When it comes to kayaks, there are many different types that you can choose from. If you’re looking for something perfect for all-around use, then the best kind of kayak would be the sit-in style or a sit on top type. These two styles offer stability and comfort that is needed when out on the water all day long.
General Kayak Reviews
Construction and material
The most familiar body material for mainstream commercial kayaks is polyethene — a bare, hard-shell plastic that’s durable and cheap to produce. Polyethene tends to break down and fade in the sunlight, so kayaks with UV protection are considered better quality than those without.
Performance kayaks tend to be lighter weight, yet more expensive, such as carbon, Kevlar or fiberglass.
Inflatable kayaks are typically made of durable PVC that won’t puncture easily and is resistant to leaks.
Performance
Wider kayaks happen to be more stable but harder to paddle, while longer kayaks are faster but harder to steer.
Hull shape and rocker play a part, but add-on features such as rudders, skegs and pedal drives can significantly affect how a kayak performs.
“Tracking” is an important term for a kayaker to know, as this affects how easily the boat paddles. Cheaper kayaks can be challenging to maintain a continuous straight line, making paddling more of a chore.
Storage Options
Kayak storage comes in many designs, but the most popular for sit-inside types is a sealed “stern well” in which gear can be placed below the deck and dry. The best kayak for all around use will also feature self-contained ’embarkment’ below deck. An embarkment is an airtight compartment that won’t fill with water if the kayak capsizes and gets submerged. Embarkments also might keep your kayak afloat if you do happen to capsize.
Comfort
There’s nothing worse than paddling for a long time in a stiff, unbearable seat or lugging around a very heavy paddle that weighs half as much as you do.
A day touring kayak may come with multiple comfort options, from adjustable seats, footpegs and thigh braces to rolling skeg wheels and handle for better portability. Invest in comfort.
The Sit-In Kayaks
This one provides you with a feeling of security and comfort. These types are very stable, so it’s easier for beginners, but they also provide more room inside and storage compartments that can come in handy when out on the water all day long. The best thing about these styles would be how much protection from wind and waves that they offer.
The best sit-in kayaks for all-round use would be:
• The Ocean Kayak Frenzy
• Dagger Blackwater Series
• Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars
These boats tend to have a good weight capacity and more storage compartments, making them the perfect choice. They’re very durable as well, which is excellent if you plan on being out on the water often or through rough conditions. These styles are also known to track well, so they offer that extra bit of control while paddling. However, a downside might come with their speed since these don’t cut through waves quite as quickly as other options do, which can make it difficult when trying to keep up with faster vessels in open waters. Make sure that you think about your needs before making a final decision, though, because these types of kayaks are known to be very comfortable and offer excellent protection against the elements.
The Sit-On Top Kayaks
These types of kayaks are also straightforward to get in and out of. This is great if you’re planning on using them for fishing or snorkeling. Their large decks make it easier to stand up, so they can offer extra versatility, but this does come with a few downsides since these styles don’t provide the protection that sit-in ones do. If you decide on getting one like this, be sure to check whether or not there’s any storage space available before making your decision final. They might have less overall room than other options because their design doesn’t allow for much below deck storage space due to seating limitations in choosing an open style boat. Some models, though, will give you the option to add more storage room by using the space available for under-seat storage, so you must look at all of your options before making a final decision. Some of the best sit-on-top kayaks include
Sun Dolphin Bali 10′ Sit On Top Kayak
Pelican Sentinel 9’5″ Sit On Top Kayak
Emotion Spitfire 9′ Sit On Top Kayak
Lifetime Triton 10′ Sit On Top Kayak
Perception Tribe 11’5″ Sit On Top Kayak
Lifetime Lotus 8′ Sit On Top Kayak
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a good all purpose kayak?
We found the Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars as the best general kayak.
The Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars is a great all-around choice because it offers high durability and comfort for its price level.
What kayak is best for recreational use?
Again, we like the The Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set. It has 84inchs Aluminum Oars is known to track well, and it offers that extra bit of control while paddling. It’s also very comfortable, and the aluminum oars are great for better speed. The inflated seats with backrest offer more room inside, so they’re perfect for longer journeys out on the water. This kayak comes in at under $200, making it an outstanding deal overall when looking at what you get for your money.
It’s a very stable model, and it tracks well, which makes it pretty easy for beginners. This kayak comes in four different colors, so you can choose your favorite one or mix things up depending on if you’re fishing, snorkeling or just out having fun with friends! Some storage compartments are available under deck space, too, which is good news for people who plan to use them often.
The Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars also has a removable skeg that’s great for better tracking.
This model even has rubber handles at both ends, making it easy to carry around when you are not using it.
This kayak measures 30inches width by 15inches length by 108inches depth with a 220-pound maximum capacity
