If you are tired of renting a kayak for yourself or your family and also want to stop borrowing from a friend but are under a tight budget, this article can help you find the best kayaks under 300 dollars.
Kayaking is one of the most fun on-water activities, not just for families, but for thrill-seekers as well, and the more it becomes popular means the higher the demand for quality kayak boats. Many companies, especially those in the industry for so long, use modern art and technology to provide better outdoor equipment at affordable prices.
Therefore, it is unlikely that you not to find one that will match your standards and is worth your money. There are sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks that have good features and would come with a lot of accessories. Some stores offer better deals, so know where to look.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Kayaks Under 300 Reviewed
- Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe Inflatable Sport Kayak – Best Overall
- Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak – Best Value
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak – Editor’s Choice
- Sevylor C001 Tahiti Hunt Fish 2-Person Kayak
- Sun Dolphin Excursion SS Fishing Kayak
- Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak
- Ztot0p Inflatable Kayak
1. Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe Inflatable Sport Kayak – Best Overall
Specifications:
- Length: 11.2 in.
- Material: Synthetic
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 26 lbs.
- Person capacity: 2
The Sea Eagle 330 is an inflatable sports kayak with a pump and oars. It can carry about 500 lbs. and is suitable for whitewater. When you get yourself one of these, you get the basic things you will need for kayaking because it comes with paddles, a repair kit, and a bag.
The unit also comes with storage, an open and closed drain valve, and two kegs located on the bottom for better tracking and speed. It is known for being durable and lightweight, which is why it is perfect for all your adventures in the water. It is made for two people, but this one can also be used to decide not to bring anyone with you.
This instant Sea Eagle 330 kayak is stable and can be launched anywhere. You can easily put it in the trunk of your car or even an airplane since it is easy to set up.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to carry | No side ropes to tie gears |
| Lightweight | Uncomfortable seats |
| Very stable |
2. Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak – Best Value
Specifications:
- Length: 6 ft.
- Material: High-density Polyethylene
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 181 lbs.
- Person capacity: 1
If you have kids and are looking to get a quality kayak for an affordable price, then this is the best deal out there. This kayak is a family-budget-friendly kayak that is specifically designed for kids ages five and up. Its wide stance provides a stable paddling platform to ensure the safety of your child in the boat.
Having a slope at the end and a swim-up step allows the paddler to go in and out of the kayak easily. Your child will surely enjoy this one that comes with multiple footrest positions to make paddling enjoyable, and a reverse chine for enhanced stability. This kayak is good for beginners that want to explore recreational kayaking. It will only take 5 minutes to get comfortable with this one, and it is lightweight. This stable sit-on-top kayak for kids will make them connect intimately with the outdoors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light and easy for kids | No backrest for comfort |
| Easy to maneuver | No handles |
| Very stable |
3. Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak – Editor’s Choice
Specifications:
- Length: 10 ft.
- Material: High-density Polyethylene
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 52 lbs.
- Person capacity: 1
Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is not just made for fishermen’s needs because this sit-on-top kayak is flexible for other on-water activities. It has multiple footrest positions that will cater to any size of rider. There is a stable flat bottom that you can stand, and its material is UV-protected.
It also comes with two storage compartments in the reading and center, so you do not need to worry about bringing so much on your trip.
If you are one of the fishing folk, you will like those two flush-mounted rod holders. It has adjustable padded seats for comfort. It is an extremely stable kayak. It tracks straights; it is not heavy, and fast enough for your needs. This product does not feel fragile, even on rocks and gravel. Anyone that is looking for under $300 will enjoy this unit from Lifetime.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good maneuverability | The Pole holder is too far to reach |
| Good for a beginner | Storage is complicated |
| Very stable |
4. Sevylor C001 Tahiti Hunt Fish 2-Person Kayak
Specifications:
- Length: 10 ft.
- Material: 21 Gauge PVC
- Type: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 23 lbs.
- Person capacity: 2
This one is a good buy if you like fishing with someone because it is made for two people. It has multiple air chambers, which will allow another chamber to stay inflated just in case one is punctured, and its airtight system is a guarantee of no leaking. Double lock valves that use two locking points to help you inflate and deflate the boat with ease.
The seats can be adjusted as well to fit your size. It also has spray covers to help keep you dry and can carry 360 lbs. maximum weight of two. You will enjoy kayaking in waterfalls, traversing rapids, and doing leisure on-water activities with this boat. It goes well against the wind to paddle properly plus lightweight, so it is easy to bring. You can even let your kids jump on it a bit since it is very stable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and small | Not durable for an inflatable |
| Easy to set up | Uncomfortable seats |
| Roomy | Not for long trips |
5. Sun Dolphin Excursion SS Fishing Kayak
Specifications:
- Length: 10 ft.
- Material: High-density Polyethylene
- Type: Sit-in
- Weight: 41 lbs.
- Person capacity: 1
This Excursion SS from Sundolphin is great for rivers and lakes so if those two are the places where you intend to paddle, then buy yourself this one. It has a large comfortable seating area that provides adjustable seats and foot braces. It is so lightweight that you can carry it around and has a storage compartment for your belongings.
This kayak is not only solid, but it also has good tracking capability, which is well worth the money you will be spending. It is stable and durable on shallow rocks, which is good. You can hold yourself in water. If you want to have a fishing experience, this is also a good option for its value because of its comfort while paddling or fishing. Good for beginners, but more suitable for advanced people in kayaking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large space for the rider | Bowline hole is small. |
| Lightweight | Lack of storage space |
| Very stable |
6. Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak
Specifications:
- Length: 10 ft.
- Material: High-molecular Polyethylene
- Type: Sit-in
- Weight: 31 lbs.
- Person capacity: 1
You will come across this lightweight and easy-to-carry kayak if you search for under $300. Pelican Maxim 100X has front and rear T0handles for easy transport and has a maximum capacity of 275 lbs. It comes with a storage hatch with a bungee cord to keep your stuff safe, and a storage platform with a mesh deck cover made to store your gear.
This kayak should last because of its stability and maneuverability due to its shallow V-Chine hull design delivering good performance. It is easy to enter and exit in this kayak. This boat is also good for on-water sports activities because it can hold its stability well. If fun is something you look for, this is also a good choice because it is easy to paddle thanks to its comfortable footrests and secured foot braces.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable seats | Not a good hull |
| Easy in-and-out | Lacks storage |
| Lightweight |
7. Ztot0p Inflatable Kayak
Specifications:
- Length: 11.5 ft.
- Material: Heavy-duty vinyl
- Type: Sit-in
- Weight: 35 lbs.
- Person capacity: 2
Ztot0p has thee air separate chambers for its safety design, and its heavy-duty material is enough to provide durable protection from possible punctures. This one has a foot pump for quick inflation, which is a Boston valve to prevent leaking. It comes with an adjustable seat that has a backrest to let you enjoy paddling.
In place of a storage compartment is a net bag for safekeeping your goods. It has a good budget value for your money, and you will not have to rent a kayak anymore. The paddles that come with it are pleasant and float well. It is possible to fit two adults here, and a kid just makes sure it can hold well while on a trip. It is also not that heavy, which makes transportation easier.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious room | Material is not thick |
| Easy to set up | Seats lack comfort |
| Stable |
Top pick – Best Kayaks Under 300 2020
Sea Eagle 330
This product is worth it because its deluxe package comes with spray skirts, inflatable front, and rear seats, two oars, a foot pump, and a carry bag to keep it all together.
The kayak weighs only 26 lbs., yet it is sturdy enough to carry up to 500 lbs. Its notable features, aside from being NMMA certified, are the self-bailing drain valve, pressure gauge, I-beam construction floor, two skegs on the bottom for better tracking and speed, and repair kit. It will take you less than 10 minutes to set this up, which is good for those who want to hit the waters right away. It has performed well against sea rocks and light gravel thanks to its sturdy material. You can also take this one for fishing trips. Inflation and deflation are also easy.
Sea Eagle 330 is a top pick because you can bring this easily with you in a car whenever and wherever you want. It is not heavy. It has excellent maneuverability, which can assist you when encountering logs. Comfort is great in this kayak, and long trips are not a big deal for this one.
Best kayaks under 300 top brands
Sea Eagle
When it comes to producing a quality product of boats, Sea Eagle is sure to deliver. This company has been in the business of making boats since 1968, so its kayaks would be excellent. Another contributing factor to the company’s growing reputation is the fact that its products are perfectly suited for expeditions.
It has become the choice for those who want to go far and wide on their boating trips. Over the years, the line of boats it produces has become wider and better than before. They now have ten different inflatable kayaks, six different inflatable SUPs, two inflatable pontoon fishing boats, an inflatable canoe, and five different inflatable fishing, motormouth, and transom boats. Their three years warranty is also a thing you would consider plus the six months risk-free period. If you are not happy with their product, just return it in good condition.
Lifetime
Lifetime is a company known for using high-quality plastic material to build its products. It is best known for making a variety of everyday plastic and polymer products. You can already get a sense of the idea just from the name of their brand. It means that they offer goods that will last a lifetime.
From manufacturing basketball systems and inventing the Quick-Adjust, Lifetime products became a worldwide trusted brand as it quickly broadened from basketball hoops to picnic tables, then folding tables and chairs. Now their sheds, kayaks, and other products have become leaders in the market as well.
By constantly applying innovation and pioneering technology in plastics and metals, it continues to create products that revolutionize the industry with patented technology. The company also has excellent customer service to help and assist you in purchasing their products.
Sun Dolphin
The Sun Dolphin began its adventure as a small family-owned business that made a single two-person pedal boat. It has become since then to be the leading manufacturer of kayaks and outdoor recreational products in North America.
Their goal is to combine innovative, affordable products with unparalleled service that goes hand in hand with one of their mottos when purchasing one of their products. They want you to feel like you are part of their family.
You will be assured that your happiness and feedback on their product are a priority. They make just about any boats you can think of. A unique feature it offers is its PAC system (Portable Accessory Carrier) in boats that can be deployed behind the boat to a room for extra stuff. They keep on improving their products because they value what their customers want.
Sevylor
Sevylor is a brand of Coleman that has been making inflatable watercraft since 1940. To date, it has made several water line-ups like boats, canoes, kayaks, etc. Its inflatable kayaks have 12 models, ranging from solo to 3-person. Kayaks from the company are well known because their brand name has been around for a long time, and are sold in many places, and it is somehow affordable.
They have constantly been improving their kayaks to compete in the market. Sevylor models are great for kids, camping, and just simple recreational fun. Coleman gear has become available everywhere, such as on lakes, trails, at a tailgate, and basically anywhere outside. You will consider this reputable name in selecting a gear that suits you and wants something affordable with good quality.
Guide in selecting best kayaks under $300:
Product Features & Specifications
If you are on a budget, it is best to look for the things that will set a kayak apart from others within the range of what you want to spend. You would want to get a unit that comes with a full set, which means having paddles, storage, straps, etc. so you do not have to buy it separately.
Loading & Weight Capacity
It is important to note this if you are looking for something that you can travel easily in terms of loading capacity. Thus, consider the length, width, and how heavy it is for you, or if you can fit the kayak in a specific vehicle that you own. You should determine how many persons, or if you have kids, and the number of things you might bring with the weight capacity. Consider the weight capacity if you are going on a long trip.
Safety
It does not mean that if it is not super expensive, the material is not durable because there are sturdy kayaks at affordable prices. This factor should be your top priority even though you are on a budget. It is important to know the material used and how long it will stand the test of time. Check if the product has complete safety features and bonus elements than can add to security. It must be very stable in the water.
Size
Look for a size that suits your body. It is important to find a boat where you can sit well to paddle comfortably.
Level
It is something you could weigh in when you decide if you want a kayak that is good for starters or a little more leaning on the adventurous side.
Conclusion
Ensure that you have a list of things that you would want to get out of your money when looking for a kayak. If you are on a budget, it is important to consider the accessories, gears, kits, and special features that go with the product. You can save so much more if you do. Check the durability of the materials as well, and if the seats are comfortable. Always find the right size that fits you, its weight capacity in terms of how many persons it can carry, and how much it can hold. When you are choosing something affordable, choose one that has good reviews, and good quality.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Does brand value help in choosing a kayak?
Why is storage capacity important?
How to know if it is sturdy?
Related Resources:
- Best Kayaks Under 500
- Old Town Kayaks Review
- Perception Kayaks Review
- Best Lake Kayaks
- Best Paddleboards for Lakes
- Best Paddleboard for Fishing
- Best Paddleboard for Yoga
G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
