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Are you looking for the best sit in kayak under $500? You have come to the right place
If you are a lover of water sports, a kayak would be a great investment because it allows you to enjoy a wide range of activities such as fishing, touring, or exploration. For all these activities, a sit-in kayak comes highly recommended as it will help you to keep your lower body and legs protected from the cold wind and water.
Granted, there are many types of kayaks under 500. This makes it so challenging to choose the best when you’re just a beginner. In this post, we take you through a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best kayak. We also give you options to choose from to make your buying so much easier.
Top Sit-in Kayak Under $500
1.Sun Dolphin Sit In Kayak
This 12-foot sit-in kayak is extremely popular with beginners. This might have to do with the fact that it’s very easy to paddle. It’s also very stable and so the risk of capsizing is low. You can trust that it can make it through tough kayaking conditions. It is made from high-quality materials guaranteeing longevity. So you are assured that it will serve you well for many years to come.
It has a waterproof storage compartment that keeps your gear safe and dry so you do not have to take your things out every time you go kayaking. Also, this kayak has two ports to drain out the water; one at the back and the other at the front.
Getting in and out of the kayak is made easy with the large cockpit area. And although tracking might be awkward at the beginning, you will get the hang of it after a short duration of use.
Pros
- Large watertight compartment that keeps things dry
- Easy to get in and out
- Spacious cockpit
- Comfortable seating area
- Adjustable foot braces
- Protective thigh pads
Cons
- Has few handles
- Moving it around is hard
2. Perception Flash 9.5 Sit Inside Kayak
This sit-in kayak is perfect for family fun at your local lake, pond, or a slow-moving river. And if you’re the adventurous type, you can also use it calm coastal environments. At 9.5 feet, the kayak is very easy to maneuver even for beginners. It has dual tracking channels that keep it on course and help to provide stability without interfering with maneuverability.
The foot braces are adjustable to accommodate people of different sizes. It has a high-back seat with comfortable padding. This makes it possible to stay in water for as long as possible without feeling fatigued.
The dashboard is easily accessible and it has a cup holder to keep your beverages secure preventing spillages. There is also a small provision at the front to store small gear. For extra storage space, there is a storage hatch at the back that will keep your stuff dry. If you love fishing, you will appreciate the molded-in rod holders. It has a maximum capacity of 325 pounds and is available in three attractive colors.
Pros
- Spacious cockpit
- Dashboard cup holder for keeping beverages
- Molded-in rod holders for fishing and security
- Rear storage hatch
Cons
- Small seat
3.Wilderness Systems Pungo 12.5” Sit Inside Recreational Kayak
The Wilderness Systems Pungo 12.5” Sit-Inside Recreational Kayak offers comfort and unbelievable water performance at an affordable cost. It is ideal for recreational uses such as an afternoon excursion with the family.
It has an amazing dashboard that comes with two cup holders, space for accessories, a removable dry box, and a charging station for your electronics. Isn’t that amazing? Also, the 12.5-inch length offers great stability in water making it easy to maneuver. The hull has a solid construction that offers stability without sacrificing performance. There is a huge storage space at the back to keep all your gear safe.
Comfort is key especially for recreational kayaking and this kayak has not been left behind in that regard. It is fitted with a Phase 3 Air Pro seat that is very comfortable to sit on. The seat is ergonomically designed to fit your back and prevent fatigue and strain. It is also covered with a breathable mesh which enhances greater airflow keeping you cool and dry. For additional comfort, this kayak has adjustable thigh pads, something that is not common in other kayaks.
Pros
- Sealed storage hatch
- Comfortable seating
- Upgraded dashboard
- Charging capability
- Two cup holders
Cons
- Easily dented
4.Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
This kayak is perfect for adventure because of its lightweight and compact design. It has an open cockpit meaning you can easily get in and out. And if you’re worried about storage because you have many items you would like to carry, then that has been taken care of by the dedicated storage well at the back.
The kayak is ideal for long trips as it has adjustable foot braces and a spacious seating area, which guarantees comfort throughout your kayaking experience. It can support a maximum capacity of 250 pounds.
At just 10 feet long, the Sun Dolphin Aruba Sit-in Kayak is very easy to maneuver and is highly recommended for anyone who is kayaking for the first time.
It is manufactured using high-density polythene meaning it is sturdy and durable. It’s also very stable and you can use it for hunting or fishing expeditions. There are handles that have been attached to the sides to enhance portability.
Pros
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Spacious and comfortable seating area
- Open cockpit
- Adjustable foot braces
- Ample storage space
Cons
- The plastic is a bit thin
- Shallow cockpit
5. Driftsun Sculpin Rotomolded Sit-in Kayak
If you are in the market for a reliable kayak with impressive performance, then look no further than this 12.5 inch Driftsun Sculpin Rotomolded Sit-in Kayak. It weighs just 25kgs meaning you can carry it around with ease. At the same time is solid enough and has great stability when in water. With a V-shaped hull that is made from impact-resistant materials, this kayak will offer you a smooth ride and is suitable even for beginners.
It also has a sturdy yet light paddle that allows you to maneuver in water smoothly even in rough weather. For storage purposes, this kayak has front and rear storage compartments to keep all your essentials dry. The cockpit is spacious and easily accessible for you to enter and exit with ease. Additionally, the seat is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
This sit-in kaya is spray skirt compatible providing splash protection. It comes already rigged with a rod holder to make your fishing experience more enjoyable. Be sure to check our article on the best firepit chairs if you plan on kicking back after a long day out on the water.
Pros
- The cockpit is deep and spacious for easy entry and exit
- Ergonomically designed seating area
- Spray skirt compatible
- Easy to carry around
- Ample storage
Cons
- Not all parts are preassembled
- Comparatively heavier than other kayaks
Summary
As mentioned earlier, there are many sit-in kayaks to choose from depending on the purpose you have in mind. Before picking the one that is the best one for you, it is important to first check on a few essential things. This review and buying guide takes you through the few things you should consider when buying a kayak under $500. There is also a list of great kayaks to choose from.
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