So the weekend is here, and you plan to spend your time out fishing. Any expert in the field would tell you that how you tell your story about the trip at the end of the day is highly dependent on the type of vessel that you use for the job.
You do not have to fork out a lot of money only to get a vessel that would leave you regretting why you ever went fishing in the first place.
Our article aims to help you avoid getting into such a scenario, and we are going to guide you on how to get the best fishing kayak under $700.
Note: You should start by checking out some crucial factors, such as:
- The comfort
- Safety
- Bonus features
- Design, and so on
Start by going through our list of the brands that we have analyzed as we believe they are the top-rated in the market.
7 Top-Rated Under 700 Kayaks: Comparison Table
We’d like to get you started by providing you with the following table. It brings together the 7 popular kayaks we could find out there currently.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vibe Kayaks Skipjack Sit On Top 90 9 Foot Angler | 120 x 32 inches | – |
| 2 | Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler | 29.9 x 10 x 16.9 inches | 52.2 pounds |
| 3 | Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak | 34 x 19 x 10 inches | 45.1 pounds |
| 4 | Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit | 144 x 34 x 20 inches | 64 pounds |
| 5 | Intex Excursion Pro Kayak | 151 x 37 x 18 inches | 46.3 pounds |
| 6 | Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak | 120 x 30 x 13 inches | 45 pounds |
| 7 | SunDolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak | 120 x 30 x 13 inches | 40 pounds |
1. Vibe Kayaks Skipjack Sit On Top 90 9 Foot Angler & Recreational Kayak
Looking for comfortable and easy to maneuver stable kayak? This is a potentially good pick because it does not wobble and has excellent tracking and speed performance.
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You will find this craft engineered for comfort. It offers you fast and nimble tracking for a thrilling adventure.
Pros
- Stable kayak
- Different storage options
- Ergonomic backrest and cushion
Cons
- Cannot be transported on a standard carrier
- Not good for long distances
2. Advanced Elements Straitedge Angler Kayak
This is a kayak designed with the needs of the kayak angler in mind. It has wide beams for maximum stability. So, it’s convenient to use even if you’re a complete newcomer.
The good-looking yak comes with an awesome removable mounting rail. This rail offers a wide variety of access options and you can even use it to mount your fish finder and other fishing gear.
Pros
- Inflatable design for anglers
- abrasion pads for maximum durability
- High back seat support with two-rod holders
Cons
- Poor in tracking
- Not easy to paddle at top speed
3. Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe 2 Person Inflatable Sport Kayak Canoe Boat w/ Pump & Oars
This craft comes with standard features among them NMMA certified self-bailing drain valves. So, it’s really quite safe even for skeptical beginners.
Besides that, it is designed to make your fishing and adventure missions worthwhile. That’s because it’s easy to inflate and deflate.
What’s more? It comes with an I-beam constructed floor along with 2 skegs for enhanced tracking and speed.
Pros
- Good carrying capacity
- Great looks
- Stable and easy to learn on
Cons
- Has lots of drag
- Its valve hangers are clumsy
4. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
This under 1000 kayak is compact and light in weight. For that reason, we think that it keeps you ready to face the oceans and the lakes with extra comfort and convenience.
The Malibu boasts a relatively comfortable interior. Besides that, it has a generous capacity of 425 pounds meaning it’s ideal for couples or one adult and a kid.
Indeed, its sitting arrangement makes it ideal for solo and tandem paddling. On top of that, it provides you with a sit-on-top hull which is quite convenient even if you’re a beginner.
Pros
- Good sitting space
- Beginner-friendly
- Maximum capacity of 425 pounds
Cons
- It’s about capable of anything but not the best in any
- Not easy to carry by one person
5. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak, Professional Series Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Are you looking for a good kayak but worried about issues such as storage and portability? This is the craft for you.
Made with a super laminate tough material the Intex seems ready for anything the waters might bring.
The reason we included it in this review is that it’s got good abrasion resistance and can withstand impact. Above all, it’s light in weight and incredibly portable.
Pros
- 3 chamber construction
- Integrated drain plug
- I-beam floor for rigidity
- Spring-loaded high-pressure valves for fast inflation/deflation
- Abrasion-resistant material
Cons
- Not the lightest kayak available
6. Sun Dolphin Excursion 10-Foot Sit-in Fishing Kayak
This is your best kayak for both lake and river kayaking. It is very convenient in getting you to excluded fishing points also.
The SunDolphin combines innovation and affordability with unpatrolled service. It comes with standup paddleboards, canoes, paddle boats, fishing boats, and dinghies.
Pros
- Great pick for river and lake fishing
- Has two flush-mounted rod holders
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Tracks & paddles easily with maximum stability
Cons
- Not comfortable for long hours on the water
7. SunDolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-in Kayak
This is your great pick for any water enthusiast. It is very easy to use and convenient to carry (or store) thanks to its well-thought-out design.
What’s more? It comes with a decent storage space and has room for some water bottles. That said, we still think that this kayak would have been better if it has a few more storage options.
Last but not least, the Aruba is crafted from UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene. So, it’s tough, rugged, and durable.
Pros
- Large open cockpit
- Adjustable padded seats with a high back support
- Adjustable seat braces
Cons
- The seats are not fully adjustable
- Limited storage space
Factors to Consider in Buying the Best Fishing Kayak under $700
There are some crucial factors that would help you narrow down your search for an appropriate fishing kayak under $700.
Tracking Ability
The longer and thinner vessels tend to float more easily and therefore possess better tracking. On top of that, some kayaks have skegs or keels, which are fins that enable the vessel to stay in line and be more stable.
Bonus Features
You should also watch out for the vessels that come with bonus features that would make your life on the kayak easier. These include fishing rod holders, cup holders, deck mounts and fish finders.
However, be sure that none of the extra accessories makes the kayak bulkier.
Propulsion
Pedals would help in propelling the vessel much faster and easier. You would cover more distance to widen your fishing area while using less effort.
Sit-On-Top or Sit-In design
If you want to stay away from the water, a Sit-in design would be a decent pick, but if you want more flexibility and storage, the SOT design would be the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following queries should boost your understanding of the best affordable kayaks.
Solo or Tandem Kayak?
if you are sure that you would never have a partner to accompany you to your fishing expedition, then a solo kayak would be the best choice. However, if you have someone to tag along, a tandem kayak would do the job.
Should I go for a lightweight or bulky vessel?
A lightweight vessel is ideal as it would make it easier to move the kayak form the pickup truck to the water body. This is especially useful when you have nobody to help you with the carrying.
Best Pick
Which one is the best choice overall? You might be wondering. Well, we’d recommend the Vibe Kayaks Skipjack Sit On Top 90. We think it’s quite functional, convenient, and durable – all that equals good value for money for the value shoppers.
In Conclusion
If you read our article keenly and follow the buying guide that we have provided, then you can be sure of getting the best affordable kayak out there.
After that, nothing should stop you from enjoying your day in the sun.