Top 7 Best Cheap Kayaks | 2023 Reviews (Sea Eagle, Sevylor)

Last Updated March 17, 2023

Kayaks come in various sizes, colors, and prices. Buying a premium-quality kayak typically costs a lot, especially if you have a strained budget. Nevertheless, you should not worry because this online discussion tackles the best cheap kayaks available today. These water vessels come at a very affordable price, which is below $400.

You will undoubtedly find it unbelievable, but, yes, kayaks of that low price range are available. The seven kayaks we have in this article are for the whole family to enjoy. They are the following easy-on-the budget boats, and they will genuinely make water exploration fun and exciting for you and your loved ones:

7 Best Cheap Kayaks Reviewed

  1. Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak 
  2. Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak
  3. /strongstrongIntex Excursion Pro Kayak 
  4. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak
  5. Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak
  6. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle  
  7. Best Choice Products Kids Kayak with Paddle

 #1. Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak 

Sea Eagle 330 Pro 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak Canoe Boat with Pump and Oars

Specifications:

  1. Length: 133 inches (340 centimeters)
  2. Width: 33.86 inches or 86 centimeters; 34 X 19 X 10 inches [Product Dimensions]
  3. Weight: 26 pounds
  4. Weight Capacity: 500 to 650 pounds (2 to 3 people)
  5. Color: White body with blue streaks
  6. Construction: 33-millimeter PolyKrylar or K80 polyvinyl chloride or PVC

The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is among the best cheap kayaks available today. If you are a versatile paddler who wants an affordable and all-around watercraft, you should try this super-powerful kayak.

The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is perfect for saltwater, freshwater, flat water, and ocean surf. Do you want to go on a rapidly moving and adventurous water escapade this weekend? Then, go for this budget-friendly watercraft, which is perfect for class-3 white water kayaking. Do you want to take it slow and go on a relaxing paddling through nature instead? Then, you can expect the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak to deliver kayaking convenience as well.

Furthermore, this ocean kayak eases your worries of punctures or ruptures. The manufacturer utilized 33-millimeter Polykrylar or K80 polyvinyl chloride or PVC, making this water vessel saltwater-resistant and durable.

The Sea Eagle’s boat is straightforward to assemble. The one-way valve and included foot pump allow you to inflate and deflate this budget-friendly water vessel fast. You can expect yourself and your friend or family member out on the lake fishing, water paddling, or river-running in merely five minutes!

The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak’s hull is also quite reliable. It is ultraviolet or sun-resistant. Plus, the high-frequency welded seams facilitate this water vessel’s suitability for various kinds of waters.

The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is ideal for tandem kayaking and can accommodate 500 to 650 pounds of weight. This inflatable and sporty boat is highly functional if you are a solo paddler looking for a convenient, tranquilizing, and comfortable ride.

Also, it can accommodate two paddlers. They can be two smaller adults or one adult and two children. Thus, you and your family member or friend can relish weekend water adventures in lakes, bays, rivers, rapids, the ocean, and many more! 

ProsCons
Lightweight and portableLimited storage capacity
Budget-friendly
Sun-resistant
Durable

Check Price on Amazon


#2. Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak

SUNDOLPHIN Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak

Specifications:

  1. Length: 115 inches or 292 centimeters
  2. Width: 29 inches
  3. Weight: 40 pounds
  4. Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
  5. Construction: Rugged ultraviolet or UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene
  6. Designed for: River, Lake trips

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak can give you your desire to relax on your day out in the lake or the river. This low-priced water vessel is convenient to utilize and offers a lot of perks for any kayaking enthusiast.

This budget-friendly sit-In Kayak is durable. Its manufacturer utilized ultraviolet or UV-stabilized Fortiflex High-Density Polyethylene to construct a durable and rugged hull. Also, this budget-friendly kayak is easy to carry because of the presence of the handy carrying handles. Therefore, you can take this watercraft easily from your vehicle to the lake. Besides, it is lightweight at merely 40 pounds, so you do not have to worry about lifting a heavy object.

You can relish pure comfort and convenience while aboard this affordable kayak because of its roomy, huge, and open cockpit. You can relax your entire physique as you paddle, thanks to the adjustable foot braces, adjustable padded seat, and the high back support. Plus, you can enjoy your favorite beverage and place it conveniently on the water bottle holder included.

The Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak lets you bring your hobbies and other significant belongings via its waterproof storage compartment. This convenient section of the boat features shock cord deck rigging. Also, it is bungee storage located on either portion of the water vessel. You can utilize the storage compartment to keep all your gear, including your dry bag or tiny and soft cooler. Hence, during your paddling getaway, you can look forward to enjoying your lunch and keeping yourself dry with a towel.

The paddle holder and spray deflector collar are additional features of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-In Kayak. With its offerings, this low-priced boat perfect for lakes and rivers will surely make you feel recharged after a relaxing day in the water.

ProsCons
Huge load capacityUnsuitable for advanced paddlers and white water kayaking
Spacious cockpit
Does not consist of a paddle
Lightweight
Affordable

Check Price on Amazon


#3. /strongstrongIntex Excursion Pro Kayak 

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak

Specifications:

  1. Length: 12 feet tall and 7 inches high
  2. Width: 25.39 X 13.27 X 23.62 inches [Product Dimensions]
  3. Weight: 43.57 pounds
  4. Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
  5. Construction: 3-ply super-tough, high molecular polyvinyl chloride or PVC

If you want to enjoy a kayak filled with features, you should try the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. This affordable boat will make you feel satisfied because you can relish many benefits from it.

First of all, you can inflate and deflate the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak very quickly through its high-pressure, spring-loaded valves. Also, this advantage offers you additional stability and rigidity. The low-priced watercraft is easy to carry from the land to the lake, river, ocean, or beach, thanks to its grab handles. You can find them on both ends of the kayak.

Furthermore, steering the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is not difficult because of the removable skegs. These specially designed properties of the budget boat enable optimal maneuverability through shallow and deep water bodies.

Once you are aboard the budget boat, a substantial number of features await you. You can feel assured that you are riding a durable and safe kayak because this professional boat’s manufacturer utilized three-ply, ultra-tough, high-molecular polyvinyl chloride or PVC.

Hence, this dependable material eases your anxiety because it ensures that the boat can resist high impact, sunlight, abrasion, oil, salt water, and gasoline. It can perform these measures while retaining its portability and lightweight nature.

Moreover, you can enjoy paddling and feel cozy because of the built-in, two-floor mounted footrests, two adjustable bucket seats, and the inflatable booster pad that allows you to get elevated while seated on the kayak. The wallet-friendly boat also gives you more convenience because you can bring your belongings with you and keep them there seamlessly.

Finally, you will undoubtedly feel more wowed because one of the best cheap kayaks includes a repair patch, carry bag, a high-output pump, and 86-inch aluminum oars. The waterproof bag that you can latch into the kayak’s front is useful because you can place anything you need on it to carry into the water with you.

ProsCons
Loaded with features such as storage, fishing rod holders, and adjustable seats
Puncturing possible
Affordable
Portable 

Check Price on Amazon


#4. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars

Specifications:

  1. Length: 9 feet high or 108 inches long
  2. Width: 2 feet and six inches wide
  3. Weight: 27.2 pounds
  4. Weight Limit: 220 pounds
  5. Construction: Rugged vinyl; Durable welded material

You may find it unbelievable, but the best cheap kayaks under $100 do exist! If you buy the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak, you will genuinely feel wowed by its impressive costing and premium quality. This wallet-friendly boat makes breaking the bank for a high-quality watercraft impossible. Also, this nimble kayak is lightweight and easy to use.

Inflating and deflating the Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is simple, thanks to the Boston valves. These advantageous and handy features make inflation and deflation procedures quick and smooth. Plus, on both ends of the 27.2-pound kayak, you will find grab lines with a removable skeg. Hence, you will relish a balanced ride, and you can have more fun time in the slow-moving rivers or the lake!

Furthermore, the Challenger K1 water vessel by Intex is super-convenient. You get 100-percent pure comfort from the cockpit as well as maximized space. You get more stability and convenience via the inflatable and reasonably rigid I-Beam floors. Aside from the inflatable seat with backrest, the thick and sturdy Intex Challenger K1 Kayak features a reserved and secure space for your additional gear. The cargo net offers more security for your belongings.

The eye-catching cheap boat will never make you feel disappointed because it is durable. Its manufacturer utilized rugged, puncture-resistant, and heavy-duty vinyl for its construction. It has more features such as the hi-output manual hand pump, the 84-inch aluminum oar, and the repair patch.

Transporting the one-person Intex Challenger K1 Kayak is also easy, thanks to the handy carry bag included. With all of these remarkable features and the impressively low price, you surely would want to buy this budget-friendly water vessel now!

ProsCons
Features bright colors for added safety
Minor customer complaint about a puncturing issue
Very affordable
Highly stable

Check Price on Amazon


#5. Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak

Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak Blue, 8'7" x 3'

Specifications:

  1. Length: 8 feet and 7 inches long; 96 inches long
  2. Width: 103 X 36 X 30 inches [Product Dimensions]
  3. Weight: 18 pounds
  4. Weight Capacity: 400 pounds

You may find it unbelievable, but buying a kayak below $120 that delivers comfort, durability, and security in the water are all within your reach with the Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak. This highly affordable sit-in-top kayak deserves your attention and hard-earned cash.

The Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak will make your outdoor backpack adventures convenient, thanks to its nature of being an innovative and easy-to-carry backpack system. Being one of the best cheap kayaks available today, it works as an integrated backpack with padded shoulder straps. You can simply stash this one-person watercraft in your truck or car, go to the lake, unpack, and begin kayaking!

The efficient lift handle allows you to transport the Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak over shallow waters and rocky and rough locations. Plus, you can break down the paddle for compact storage. This budget-friendly and inflatable sit-on-top kayak transforms into a cozy kayak seat as well. The design lets you stretch your arms, legs, and back more efficiently as well.

Furthermore, the wallet-friendly boat is straightforward to set up. The Double Lock and Mini Double Lock Fast Valves facilitate fast inflation and deflation advantages. With two locking points, these benefits enable you to assemble the Sevylor kayak in as fast as less than five minutes. Hence, you can spend more enjoyable moments on the lake or river!

Thanks to the thick, 21-gauge polyvinyl chloride or PVC construction and the reinforced, waterproof polyurethane bottom, you get sheer strength and durability with the Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak.

Besides, since puncturing can happen anytime, this affordable water vessel’s multiple air chambers let another chamber remain inflated. Hence, you can expect to stay safe and afloat. With Sevylor Quikpak K1 One-Person Kayak’s offerings of convenience, sturdiness, and safety, you undoubtedly do not have anything to ask for if you buy it!

ProsCons
Multiple chambers facilitate safety in case of unintended puncturing
Not safe to use in white waters
Features additional convenient storage for gear
Easy to pack and transport anywhere
Fast setup advantage

Check Price on Amazon


#6. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle  

Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, 6 Feet, Green

Specifications: 

  1. Length: 6 feet long or 72 inches
  2. Width: 72 X 24 X 9 inches 
  3. Weight: 18 Pounds
  4. Weight Capacity: 130 pounds
  5. Construction: High-density polyethylene or HDPE

Start your children’s love for paddling in the rivers and lakes with the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle! This product is among the best cheap kayaks available today. Its cost of under $160 will surely make you feel attracted to it.

The Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle is ideal for children ages five years old and younger. This six-foot-long water vessel is highly sturdy with its manufacturer using high-density Polyethylene for its construction. Hence, you and your beloved Junior will get superior durability and strength! Plus, you can expect to get saved against potential peeling, cracking, and fading through the ultraviolet or UV protection.

Furthermore, this affordable kayak for children is so handy. It is exceptionally lightweight that you and your child can easily transport it from your car to the lake. You can find molded finger handles on each side of this budget-friendly kayak for added convenience when carrying it.

Your dear child will undoubtedly love the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle because its wide stance lets him sit comfortably. Plus, this kayak for children offers a stable paddling space. This low-priced boat with a paddle has a twin-fin design that aids in excellent surf-riding and tracking. The ergonomic cockpit style develops your child’s motor and balance capabilities as well.

This product is one of the best cheap kayaks and lets your child swim up and enter it quickly through the swim-up step and sloped back end properties. The attached adjustable footrests facilitate children with varying body dimensions to get accommodated comfortably in the kayak, too.

With the black, double-sided kayak paddle, you can save more of your hard-earned money with this recreational kayak for children. Also, the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle promises enhanced stability for your beloved offspring through its other features like the reverse chine and the scupper holes.

The latter drain the cockpit or deck for extra safety and stability for your child. With the Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak with Paddle, you can feel sheer peace of mind as you watch your Junior enjoy and develop his love for kayaking in the lake or river.

ProsCons
Includes black, child-sized, kayak paddleUnsuitable for children weighing more than 130 pounds
Easy to use and stable for childrenDoes not include a backrest or seat cushion
Lightweight and easy to transport
Inexpensive

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#7. Best Choice Products Kids Kayak with Paddle

  Best Choice Products 6ft Kids Kayak w/Paddle, Cushioned Backrest, Storage Compartment, Wheel, Red

Specifications:

  1. Length: 72 inches; 6 feet tall
  2. Width: 26 inches; 72 X 26 X 7 inches 
  3. Weight: 21 Pounds
  4. Weight Capacity: 121 pounds
  5. Construction: High-density Polyethylene
  6. Designed for: 1 person, Lake, Beach, River

Your beloved son or daughter will enjoy your family outing at the lake with the Best Choice Products Kids Kayak with Paddle. This affordable watercraft for children ages five years old and above is safe to use. When your child is already aboard this budget-friendly kayak, you do not have to feel anxious. 

It is because the boat is durable, thanks to the manufacturer’s usage of high-density Polyethylene and sturdy, ultraviolet, or UV-resistant plastic. Besides the boat’s high-quality design that includes the molded-in footwells, your child is safe in the wide and open cockpit. Also, the low-priced kayak for children consists of an easy-to-roll skeg wheel, front toggle, and a two-fin, 50-inch-long paddle. These properties allow your cherished offspring to row the kayak quickly. Your child would also feel as if he is a professional kayak enthusiast treading the lake or river.

Your child will also appreciate his kayak ride because the cheap water vessel is comfortable, thanks to the well-cushioned, padded backrest. He will feel optimal comfort because of this benefit that you can fold down easily.

Furthermore, storage spaces occupy the kayak’s front and rear ends. The front storage area includes a bungee cord, while the rear cargo compartment consists of a net lacing cover. The built-in bottle and cup holder in the children’s kayak by Best Choice Products also lets your child enjoy his favorite apple juice or chocolate milk drink while he relishes his ride.

The Best Choice Products Kids Kayak with Paddle is easy to assemble. You can find the instructions along with the package. Also, you and your child can transport it quickly and with zero hassles. This benefit is possible through the built-in side handles. Hence, you can easily carry this lightweight watercraft to the river, lake, beach, and other water bodies for an adventure with your entire family. 

ProsCons
Easy to maneuverMinor buyer complaint about the paddle breaking
Very stable
Portable
Cheap

Check Price on Amazon


The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak – Our Favorite Cheap Kayak

You will surely relish your family bonding time in the lake or river with the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak. Also, you will feel ecstatic because this affordable watercraft offers tremendous value for your hard-earned money.

First of all, the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is highly versatile. With its low price, you can already enjoy it in various bodies of water. Plus, since this boat can accommodate two persons, you, your spouse, and your children can enjoy your lakeside or riverside rides.

The affordable kayak works best in various bodies of water, confirming its versatility. The other water vessels in this discussion do not have that money-saving feature. Hence, with them, you need to avail of another kayak. However, that is not the case with the kayak by Sea Eagle.

You can enjoy the watercraft with your family members or friends in saltwater, flat water, freshwater, ocean surf, and even fast-moving white waters. These benefits make you realize how delightfully all-around the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is.

This impressive water vessel is also highly durable, with 33-millimeter Polykrylar or K80 polyvinyl chloride or PVC construction. Are you worried about punctures pet claws caused? You do not have to with the wallet-friendly Sea Eagle kayak because of its capability to withstand harsh surfaces and impacts.

The Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is also easy to assemble and disassemble. Plus, it is profuse with other features, like the carry bag, the two adjustable padded seats with a five-inch excellent back support, the foot pump, a repair kit, and many more. With all of these advantages, the Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sport Kayak is genuinely worthy of buying because you will adore its sturdiness and how helpful it is to your budget.


Buyer’s Guide to Cheap Kayaks

 If it is your first time to avail of an affordable kayak, you may need help in making a choice. The following questions will yield answers that are some of the essential things you need to consider. They will assist you in finding the right kayak that suits your needs.

For what purpose will you use the kayak?

The best cheap kayaks have varied purposes. You can utilize them for paddling through nature. Also, you can use one of these boats on your fishing trips.

Which kind of kayak do you intend to purchase?

Kayaks fall into various categories. They are the following:

a) Hard Shell Kayak VS. Inflatable Kayak

You can get more control in a kayak with a hard shell. Plus, it is always ready for you to utilize. On the other hand, affordable inflatable kayaks are compact. They are more portable. However, the issue with inflatable and inexpensive kayaks is that they bounce off quickly from rocky and rough waters. 

b) Single Kayak VS. Tandem Kayak

Single kayaks are for solo paddlers. They are lighter compared to the tandem kayaks. On the other hand, the latter are for two paddlers. Tandem kayaks are typically heavier. But they are faster and more stable since they rely on the two paddlers’ rowing powers.

c) Sit-on-top Kayak VS. Sit-in Kayak

If your favorite weekend activity is recreational kayaking, the sit-on-top kayak is the best choice to buy. You can enjoy your relaxing weekend with this boat, which is more expansive, slower, and more stable than the sit-in kayak.

On the other hand, sit-in kayaks are typically for beginners who demand safety. Also, they are for paddlers who are participating in activities held in cold waters. Therefore, they get to feel dry and warm. Moreover, sit-in kayaks are long, narrow, and offer full performance. Manufacturers design them to move more rapidly compared to the sit-on-top kayaks.

Are you aware of the materials kayak manufacturers use in making affordable boats?

Kayak makers typically utilize heavy-duty vinyl and similar plastic materials. Their boats can function well with their usage of durable construction materials. Affordable hard shell kayaks are usually of high-density polyethylene construction.

Do you know how important durability and stability are as factors when buying the best cheap kayaks?

It is significant for you to assess the sturdiness of the boat you are buying. You can evaluate the material utilized in making the kayak of your choice. If you find out that it is sturdy, your option is durable and can endure rough and rocky waters.

Furthermore, the material used in the boat’s construction plays a crucial role in the product’s stability. Most budget-friendly kayaks are highly stable because of the right material utilized, balanced dimensions, correct calculation, and weight.

The answers to these four questions show the essential factors you need to understand before buying an affordable kayak. Keeping them in mind will help you find the correct boat and save more of your hard-earned money.


Conclusion

You can surely relish both money-saving benefits and enjoyment for your family with the best cheap kayaks available today. These low-priced water vessels are by various manufacturers who utilized the premium-quality materials to produce affordable yet durable products.

The best and budget-friendly boats in this online discussion are genuinely worth buying because of the valuable advantages they deliver. These kayaks give fun and pleasure not only to the parents but also to your children. Indeed, kayaking transcends age, and family members of various generations can participate in this rejuvenating water activity.

Remember that it pays to stay informed. Besides reading and learning from this online discussion, you can discover more reasonably low-priced and high-quality boats online. Learning about them will give you more options which you and your whole family will enjoy.

Happy shopping for the best cheap kayaks today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I want my kayak to be convenient. What other accessories can I add to it?

There are plenty of accessories you can buy, which you can use in your boat. They include:

  1. a) Cockpit or deck cover
  2. b) Dry bags for your belongings
  3. c) Accessories to hold your camera, smartphone, and so on
  4. d) Kayak cart

Q: If I buy a low-priced kayak, will I compromise quality?

You will not compromise quality if you avail of affordable boats. Plenty of kayaks costing below $400 are excellent. The manufacturers of these water vessels utilized durable materials similar to the expensive ones. The best cheap kayaks’ price point is usually under $400.

Q: What features do low-priced but high-quality kayaks have?

With most of the affordable but high-quality kayaks available, you can get a paddle. Also, inflatable boats come with a carry case, a pump, and a repair kit. Some manufacturers include paddle holders, water bottle holders, and a fishing rod in the package.

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