Are you tired of searching a cheap kayaks for sale under 200 dollars? You might be, this is exactly why we have prepared the detailed guide about the best kayak under 200 which is available in the market.
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(The Winner After 38 Hours Of Research)
Before dipping our toes in this guide, first, learn a little bit about the kayak. Kayaking is considered one of the fun sports and most people love to do it because it won't cost a fortune. It is one of the trendiest sports. But most people struggle when it comes to buying the best kayak under your budget because there are a plethora of options available. It is literally like looking for a polar bear in the hailstorm.
Beginning with a kayak under $200 is a must for the regular kayaker or anyone fresh to the activity. The thing is, a kayak under $200 is suitable for someone who doesn't go kayaking regularly. Also, it will help you gain a lot of experience in budget.
Kayaks have made our life a lot easier when it comes to exploring lakes and rivers having a fun and adventurous time with friends and family. However, with ever growing popularity and use, kayaks have come a long way from their invention with more advanced features at relatively lower prices. Today, hundreds of brands out there are manufacturing kayaks, and choosing the best budget kayak from thousands of different options is not an easy task. In this article, we compiled a list of the ten best budget kayaks out there after testing them in real life and broke down the parameters we used to select them in a detailed buying guide. So let's have a look how to find them. By the way if you want to search best kayaking place near you, you can check kayak near me map.
Let's Get Know How to Choose a Kayak That Costs Less Than 200 dollars?
Now the process of picking the right kayak can be daunting and overwhelming if you are not aware of what to look for. Below we are highlighting some points that need to be checked when you are buying a kayak that costs less than $200.
Occupancy:
The maximum number of individuals who can use the kayak at once. This necessitates a paddler's choice of solo or double kayaks. Married people who enjoy paddling together can save money by purchasing a tandem kayak instead of two individual kayaks. However, relative to the double kayak, the solo kayak is difficult to operate and guide with less energy.
Durability:
Plastic kayaks are more sturdy than inflatable and bendable kayaks. The plastic fabrics, on the other hand, are easily scratched. Regardless, they are more rugged and puncture prone than most forms of kayaks, including fiberglass and others. Canvas recreational vessels are quickly destroyed by sharp points. Durable products lead to significant savings by reducing the number of times you have to buy something.
Material:
Kayak materials come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and qualities, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Plastic, Kevlar, bamboo, carbon, inflatable plastic, and fabric with the framework are presently offered components. The most often used material for kayak construction is plastic. While it is resistant to hard surfaces, it is heavier than other fabrics and may not be preferred by newcomers to Kayak lessons. Plastic products are made from recycled waste, which aids in the preservation of our climate. When you purchase a plastic kayak, you are helping to keep our ocean clean and pollutant-free. Paddlers looking for a lighter kayak should look at fiberglass kayaks.
Aside from height, weight is a vital consideration when choosing a yacht. When raising the ship into the sea, pulling the boat from a kayak cart, and moving around the shore with the boat, the mass is critical.
Below we are going to cast light on the best kayak under 200 dollars available in the market.
Best Kayak Under $200 Available in the Market
There are many factors that play an important role in deciding the best kayak 200 and we have compiled this guide based on the relevant information. We find all the products mentioned here suitable for someone who loves kayaking and doesn't want to put a burden on their pockets. So without any ado, let's understand each product in detail.
Top 10 Cheap kayaks for sale under 200 Dollars | Comparison Table
# | Preview | Product Name | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
1 | 
| Intex Explorer K2 Kayak | Best Overall | 400 lb | |
2 | 
| Intex Challenger K1 Kayak | Best On Budget | 220 lb | |
3 | 
| Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 | Best Value Inflatable Kayak | 400 lb | |
4 | 
| Bestway Hydro-Force Koracle Kayak | 330 lb | |
5 | 
| EPROSMIN 2 Person Inflatable Kayak | 300 lb | |
6 | 
| Sun Dolphin Aruba SS |Sit In Kayak | 250 lb | |
7 | 
| Lifetime Youth 6 Feet Wave Kayak with Paddle | Best for Kids | 130 lb | |
8 | 
| Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak | 400 lb | |
9 | 
| Sea Eagle SE330 Inflatable Sports Kayak | 500 lb | |
10 | 
| Pelican Solo 6 Feet Sit-on-top | 100 lb |
Our Budget Friendly Picks !!!
(The Winner After 10 Hours Of Research)
The 10 Best Kayak Under 200 Dollars | Best Buying Guide For Beginners
The very foremost kayak on our list is the Intex Explorer kayak that weighs around 16 pounds. It is designed for 2 people. It's inflatable, so it can be easily flattened once done. It can easily stow in the passenger seat or trunk of your vehicle. If you're not into exercise or just want to save your resources for the specific paddling sport, it's simple to set up and get on the beach. This one is made of top-notch vinyl. It's a tough composite with a thickness of 30 gauge. The sturdy construction can withstand a lot of damage. It can withstand sharp things, puncture wounds, and bumps, just don't attempt to pierce it with a blade. It has two chairs, one in front of the other, providing plenty of leg space and a convenient seating configuration. This kayak is flexible enough to handle your needs, even if you're heading on a swift river or just want to paddle on a calm river. It can support up to 400 lbs, which is enough for both a big and medium person. It is 123 inches in length, which is much larger than the normal kayak. Since it is longer than most kayaks, it has more flexibility and is less likely to tip over. The backrests, as well as the seats, are inflatable and comfortable. Backrests may also be adjusted. This is also widely used as fishing kayak for big guys.
Included Accessories:
Pros:
- The kayak is best suitable for rapid and calm water.
- It offers stability.
- No need to carry an extra burden, it can be easily stored and carried.
- The setup time is zero. You can use it right away.
Cons:
- The connectors used are made of plastic to make them delicate.
The second kayak on our list is the Intex Challenger kayak-1 which is available in two sizes. The first one is suitable for only a single individual, while on the other hand, the K2 kayak is suitable for two people. It is lightweight, making it much easier to propel and more powerful on the water. The inflatable kayak is made of 30 gauge PVC vinyl that has been welded together. This inflatable kayak can accommodate up to 220 pounds and comfortably seats and supports one human. It is cost-effective, convenient, and allows you to discover nature by jumping into rivers or lakes. Because of its small size, you can enjoy your beloved pastime anytime you want. It's healthy because it's equipped with comfortable seats, sturdy grabbing handles, a skid plate and a sturdy aluminum oar steering wheel. It is able to withstand everything lakes and small streams can bring at it on day trips. This model will suffice as long as your aim is to have fun and learn the fundamentals of kayaking. The inflatable seat is fully super soft. The seat can be adjusted on land or when paddling thanks to the simple webbing belts. The boat is self-bailing and nimble in the case of a ship sinking, making recovery easy. It has outstanding main stabilization, which serves to maintain the boat balanced and reduces rocking. The I-beam design on the floor ensures a safe and user-friendly boat.
The Numbers to Know:
Included Accessories:
Pros:
- The kayak is cost-effective.
- It comes with a removable skeg.
- Because it is made up of vinyl it makes it durable and lasts for long.
- The kayak is beginner-friendly.
Cons:
- It has a manual pump which can be a bummer for some individuals.
The third kayak on our list is Dakota K2 designed for 2 individuals. It is an inflatable fishing kayak from Intex. This isn't like the typical, hard-shell kayaks you're usually used to. The fact that this kayak is inflatable does not negate its dependability. It has the capacity to carry not only two people, but also up to 400 pounds. That implies you can fit two adults in this kayak and have a nice time in the outdoor activities in security and convenience. This high, vinyl kayak is both durable and pleasant to use. Three independent air rooms and an inflatable I-beam floor are used. It also features inflatable seats with flexible and flexible backrests. Two dry bags and a grab bag are included with this order which makes it very convenient to carry, particularly if you have to travel a long distance to get to the water. Further, the kayak is puncture resistant and comes up with 3 independent air chambers. It comes up with Boston valves for quick deflation and inflation. The Dakota K2 from Intex is smaller than a tough kayak, making it easier to carry. This seems to be the general opinion for this kayaking choice, which is entirely fair. If you're shopping for an inflatable kayak, it's most likely that you don't want to pull a heavy, conventional kayak around with you. As a result, it's an excellent choice for this cause.
Fun with Dakota K2 with your beloved:
Pros:
- The kayak is affordable and beginner-friendly.
- It is easy to inflate.
- The kayak is light weighted.
- It is available in gray and red color.
Cons:
- Seats need to be adjusted from time to time which can be disappointing for some people.
Next on our list is Hydro-Force by Bestway Store. This inflatable kayak has a double-sided paddle that can help you reach the lake. It's a vivid green hue that's easy to find, meaning you'll never be mistaken for anyone else on the beach. A double-sided paddle and a handheld handpump are included with the Koracle. Oar clasps, fishing rod carriers, and various zippered pockets are all incorporated into this kayak. This allows this kayak a useful raft to have when you're out having fun in the sun. It can hold up to 330 pounds of weight. There are four footrests as well as a wide-opening cockpit for added convenience while out on the water. This would encourage you to invest additional time outside doing what you like instead of breaking your activity short due to discomfort. It comes up with a wraparound grab cord for fast transport. It also allows you to hook up to a dock or an anchored location. You can also install a waterproof Bluetooth speaker for entertainment purpose.
Fun with Bestway Hydro-Force Koracle:
Pros:
- The backrest is really comfortable, and that's vital if you plan on spending so much time on the water.
- Since it's an inflatable kayak, it's extremely dependable and a fantastic value for the money.
- The kayak is lightweight and portable.
- This kayak is quick to maneuver.
Cons:
- It doesn't come with any kind of transportation bag.
Lastly, we have on our list is EPROSMIN. This 2 Individual sports canoe is equally at home sailing down a canal, hunting in a lake or at sea, or traveling with camping gear. Since it is lightweight and portable, you can comfortably transport this inflatable canoe everywhere you go. It's a robust boat that can hold a lot of gear while maintaining stability, buoyancy, and monitoring capacity. It's manufactured of dense, abrasion-resistant PVC, which means it'll last a long time for such a low price. It also has 5 air chambers with safeguards, ensuring that even if you come across a leak, you would be secure. It has a large cockpit with plenty of leg space. This is a touring-ready canoe that can comfortably be used for extended periods of time. The tubular I-beam base of this inflatable canoe increases buoyancy, monitoring performance, and stability while also providing a relaxing ride. It also has a lengthways panel behind the rear of the front seat for added stability.
Pros:
- It offers enough space for gear.
- The stability is improved by using a lengthways bar.
- The kayak is very much versatile.
- It comes up with 5 inflammation chambers.
Cons:
- Some people complained about its paddle.
The Sun Dolphin Aruba SS is a sit-in kayak that is lightweight and easy to carry. It features an adjustable padded seat back, storage compartment, recessed drink holder, and a great design for rivers and lakes. The kayak has an overall weight of 45 pounds with dimensions of 96 x 23 x 12 inches. With the adjustable padding on the seat back you can choose how much support you need while paddling. There is also a storage compartment under the seat for all your gear. The kayak is great for recreational use, and the best part is that it’s under $200! Additionally you can include fish finder for more fun.
Enjoying Kayak Fishing:
Pros:
- Impressive storage capacity
- Adjustable padding on the seat back allows for maximum comfort
- Only 45 pounds and 96 x 23 x 12 inches, so easy to carry anywhere.
Cons:
- It’s not the best for fishing as the sides of the kayak are high.
- Trouble getting in and out of this kayak.
Lifetime’s Youth Wave Kayak is the ultimate choice for your child to learn how to kayak. This kayak is constructed of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for superior strength, durability and features molded finger handles on each side of the kayak for easy transport to and from the water. The Swim-Up Step allows your child to easily re-enter the boat after a swim or dive, and its lightweight design makes it easy for younger children to carry. With 130 lb capacity, backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty. You can also see the best kids kayak for fun on water with kids.
The Numbers To Know:
Kayak Performance:
Kayak Features:
Pros:
- Safe, stable & lightweight.
- Suitable for kids above five years old.
- Comes with ready paddles.
Cons:
- No backrest
Intex is a familiar name in the kayaking industry, primarily focusing on premium quality inflatable kayaks. With features anyone would love to have on water, their Challenger model is one of Intex's most popular offerings.
The features include 2 meters long aluminum oar paddles, a pump, a repairing patch kit, and lastly, a carrying bag making this kayak a more appealing option than many. The setup process is pretty straightforward and should be easily understandable to new kayakers.
All you have to do is inflate both chambers until the gauge included tells you to stop, which only takes a few minutes. Made of Intex's rugged, super tough vinyl, this kayak can prevent any type of water damage, leakage and provides added safety against UV damage.
A stylish look with sporty graphics is another plus side of Intex challenger, which will surely make the heads turn. Safety and comfortability are two of the best-selling points for this kayak, with an adjustable and removable seat covered with the safe deck; Intex pulled those off really well. There is reserved space at the front op of the kayak with a cargo net where you can put some of your extra gears.
Kayak Features:
Pros
- Durable vinyl build with a sporty design
- It comes with a pump and patch kit
- Affordable price with a useful feature set
- Removable and adjustable seats help to adjust the sitting positions
Cons
- No drain plug
- The inflation rate is pretty slow with the pump included.
Sea Eagle has been in the inflatable kayak business since 1968, so they really know what the majority of people want and executed those perfectly in their sports series. This SE330 is one of the smallest inflatable kayaks from their ultra-popular sports series.
Coming in a fairly small form factor, SE330 is a versatile kayak suitable for beginners or advanced kayakers alike. The unit we are reviewing is the base model of SE330, which comes with an inflatable kayak seat, a carry bag, one AB30 paddle, an A41 foot pump, and a small repair kit.
Made out of scratch and cut-resistant Polykrylar material with inflatable five-tube I-beam construction at the bottom, this kayak is durable enough to hold up for many years without breaking the bank. The air valve is another excellent feature of this kayak. Unlike other kayaks out there, SE330's five deluxe one-way air valves are as good as they came, which is somewhat rare in budget kayaks.
Last but not least, the assembly is pretty straightforward and takes about six minutes to get it ready for the water. So if you are in the market for a lightweight and value for money solo kayak for a fun time on calm water, this Sea Eagle 330 might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Fairly easy and fast assembly
- The air valve is quite impressive for the price
- One of the best value for money kayak
Cons
- Not ideal for white water
- No drain plug
At number ten, this is another excellent option for people looking for a kid's kayak on a tight budget. At first glance, you'll realize that this kayak is built keeping kids in mind specifically, and a weight capacity of 100 lbs justifies that.
This kayak is only about 6 feet long and weighs just over 20 lbs, so it's easy to carry with the carrying handles at the side. To make the climbing from the water, it has a swim-up rear deck. Assuming you are introducing your kid to kayaking, this kayak has a shallow twin arched hull, which makes it relatively stable and helps your kid overcome the fear of water.
The molded footrest and adjustable backrest of this kayak add up to the paddling comfortability. In addition, you can put the 72-inch paddle that comes with the kayak in the paddle park when not in use. Lastly, there are three color options to choose from and a safety flag so that you can keep an eye on your kid while on water.
Pros
- Overall well-balanced package for the price
- Adjustable backrest helps with sitting while your kid grows
- The safety flag included is a great safety feature
- A swim-up rear deck makes climbing from the water easier
Cons
- The simple look may not be attractive to your kids.
Buying guide of cheap kayaks for sale under 200
Buying guide for kayaks is not as simple as it might sound. As there are different types, feature sets, and price ranges involved, first you should learn about some basic things and then consider your options.
For the buying guide of cheap kayaks for sale under 200, we are going to discuss the types of kayaks you'll find available in budget segments, consider different factors and their feature set, and lastly, answer some general questions about them so that you can make an informed decision.
Types of Kayak
Though there are different types of kayaks available in the market with different sizes, functionality, and purpose, we will look at some common kayak types found in the budget category. All the types discussed below can be found on our list.
Sit-on-Top Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks are usually the most basic kayaks, generally coming at a low price used by beginners and kids. Like other kayaks, they don't have a hollow cockpit to sit in. As the name suggests, you sit right on top of the boat with your legs and the side of your body fully exposed. As there is no cockpit, it's easier for the user to climb on and off the kayak.
Sit-in kayaks
This one is just the opposite of sit-on-top kayaks. Unlike them, they have cockpits where you sit to paddle the kayak. As these kayaks have cockpits, they also feature some extra benefits that are not available with sit-on-top kayaks. For starters, they have better storage options and has less wind resistance for better speed and control.
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks are those kayaks with the facility to accommodate two seats for two riders, one behind the other, usually with two separate paddles. This types of kayaks is wide used as family kayak. Both sit-in and sit-op-top kayaks have the tandem variant. As they are bigger in size, they tend to cost more and weighs a lot more than solo kayaks out there.
Inflatable kayaks
The last one we are going to discuss is the inflatable type. Again like tandem kayaks, both sit in ad sit on top kayaks can be inflatable. These kayaks are filled with air like balloons for use and can be deflated once kayaking is done. But unlike balloons, they usually have multiple air compartments so that in case of leakage, the whole kayak doesn't get compromised at once.
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Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Budget Kayaks
As we mentioned before, it is never easy to choose a budget kayak with lots of manufacturers stepping up their game. Therefore, you need to know how to look past the targeted marketing and advertisement traps and get the best value for your money. Below, we discussed the aspects we considered when compiling this list for you so that you don't miss out on any important feature of a good budget-friendly kayak.
Kayak and Kayaking Type
We hope you'll agree with us on this; choosing the kayak according to what you intended to do is the most basic yet arguably most important thing to consider. As you already have some preliminary knowledge about types, you should know which type is perfect for you. An important thing to remember here is, at a lower price, it's better if you keep white water kayaking off the table. Apart from that, depending on how you want your seating arrangements, carrying option, and storage, you can choose any type of kayak we discussed.
Material and Durability
Materials of kayaks are getting advanced every day. Unlike old times, manufacturers now use different materials like plastic, PVC, or vinyl to build their kayaks. All of these materials are great as long as used properly. According to their basic characteristics, plastics are the most durable ones while being a little heavier and hard to carry. On the other hand, vinyl and PVC used usually for inflatable kayaks are less durable than plastic, but they are pretty lightweight and easy to carry. When buying a kayak, make sure to check the specifications and see if the material used is resistant to cut and UV rays.
Price
Like any other product, whenever we see cheap kayaks for sale, the first thing that come to our mind is the doubt and confusion about the quality. From our experience, we would like to assure is that even with a lower price tag, you can get your hands on some impressive kayaks that can blow your mind. Whenever you are on a budget, the ideal thing is to look for something with the basic qualities first. Then later, if you get some advanced or fancy features, consider that a bonus.
Capacity
In the capacity part, we are going to cover both the weight and carrying capacity. With different user bases and intended use, kayaks can have different weight capacities. So before making a purchase, make sure the kayak can hold the weight of the user with the weight of possible gears. In addition to that, we advise you to stay on the conservative side of the weight capacity to be safe. Now about carrying capacity, if you have someone to do kayaking with, compare the options of buying two separate kayaks or one tandem kayak.
Accessories
Lots of kayaks come with free accessories. All the options in our list at least have basic accessories like the paddle and carrying bags. Then depending on the brand and the money spent, you might also get pumps or patching kits for inflatable kayaks. As we are on a budget, we would recommend purchasing one that comes with all the necessary accessories so that you don't spend extra on them later. You can also set up Bluetooth speakers.
General Question & Answerer
Q. What kayaks are most stable?
Answer: Most stable kayaks have a flat bottom. This allows for more stability and easier paddling when going through waves, rapids, or while fishing.
Q. Are cheap inflatable kayaks good?
Answer: Cheap Inflatable kayaks are the best option for people on a budget. They are easy to inflate and transport, making them the perfect option when you need an affordable watercraft.
Q. Do Cheap Kayaks Come with Their Accessories?
Answer: Cheap kayaks also come with accessories such as a paddle. Inflatable ones come with extra accessories, including a pump, a repair kit, and a carry case.
Final Remarks
A common misconception people have is that kayaks need to be expensive to be good, which is not true at all. Yes, a bigger budget helps to explore more options and features, but if you know how to look for the right qualities, getting one of those cheap kayaks for sale under 200 can easily serve you a lifetime without breaking the bank.
All the kayaks we chose have the essential qualities with extra features like a complete accessory kit so that you don't need to spend extra money on those. So whether you choose one from our list or use the knowledge from our article, we are sure you'll love the fact that how you can enjoy kayaking with a limited budget.
That's all! This is our full take on the 10 best kayaks for under 200 dollars. No doubt kayaking is a fun sport and this is why people spend hours finding budget-friendly kayaks on the internet. But the process of choosing can be difficult and tiring if you have a busy schedule/. Considering this, you can definitely give a try to the kayaks we have mentioned above. It will save you a lot of time and trouble. We hope you find this guide helpful.
So don't dwell in confusion anymore? Give this kayak a try and let us know all about your experience in the comments section.