Well, don’t expect a top of the line angler yak at this price point but for $300, you can definiately get a decent nice looking kayak. These are perfect beginier yaks and most of them are of the inflatable variety.
All said and done, here’s my detailed review for the top 3 fishing kayaks to buy under 300 dollars!
Best 5 Fishing Kayak Under $300
1. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak
The Intex Challenger K2 is an inflatable kayak for the ones who cannot afford the real canoe deal. I bought mine two years ago and have been paddling away ever since without issues and is my #1 choice for the best fishing kayak under 300 dollars.
Being inflatable poses a certain challenge when you have a dog accompanying you on all your trips. My dog has sharp claws and he would climb onto the canoe after a long swim in the water. The Intex has endured through his excitement and abuse for the last two years.
Canoes and Kayaks are great to own but most of them can cost you an arm and a leg. They are also really cumbersome to carry around. Intex, on the other hand, is a one person job and very light. You do not need any special expertise or equipment to lift or use it. The average time required to inflate it (with no power requirements) is 10 minutes. And when you are done, it deflates in 30 seconds flat.
Toppling is another issue kayakers face frequently. The I- Beam support in Intex makes sure you can stand up in it and be assured that it will not topple. It is not only the stability, but the massive 350lb capacity that it brings with it, that makes it worth your money. That is you, your partner (for me, my dog) and the gear.
Its bright vinyl glazing and conspicuous color ensures visibility from far. The color also makes sure it is safe in water or even with company around. Ultimately, there is a lower risk of accidents. Even a first timer’s mind should be put at rest, knowing how easy to use and low-risk, Intex is. This will be an excellent choice for you!
Specifications/Features
- 11.5 feet long, tandem inflatable kayak. Enough leg-space for two
- Comfortable seats with backrests
- Thick vinyl fabric that makes it puncture and UV light resistant
- Cargo net attached for the supplies
- Distinguished colors and graphics
- USCG approved
- Two 84 inch aluminum oars
- High output air pumps (Double quick two)
- Removable skeg offering greater stability
- Capacity of 350lbs
- A 30 day warranty cover offered by the manufacturer
2. Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak
My #2 choice for the best kayak under 300 dollars is the The Sea Eagle 330 inflatable tandem kayak which is your easy to stow and carry option. This is also an effortless paddle option for novices while remaining economical. The material is lightweight and puncture resistant since it is made of exceptionally thick polykrylar fabric. It also boasts of a capacity up to 500lbs and weighs only 26lbs deflated. The USCG rating for this kayak also remains at 500 lbs or 2 full grown adults.
The 11.16 foot Eagle is built on a 33 mil polykrylar hull. The 5 unidirectional valves in all the three major air slots (keel, port tube and starboard tube) aid in smooth inflations. The molded skegs decrease paddling efforts required to navigate in uneven waters.The Sea Eagle claims to be able to withstand even a Class-III whitewater rapid impact. It is designed with 9 inch tubes and has welded seams. The I-beam construction also makes it sturdy.
The package consists of
- 2 inflatable spray skirts
- 2 inflatable canoe seats
- 2 paddles (backpack version, split into 4 small sections)
- 1 two-way foot pump
- A repair kit for the tube
- Skeg guards
- One carriage sac
- A basic instruction manual
Other features include
- Molded skegs
- A bilge drain for self-bailing purposes
- Handling ropes on both sides
- A bow eye for docking
On the downside, its blue and white color scheme blends you into the water landscape and gives you locatability issues. It is more similar to a raft than a kayak while floating along a river. This means that no paddling stunts or boat leans would be advised. The Sea Eagle hence, is more suitable for a novice to take him through the learning phase comfortably in small riffles. Regardless of these drawbacks, the Sea Eagle 330 inflatable is a fun little craft that can provide you a good learning experience.
3. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak is a single person use kayak with a distinctive bow-up design. It boasts of a 5 minute set up time limit and is a cover-less ‘sit-on-top’ model. The seat doubles as an integrated backpack that you can utilize for lugging everything for your trip.
The package comes with
- 1 aluminium paddle
- Tracking fins for comfortable steering
- 1 dual action hand pump
- Inflatable and adjustable backrest
- Built-in cup holder
- Storage compartments with secure cargo net.
- Lifting handles to assist shallow waters
- Up to 400 lbs capacity
- 8.66 feet long, 3 feet wide
- Manufacturer’s 90 day (limited warranty)
- Instruction Manual
The durability of this kayak is ensured with an I-Beam construction, electronically welded seams and a heavily strengthened base. It has an Airtight Double lock/Mini Double Lock valve system that enhances the resistance to valve leakages. The lifting handles help you navigate smoothly in and out of the water and helps you in shallow water bodies. The kayak is made of superior 21- gauge PVC protecting it from the sun and most scrapes and punctures. It is also certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
The cons listed by users include cheap paddles that come with it and the handling problems. Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak tends to topple a lot more often and is larger than what its pictures tell you. There have been reported mismatches of the pump nozzles and the valve openings resulting in loss of time and difficulty in inflation. Although there are pros which include the easily inflatable valves on the main compartments and ‘huge’ legroom being a ‘single-person’ kayak, most users are of the opinion that this is not a user friendly kayak for natural water bodies but more of a controlled environment equipment. And the 400 lbs claim is also not agreed upon by many users. But if you are planning on having fun and do not mind getting wet or plunging into the water in your swimsuits, you’ll find this to be the best fishing kayak for the money under 300 dollars.
4. Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak
Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak is designed for those kayakers who like to spend more time outdoors. This fishing kayak comes fitted with a host exciting features like – flush-mounted rod holders, carry handle, adjustable rod holder and more. The maximum weight capacity of this Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak is somewhere around 225 lbs which is kinda impressive. You will get a 5-year limited warranty on this kayak which is nice. Known for its legendary stability, Lifetime Hydros Angler 85 Fishing Kayak is a pure beast when it comes to performance. It is made from high-density polyethylene and can easily withstand impacts. It is lightweight too. It weighs just around 41 pound. Use the T-handle to transport the kayak from the water to the shore and vice versa. Its unique of its kind Tunnel hull design helps it track straight on the water.
5. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak makes paddling fun again. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak has got bright yellow color that makes it easy to spot from a distance. It can easily accommodate two people on it without destabilizing the kayak in the process. Its rugged vinyl construction makes it super strong and to give it more strength and rigidity, this fishing kayak has got an inflatable I-beam floor.
Now, if you want to increase its stability a notch further, you can attach a skeg to it. It does not take that long to inflate or deflate the kayak. All you have to do is to make proper use of the Boston valve and you will be just fine. You will get a repair kit with Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. It has also got a specious cockpit that ensures comfort.
