8 Best Sit-On-Top Kayaks (2023 Reviews and Guide)

Finding the best sit-on-top kayak can be challenging. Sit-on kayaks are an excellent option for a fun day on the water whether you are a pro or a beginner, recreational paddler, or angler. 

But with all the different varieties available, choosing the right kayak can be overwhelming.

So, before you hit the water with your new kayak, you must consider many things. Remember that all sit-on-top kayaks (SOT) are not created equal. There are specific types of kayaks for different paddlers.

The SOT kayak in this review are all reasonably priced and great for most recreational paddlers and anglers searching for big fish.

Top picks:

Sit-On-Top Kayak Reviews

Before you buy a kayak, it is important to determine your needs, the features you’re looking for, and where you are paddling. These factors could influence your decision and help you narrow your choices.

If you still find yourself lost from all the brands and models, this article will help you get the best recreational sit-on-top kayak and answer all your questions.

#1 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Sit-on-Top Kayak

Material:	High-density polyethylene
Size:	12.3 feet x 31 inches
Weight Capacity:	350 lbs
Kayak weight:	63 pounds
Seating Configuration:	Solo – adjustable seat

Review

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Sit-on-Top Kayak is a legend in the kayak space. Wilderness Systems has been producing high-quality kayaks for a long, long time.

This robust kayak measures 12’3″ long, weighs 63 pounds, and has a weight limit of 350 pounds. A 63-pound kayak can be a chore to load on your vehicle, but if you have a truck or trailer, you are good to go.

For now, let’s start with the seat. The Phase 3 AirPro Seat is adjustable, well-vented, and super comfy. Long days on the water don’t seem quite so long with this seat.

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With adjustable footrests, there is plenty of room to stretch your legs or set the kayak up for different sizes of paddlers.

The front storage hatch is sealed and large enough to fit a kayak cart (my C-Tug easily fits in the hatch) or other gear. You can strap the kayak cart to the back of the yak (upside down) while paddling.

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The rear storage area has large scupper holes so water can drain easily. There is also a nice mesh cover to keep your gear secure.

The Tarpon 120 also has a magnetic water bottle holder and a DryTec storage box (dry box) to keep your valuables dry while you paddle.

Carry handles on the front, back and sides are super handy for transport.

The only thing missing from this kayak are fishing rod holders. That’s the one thing I wish it included. But with the gear tracks on both sides, you can easily add and customize the yak to your liking.

You can also add a kayak crate with rod holders to fix that issue. So, you can easily customize this for kayak fishing.

The Tarpon 120 paddles like a pro, stays on track, and handles choppy water very well.

Read my full Tarpon 120 review

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#2 Perception Pescador Pro Sit on Top Kayak

Material:	High-Density Polyethylene
Size:	10’6″ x 32.5 inches
Weight Capacity:	325 lbs
Kayak Weight:	57 pounds
Seating Configuration:	Solo – removable seat

Review

Perception kayaks are popular and for good reason. At 10’6″ long, the Pescador Pro gives you plenty of cargo space, legroom, and stability while maintaining maneuverability.

This kayak is set up to hit the water running with rod holders and a fish finder console if you are an angler.

The kayak is designed to track well in various conditions, and you can quickly cover a lot of water.  If storage is what you are after, this kayak has you covered. 

Large bow and stern open storage areas are great for fishing gear, a cooler, or even for taking your furry friend along for the ride.

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Front and rear carry handles, and molded side carry handles help you transport this kayak.  The lawn chair style 2-level seat (all-day comfort) is a great selling point for the Pescador Pro.

The kayak comes with gear tracks to add accessories without drilling holes. One thing I don’t like about this kayak is the rod holders. They are shallow and wide. You can replace the rod holders with a flush mount unit.

The Pescador Pro also has a replaceable skid plate, so you can drag the kayak without worrying too much about damage.

If you want to test your abilities, you can also stand up on this kayak 🙂

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#3 Pelican Sentinel 100X Sit-on-Top Kayak

Material:	RAM-X
Size:	9.5 feet x 30 inches
Weight Capacity:	275 lbs
Kayak weight:	42 pounds
Seating Configuration:	Solo – adjustable seat

Review

The Pelican Sentinel 100X is a well-priced sit-on-top kayak.  The footrests give you ample legroom and multiple foot positions. 

When you spend a lot of time on a kayak, your butt and lower back can get sore. It’s important to change your posture and seat position throughout the day.

The backrest is adjustable, so you can get the right support when and where you need it.

The Pelican sit-on-top kayak has a lot of storage for a 9.5-foot kayak, and it only weighs about 44 pounds, so it’s a lot easier to load and transport than some other kayaks on this list. Two flush mount rod holders behind the seat make this a solid option for kayak fishing.

Speaking of transportation, the Sentinel 100X has front and rear carry handles that make transporting the kayak easier. Pair this with a good kayak cart, and you are all set.

It also has a cool, removable storage container that fits in the rear tank well. You can load your gear in the compartment and take it with you at the end of the day.

One notable feature is the side bungees designed to hold your paddle.  I don’t know about you, but it’s challenging to fish or take pictures while holding a paddle.

The Pelican sit-on-top kayak is lightweight and affordable, but with a 275-pound capacity, it’s not great for bigger folks. If you need a more robust kayak, you might want to look at the Perception Pescador Pro or the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120.

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#4 Perception Tribe Sit-On-Top Kayak

Material:	High-Density Polyethylene
Size:	11.5 feet x 30.25 inches
Weight Capacity:	350 lbs
Kayak weight:	52 pounds
Seating Configuration:	Solo – adjustable seat

Review

Perception is a well-respected a popular brand with a lot of kayaks in the family.

I took the Tribe out on a large lake with many boats, so the water was choppy. The Tribe handles the chop like a champ. It handles so much better than the 10-foot Pelican that my wife paddles.

The 11.5-foot Tribe kayak has a lot of storage space on both the front and rear of the boat. Bungee cord tie-downs help to secure your gear. There is plenty of room for a cooler, and if you are a dog lover, plenty of space for your pooch.

The padded seat bottom is comfortable and helps you stay on the water longer.  The framed seatback gives you plenty of back support.  The seatback is adjustable for different sizes of paddlers, or you can recline and soak up the sun.

There are toggle handles on the front and rear of the boat, along with side handles for easy transport. The side handles can be a secure point to attach a lock to the kayak.

The molded footrests give you options for stretching out your legs.  I mentioned earlier it’s important to be able to stretch your legs when you spend a lot of time on a kayak.

The Tribe 11.5 comes with four scupper holes in the cockpit area and two in the rear tankwell. Scuppers are small holes that allow water to drain from your boat.  If you paddle in a cold climate you may want to use plugs to keep water from entering through the holes.

If you go overboard or want to go for a swim, it’s easy to re-enter the Tribe 11.5 from the water.

The kayak is well-priced and easy to handle, weighing about 52 pounds. I will tell you. It’s awkward to put on a roof rack on an SUV. It takes some practice to hoist it up there.

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#5 Sea Eagle 380x

Material:	PVC
Size:	12’6″ feet long x 39 inches wide
Weight Capacity:	750 lbs
Seating Configuration:	Solo, two or three paddlers

Review:

Yep, I include an inflatable kayak. Why? Because I love the Sea Eagle 380x. There are so many reasons to like this inflatable sit-on-top kayak.

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First, the 380x is spacious and durable. Depending on how you configure the seats, you can paddle this kayak solo, as I do, or you can paddle tandem and bring a kid or dog with you. With an insane 750-pound capacity, it’s perfect for exploring with family and friends.

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The kayak is 12 feet 6 inches long, so if you paddle solo, there is plenty of storage space in the front and behind the seat. If you paddle tandem, there are small covered spaces up front and rear of the kayak.

The 380x is incredibly stable, as it should be, with a 39-inch wide base. I can stand up, fish, take a break from paddling, and stretch my legs. The removable drop-stitch floor adds a great deal of rigidity and stability to the kayak.

Sea Eagle offers upgrade options so you can customize the kayak. The base package comes with a high-output pump, four-piece paddles, an inflatable seat, a carry bag, and a repair kit.

I highly recommend the “Pro” package with tall back (not inflatable) seats. The “Pro” also has upgraded paddles. Also, splurge for an electric pump. It only takes a few minutes to pump the kayak up.

There are D rings for tying down gear and front, and rear carry handles for easy transport to the water.

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This bad boy is rated for up to Class IV whitewater, though I have yet to try that. It does have scupper holes on the bottom too. The downside to the 380x is that it’s not very fast to paddle on calm water.

But it’s super easy to set up and great for paddling with kids, pets, or grandkids. It’s also awesome for traveling in an RV because it doesn’t take up much space.

Read the complete Sea Eagle 380x review

>==Click here to view at Sea Eagle==<

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#6 Ascend 12T Sit-on-top Kayak

Material:	Rotomolded Polyethylene
Size:	12 feet x 31 inches
Weight Capacity:	350 lbs
Kayak weight:	77 pounds
Seating Configuration:	Solo – adjustable seat

Review

The Ascend 12T is a fully-loaded fishing kayak that a beginner would enjoy. It is a redesigned sit-on kayak based on previous models.

However, the Ascend 12T is better than other models because they used customers’ feedback to build it. It promises more stability, functionality, and comfort.

You can expect good stability when you stand up to cast or stretch those legs. The 12T tracks well, and it’s easy to paddle. The seat and foot braces are adjustable according to your needs.

The kayak comes very well-equipped to get you started. There are six strategically placed scupper holes with plugs. It’s up to you whether you’ll put them in or out. But I suggest keeping them handy in different situations.

Storage is not an issue on the Ascend 12T. You get the conventional storage like a large tankwell with D-rings and a recessed storage area. They come with flush-mounted bungee cords. So, the security of your gear is not a big deal.

The Ascend 12T comes at a very attractive price point, in line with the Perception Tribe 11.5-foot kayak. The big difference here is this kayak comes fully equipped with gear tracks, dry storage, and flush mount rod holders.

This guy is a monster sit-on-top kayak, though, weighing 77 pounds. Keep that in mind if you are lifting this onto a roof rack.

>Read the complete Ascend 12T review<>>Read the complete Ascend 12T review<<

>==Check the latest price at Cabela’s==<

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#7 Pelican Basscreek 100xp Angler SOT Kayak

Material:	RAM-X multi-layer polyethylene
Size:	10 feet x 30.5 inches
Weight Capacity:	325 lbs
Kayak weight:	50 pounds
Seating Configuration:	Solo – adjustable seat

Review

The Pelican 100XP Angler comes with a front storage hatch and a rear tank well with bungee cord tie-downs.  There is space for a cooler and fishing tackle in the rear of the vessel.  The front storage hatch is good for smaller items.

The Erogfit G2 seat comes with a padded bottom cushion and an adjustable backrest for upper back support.  You can tighten the straps for more support or loosen them to relax.

This Pelican sit-on-top kayak is set up for fishing with a rod holder in the cockpit area and two flush-mount rod holders behind the seat.  There is plenty of room to store fishing gear in the rear tank well behind the seat. 

The footrests are adjustable for different sizes of paddlers if you need to stretch your legs while on the water, you can adjust the footrest position on the fly.

Scupper plugs in the front, and rear help drain any water that gets in the boat.

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 #8 Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100

Material:	UV-protected high-density Polyethylene
Size:	10 feet x 31 inches
Weight Capacity:	275 lbs
Seating Configuration:	Solo – removable seat

Review: 

The Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 can’t win any race but offers decent features. This might be the best option if you are looking for an affordable, stable sit-on-top kayak.

Let’s start with its padded seat with back support. It helps make paddling all day comfortable.

The Lifetime kayak has a flat hull design, which makes it very stable and a great kayak for beginners. The kayak is 10 feet long and weighs 55 pounds, which puts it in the range where it is more difficult to lift overhead to load on a roof rack.

You can get all the fishing accessories you need. You’ll find fishing rod holders, shock cord straps, multiple footrest positions, and two storage hatches.

Another interesting feature is its adjustable multiple footrests. This makes the kayak suitable for any paddler size.

>Read the complete Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Review<>>Read the complete Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Review<<

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How to Choose the Best Sit-On-Top Kayak

Cost

Before beginning your search, decide on your budget. This is the most important thing you need to consider. SOT kayaks may vary in design, use, and price. They usually range from affordable to expensive. But remember that not all expensive kayaks will give you the best quality and experience.

Storage

Before deciding on what SOT kayak to buy, you also need to think about the gear you want to bring. Does it require a lot of space or waterproof storage?

There are two common storages in SOT kayaks: deck lashing and hatch. The deck lashing is open storage. So, anything you put in there will be exposed to water.

On the other hand, a hatch is a watertight storage. They are not guaranteed waterproof, but they can prevent your gear from getting wet. A waterproof hatch is necessary if you paddle in rough water where your kayak is likely to flip. But most recreational paddlers aren’t likely to be in this water condition.

Transportation

You might consider a lighter kayak if you need help lifting your kayak on and off your vehicle. This would be more convenient for you when help is not around. Another feature you need to consider is carrying handles because they make it easy to pick up your kayak.

Having a kayak means might need a roof rack on your truck, which makes it easier to transport your boat. Kayaks are made from durable materials, but weather conditions and rough roads may cause exterior damage. A suitable rack secures the kayak and provides support.

A roof rack allows you to transport your kayak easily. This gives you the convenience of taking your kayak to different locations. I recommend a rack compatible with other watercraft if you’re into different water activities. That way, you can also use it for canoes, SUP, and surfboards.

I’ve also written a list of the best kayak racks for trucks to save you time and effort. You’ll find this helpful in your search.

Materials

SOT kayaks have hard shells made from durable plastic, fiberglass, carbon, and Kevlar. However, some of these are expensive and uncommon. Let’s focus on polyethylene and ABS because they are the common kayak hull materials and are low maintenance.

Polyethylene kayaks are popular for beginner paddlers. Aside from their reasonable price, they serve their purpose well. However, they are not UV resistant. This means you cannot store them where they are exposed to sunlight. They can be heavy too. Overall, it’s still a good buy if you’re on a budget.

While ABS makes SOT kayaks expensive, you get what you pay for. They are UV resistant, safe from abrasions, and lighter. And, of course, they are more efficient in the water. When it comes to its price, it can be extremely expensive.

Length

When buying a kayak, you must be certain about what type of water activity you’ll be doing. That will help you choose the right length of kayak.

The length influences your kayak’s speed. Well, the general rule, long and narrow kayaks travel faster, while short and wider kayaks are more stable but slower.

Longer kayaks are recommended for taller people because they provide additional legroom and comfort. This type of kayak also prevents leg cramps.

Choosing the length of your kayak is like deciding between agility and efficiency. Kayak’s length ranges from 6-14’. For beginners, 10’-12’ is the common option it may sacrifice speed.

As I’ve said, shorter and wider kayaks are more stable and efficient in paddling straight. They have more space for storage and are a common choice for long days of paddling.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a kayak varies. Pay attention to the weight capacity if you’re planning to bring more items. The capacity includes the paddler’s body weight and additional items in the kayak.

Also, if you’re planning to paddle with a partner, get a tandem kayak. However, you’ll lose your performance in a solo kayak.

Kayak Seat

If you’ve purchased an inexpensive kayak you’ll find its accessories might not be up to snuff. When buying a kayak, it’s always a great choice to have a replaceable seat. Because if it doesn’t fit your needs, you have an aftermarket option to get a better one.

If you’re confused about what to buy, here’s another guide for the best kayak seats.

Does It Come With a Paddle?

Some kayaks come with paddles. Like I’ve said about kayak seats, they are made from average materials. They work fine and are usable but usually heavier than aftermarket paddles.

If the budget is not an issue, I highly recommend the lightest. They can be very expensive, but they can make your paddling much easier. Also, remember that the paddle should be tailored to your height.

Here’s the list of my top paddle choices. You can use this as a guide when purchasing an aftermarket paddle.

Check out my guide about kayak paddles.

How Well Does It Track?

Another factor you must consider is well the kayak tracks (goes straight) when you paddle. If this is your priority, you can choose a longer kayak because it will track better and glide farther as you paddle.

Storing the Kayak

Kayaks require a large space for storage that can protect them from UV rays and weather conditions. So, make sure you have storage that can accommodate it.

If this is not workable, you can put it on the ground. But make sure to place it on its side and its deck side leans against the wall. Getting a UV and water-resistant cover will protect your kayak from any damage.

Advantages of a Sit-on-top Kayak

A sit-on-top kayak has numerous advantages. It is a great option for everyone, especially for beginners. They are also suitable for tall people or large-framed folks because there’s enough legroom.

Great for Fishing

Sit-on-top kayaks have a wider hull design, making them stable and perfect for fishing. They have a wide-open deck and a higher sitting position for site fishing. And your legs aren’t enclosed inside the kayak, like a sit-inside kayak.

The SOT fishing kayaks are bigger, wider, and more stable. It is designed to allow paddlers to stand up while fishing. However, they are slower compared to other kayaks. With a SOT kayak, if you flip, it’s much easier to get back on.

Scupper Holes

SOT kayaks have a unique feature called scupper holes. These are the openings you see in your kayak that allow water to flow off. They prevent water from pooling or, weight down your yak. During warmer weather, they are usually left open. They are designed as a safety feature, but you can block these using scupper valves and scupper plugs.

Onboard Storage

There is plenty of storage for your gear and electronics on SOT kayaks. Watertight hatches and open deck lashing are some of the common storage features. For SOT fishing kayaks, fishing accessories have dedicated tracks too. They are designed to have extra fishing accessories. This extra can save you money from buying accessories.

Easy to Get On and Off

This is one of my favorite features of SOT kayaks. It’s so easy to get on and off. SOT kayaks are easier to get on and off. They are also easy to get back on if you fall overboard!

Disadvantages of a Sit-on-top Kayak

Though many paddlers enjoy their SOT kayaks, this watercraft also has disadvantages. However, there are things that you can do to avoid these.

Weather

Sit-on-top kayaks can be challenging in cold weather. Because of its open deck, you are exposed to the elements. Being wet in cold weather can lead to hypothermia. When paddling in cold weather conditions, consider wearing a dry suit. Here’s an article that would help you with what to wear if it’s rainy, warm, snowy, or windy.

It is also harder to control SOT kayaks in windy conditions.

Water

It is inevitable to have water in your kayak. Staying dry during your ride is not always easy. Sit-on-top kayaks are open, and easier for water to come aboard. With a sit-inside kayak, paddlers can use a spray skirt to help keep dry.

Scupper holes are also an entry point for water. Even if you cover it with scupper plugs, you are not immune to water. Keep in mind that water inside sit-on-top kayaks are completely normal.

You Are More Exposed

Sitting on top of a kayak offers a unique experience and perspective. But when you paddle a sit-on-top kayak, you are more exposed to the elements than a sit-in kayak. This can be great on days with beautiful weather.

However, it can also mean that if you paddle in nasty conditions, you are much more susceptible to getting wet and cold vs. paddling a sit-inside kayak.

When paddling a sit-on-top kayak, wear the appropriate clothing and gear to stay warm and dry. This can include wearing waterproof layers, a wetsuit or drysuit, gloves, a hat, and boots.

Conclusion

After reading this article, I’m sure you already have some options that fit your criteria. I understand that it’s hard to find the perfect kayak without compromising on some features. But here’s for sure, you will find the specific kayak that’s just right for you.

Keep in mind it’s not just about kayaks but also about safety while having fun. If you’re a beginner, you might want to learn how to launch a kayak, steer, and paddle before hitting the water.  Be sure you always wear your life jacket! If you have any questions, let me know.