The capacity of more than 400 pounds
  • Two aluminum paddles come with this Kayak
  • Secure paddle rest
  • Waterproof storage hatches
  • Ideal for lazy water
  • A motor can be attached to it
  • Compatible with transducers and fish finders
  • Available in different colors and designs

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

3. Airhead Montana Kayak Two Person Inflatable Kayak

Airhead Montana Kayak Two Person Inflatable Kayak review

 

Another Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners on our list is Inflatable Kayaks that are perfect for camping and vacationing. Airhead Montana Kayak is a two-seater Kayak. It has a length of 12 feet and a weight of 36.3 pounds. This is one of the best lightweight Kayaks for fishing. This sit on top Kayak has a capacity of 500 pounds. This Kayak will hold all of your catches and stuff.

Lakes and moderate white water are the ideal fishing areas for this Kayak. It includes 3 air chambers. These chambers are securely enclosed by rugged denier nylon. The Kayak comes with a UV and water-resistant coating.

The semi-rigid heavy-duty PVC construction makes this sit on top Kayak durable and robust. This Kayak is easy to inflate and deflate. It comes with two Boston valves. These valves are reliable and durable. This valve allows for easy inflating and deflating.

Neoprene elbow guards are comfortable and allow you comfort paddling. Sometimes you need to paddle faster. These elbow guards are gems at such times. The 6 D-rings at bow and stern offers secure gear storage. This Kayak comes in a bright orange color for better visibility.

There are grab handles for better mobility. You can easily carry this sit on top Kayak towards the water. The bottom is reinforced with triple lining. You can get removable and adjustable seats. These seats are comfortable and spacious.

Water splashes in to sit on top Kayaks very often. This Kayak has threaded drain holes with plugs. These holes will quickly drain out the water.

Pros

  • 2 Boston valves for easy inflation and deflation
  • Ideal for camping
  • The capacity of 500 pounds
  • Best lightweight fishing Kayak
  • Comfortable elbow rest
  • Grab handles for better portability
  • Air chambers coated with UV and water-resistant
  • Front and back spray covers

Cons

  • Not ideal for fast and rough water streams

4. Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit on top Kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit on top Kayak review

 

Further, into our list of Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners is the Sun Dolphin Bali. It is one of the best single-seater sit on top Kayaks. This Kayak is light and has a slick design. It is available in different colors. You can choose the one you like the most. It has a dimension of 120*30*11 inches. It is a lightweight fishing Kayak with a weight of 44 pounds only.

High-density rugged Polyethylene makes this Kayak durable. It has a strong structure and a robust body. The outer body of this Kayak is UV stabilized. Hence it will not wear out easily. There is enough space for your legs. You can breathe freely in this Kayak.

One can easily get into and get out of this Kayak. You can get a large comfortable seat. The seat is adjustable, and you will have proper back support. The paddle holder is molded in. You do not need to worry about losing your paddle while you have a quick swim in the water.

You can paddle this Kayak smoothly. You will have no trouble whatsoever. This sit on top Kayak for beginners offers you better stability and mobility. It is available with a portable accessory carrier. You can use this carrier as extra storage.

There is extra space for your pet or a mini-fridge as well. The maximum weight capacity for this Kayak is more than 250 lbs.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Lightweight fishing Kayak
  • High-density material for construction
  • Carrier as an extra storage
  • Dry storage compartment with deck rigging
  • Ideal for a solo traveler

Cons

  • No sturdy side grab handle

5. BKC TK 219 12.2′ Tandem Fishing Kayak

BKC TK 219 12.2' Tandem Fishing Kayak review

 

Another one from BKC. This fishing Kayak is best for two paddlers. It has a dimension of 148*35*18 inches. This sit on top Kayak is not the lightest Kayak of all. It has a weight of about 70 lbs. However, you can smoothly carry it towards the water with the help of side grab handles.

This tandem sit on top Kayak have built-in rod holders. There are a total of 6 rod holders available. Four of which are flush mount rod holders, and the remaining 2 are adjustable rod holders. This allows you to set up multiple fishing rods at a time.

There is enough space for 2 paddlers and large gears. You can even make space for your kid or pet. The seats are soft padded and offer you wide leg space.

You do not need to worry about your paddles. There are secure paddle holders available in this Kayak. These holders consist of elastic cords, which will keep your paddles intact. You can freely get off this Kayak and jump in the water for a quick swim.

This Kayak comes with a waterproof storage unit. You can easily reach your gears. These units lie between the paddler’s legs. This Kayak comes with rear cargo storage as well. This sit on top Kayak has a maximum capacity of 450 lbs. You do not need to worry about drowning or fishing too much. It comes with excellent stability which gets it included in our list of Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners available on the market.

Pros

  • Includes 6 rod handlers
  • High stability and tracking
  • Ideal for fishing in all sort of environment
  • Paddle rest
  • A third person can fit comfortably as well
  • Ideal for beginners as well as professional anglers
  • Waterproof storage unit

Cons

  • Not ideal for solo fishing

6. Sun Dolphin Camino SS

Sun Dolphin Camino SS review

 

As the list of Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners continues, we present you Sun Dolphin Bali which was a great sit on top fishing Kayak. This one is another excellent product from Sun Dolphin. This one is lighter and smaller than its brother. And it is one of the cheapest sit on top fishing Kayaks for beginners.

It has a dimension of 96*30*12 inches. This is a small Kayak which is best for a solo traveler. It has one seat which is reasonably comfortable. Although the seat is not cushioned, it offers high backrest. Also, the seat is adjustable according to your comfort. This Kayak has a weight of 40 pounds only.

The sterns are square. I found this square stern to be more stable. There is more than enough space for your legs. You have easy access to and from the Kayak. Sun Dolphin Kayak comes with storage compartments. You can store your valuables in there.

The modified footwells are super handy. This Kayak is durable and robust. The bottom comes with double reinforcements. You can see the paddle holder, which is super handy. This kayak can hold about 250 lbs.

Pros

  • Lightweight sit on top Kayak
  • Best cheap sit on top fishing Kayak
  • Increased stability because of the square stern
  • Double reinforcement bottom
  • Paddle handler
  • Waterproof storage units
  • Drain plugs at the front and back of Kayak

Cons

  • Ideal for a solo traveler and calm water only

7. Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Elkton Outdoors Cormorant 2 Person Inflatable Fishing Kayak review

 

This inflatable sit on top fishing Kayak is one of my favorites. This Kayak is ideal for camping and backpacking trips. It can easily fit inside your car trunks. It has a dimension of 118*35*16 inches when inflated. When deflated, it has a dimension of 26*16*8 inches. It is super portable and easy to carry around. With a weight of just 27 lbs, this is probably the best lightweight fishing Kayak.

A premium quality PVC Tarpaulin bottom makes this Kayak durable. It can withstand heavy pulls. This Kayak is tear-resistant. The 18-Gauge 1000D PVC is rip-resistant. This Kayak is very durable and robust because of these materials.

This sit on top Kayak for beginners is easy to inflate and deflate. It inflates in a few minutes. I have been able to inflate this Kayak in just 2 to 3 minutes.

This Kayak comes with all the accessories one needs for fishing. There are 6 rod holders in this Kayak. 2 are vertical rod holders, and the remaining 4 are for trolling. It includes double-sided oars, double-action pump, and a carry bag. There are three removable air chambers. This allows for a simple repair.

What I love the most about this purchase is that I get an adjustable storage unit. This 2 seater Kayak comes with a storage unit that is easy to transport. It straps to the kayak and is perfect for storing wet clothes which gets it included in the list of Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners available on the market.

The seats do not need to be inflated. The seats have Gell interior and are easy to connect. The maximum weight capacity for this Kayak is 450 lbs.

Pros

  • 6 different rod holders
  • Comfortable and adjustable seats
  • Mesh storage unit
  • Available with paddles
  • Best value
  • Easy to carry around
  • Excellent stability
  • Ideal for camping and adventure tours
  • Can easily fit in your car trunks

Cons

  • No cup holders or pockets
  • It might be difficult to put it inside the bag once wet

8. Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak review

 

This lightweight fishing Kayak is easy to carry around. It has a dimension of 130*19*11 inches. This is ideal for beginners. The weight of this Kayak is about 40 lbs. One can easily carry this Kayak around.

The Kayak comes with 18-gauge PVC construction. It has a rugged design, which is ideal for lake use. It has a tarpaulin bottom and high-quality nylon cover. These materials provide better protection and make this Kayak super durable. It is safe from punctures and tearings.

There are multiple air chambers in this Kayak. These chambers allow each other to stay inflated if one is damaged. Different coatings protect these air chambers from getting damaged. These coatings are water and UV-resistant.

Most anglers prefer hands-free fishing. Berkley quick set rod holders allow for better hands-free fishing. These holders are adjustable. This sit on top Kayak for beginners comes with paddle holders. These holders secure your paddles while you take a quick swim in the water.

This Kayak supports the weight up to 470 lbs. The Boston valve is the best choice to include in an inflatable Kayak. This valve is durable and reliable.

You can find a mesh storage unit in this Kayak as well. You can even attach other equipment with the help of D rings. All these features make this fishing Kayak reliable.

Due to its specifications and features, it is listed as one of the Best Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners for the money.

Pros

  • High-quality PVC and nylon coating
  • Mesh storage compartment available
  • Boston valve
  • Multiple air chambers that support each other
  • Comfortable 2 seats with proper backrest and soft cushion
  • Can attach motors and other equipment

Cons

  • Does not come with paddles and pumps
  • Tracking could be made better

9. BKC RA220 Single Fishing Kayak

BKC RA220 Single Fishing Kayak review

 

BKC is one of the best brands when it comes to fishing Kayak. Yes, this is another one from BKC. This one has a dimension of 148*32*12 inches. It is slightly smaller than other Kayaks in this list. It is because this sit on top Kayak is for a single paddler. This is not a tandem fishing Kayak. It has a weight of 70 pounds. As a single-seater Kayak, it is a heavy Kayak.

This Kayak comes with rudder control. You can control this Kayak with your foot. It allows you to control your Kayak in all kinds of water. You will love this control. You do not need a paddle to steer this Kayak. Because of this, your hands are free, and you can have the ultimate Kayak fishing experience.

There are 2 flush-mount rod holders in this Kayak. They do not come in your way whatsoever. You have enough space for your legs, and you can move freely. This 1 person Kayak has a maximum capacity of 450 lbs. That is what you get on a tandem Kayak.

You are getting a stable Kayak for your money. This sit on top Kayak is super stable. You can even stand up for long casts. The waterproof storage is handy. You get a watertight storage area and large cargo storage. You can easily fit your larger gears in the cargo area.

BKC Kayaks are UV-resistant. There are 3 grab handles for you to carry your Kayak. The Kayak comes with drain holes. These holes will quickly drain out any water that splashes into your Kayak.

Pros

  • Rudder control your Kayak
  • Available rod holders
  • Waterproof storage units and cargo area
  • Multiple drain holes
  • Stable for you to stand up and cast long

Cons

  • The seat is not adjustable
  • Heavy for a 1 seater Kayak

10. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak review

 

Last but not the least, one of the Best Sit on Top Kayak for Beginners is Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. This two-seater Kayak is comfortable for anyone. It has a dimension of 123*36*20 inches. With the weight of only 35 pounds, this Kayak is ideal for fishing. This sit on top Kayak comes with adjustable and removable inflatable seats.

It has a maximum capacity of 400 lbs. It has a slick design, with proper backrest. There is enough space for your legs, and it offers better mobility.

The Intex explorer Kayak comes with heavy-duty anti-puncture vinyl. This rugged vinyl construction makes this Kayak durable and robust. It travels uniformly on water ‘s surface and is smooth to navigate.

The inflatable I-beam floor is rigid and sturdy. This Kayak is lightweight and sturdy. Paddlers will have no trouble while they ride this Kayak. It has grab lines on both sides, which allows for better stability.

For quick inflation and deflation, the manufacturers have included a Boston valve. This addition is user-friendly and smooth to operate. This Kayak comes with removable skegs. You can easily clean or replace the accessories. This Kayak reflects comfort for the users.

Beginners will be able to operate this Kayak without any complications.

Pros

  • Removable and adjustable double seats
  • Removable skegs
  • Better visibility
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Best fishing Kayak tandem

Cons

  • Made for smooth water, not ideal for heavy streams

My verdict:

All these sit on top Kayaks are ideal for beginners. You do not need to be an expert to operate these Kayaks. These Kayaks are almost unsinkable. Most of them come with drain holes and rod holders. There are various things to consider while buying the best sit on top Kayak for fishing.

First of all, you need to consider the place you are going fishing. Most sit on top Kayaks are ideal for calm water for obvious reasons.

Second, you need to look for the weight and dimension of the Kayak. Your Kayak must have enough space for your legs. You need a Kayak that is easy to breathe in and comfortable to stay. The weight of your Kayak must be reasonable. It must not be too heavy or too light. Also, the weight and dimensions depend on the seating capacity of the Kayak.

Speaking of seating capacity, you must consider the number of paddlers. Some tandem Kayaks are not compatible with the single paddler. So, you need to keep that in mind. You must buy a kayak that has reasonable weight capacity.

Looking for high-quality materials is always important. Besides the obvious factors, you must always look for a storage unit. Spacious storage units are a must. Do not forget to look for the maximum weight capacity of your Kayak.

The Ocean Kayak Malibu is my favorite among all these. It is affordable and gives the best for the price. It has excellent stability and reasonable weight.

And remember to keep the environment clean. Do not pollute the water with plastics and other wastages. Do not fish illegally.