If you’re in love with outdoor activities, you should already know how fun Kayaking is. Frankly speaking, it’s one of the best water sports that ever existed, and there’s no doubt about that.
Aside from being fun, it is also a safe outdoor sport you should engage in. Sadly sometimes, the best of things could have features that threaten to restrict access to them. For instance, kayaking can be pretty expensive.
But that shouldn’t stop you from indulging in the sport. All you need to do is invest in the best inflatable kayak under 200.
With that in your corner, you can enjoy the thrills of kayaking without breaking the bank. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
My 10 Best Inflatable Kayak under $200- Brace yourself!
Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set
What better way to start this review than with one of the bestselling kayaks under 200 dollars? If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak that skillfully blends looks and functionality, you’ll find solace with this explorer 2-person inflatable kayak from Intex.
With fantastic directional stability and the ability to carry 400 pounds, this kayak could be all you need to have a glorious summer, especially if you’d love to get on small water bodies. The bright yellow color makes it visible and easy to spot from a distance. Here’s what I think about it.
My Impression
When I first came in contact with this kayak, I was skeptical about its ability to run on water without hassle. But I took a chance on it, and it blew my mind away.
For starters, the storage system makes it easy to store this kayak in your house when it’s not in use.
Deflate it, wrap it up and store it in the bag.
Carved from PVC, this kayak is excellent for water surfaces. It also has a removable SKEG responsible for its responsiveness. This kayak was easy to ride and obedient. It stayed the course and only moved in the direction I propelled it towards.
But, it would help if you didn’t recklessly ride on the kayak to prevent bumping into stones and rocks. That could potentially wear out its strength. Also, it was one of the easiest inflatable kayaks to pump.
Features
- Maximum directional stability
- Comes with a carry bag
- Smooth setup process.
- Removable SKEG
- Comes with 3 different air chambers.
- Seats are adjustable
Intex Challenger Kayak K1 Inflatable Set
Intex Challenger Kayak K2 Inflatable Set
Up next is the Intex challenger kayak inflatable set. This kayak comes in two variants. There’s the 1-man inflatable kayak and the 2-person version too.
There’s not much difference between the two, except for the number of seats on the kayak.
The colors are the same, and its graphics give it a sporty aesthetic. Keep reading as we’ll review both the 1 and 2-man inflatable kayak models.
My Impression
One of the features I love about this inflatable kayak is the transporting convenience. It has a lightweight bag that you can use to travel anywhere with the kayak.
But I’ll advise you to get another bag for the kayak because the bag is not durable. It would lose its strength and wear out after a few uses.
I found this kayak incredibly easy to inflate and deflate, and it’s thanks to the Boston Valves. Generally, I didn’t encounter any issues during the assembly stage.
The 1-person sit-in model of this kayak has two air chambers sitting on either side of the kayak. The 2-persons add a ground air chamber to the two separate air chambers.
Pumping this kayak was a bit of a hassle. But that’s because the air pump is small. In my opinion, you’re better off buying the 2-person inflatable kayak model. The reason is that you can easily convert it into a solo kayak.
Simply detach the seat when you want to go kayaking alone. Then, reattach it when you want to go kayaking with a friend. But you can’t convert the 1-person kayak into a 2-person when necessary.
Features
- 400-pound weight capacity.
- Boston valves for inflation and deflation.
- K1 and K2 have two air chambers.
- SKEG can be removed.
Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak
This sit-on-top kayak is quite revolutionary when it comes to convenience. Paddling is easy, especially because you won’t do it alone. You would barely expel energy paddling this kayak on the water because it has a battery-powered motor.
Storing this kayak is easy, and it won’t consume too much space in your house. Aside from these basic features, let’s check out what I thought about this kayak after taking it for a spin.
My Impression
For starters, the Sevylor quikpak is a 1-person inflatable kayak that is not your basic inflatable kayak. It’s one of those kayaks carved out of the most challenging vinyl material grade.
As a result, you won’t worry about getting another inflatable kayak soon enough unless you want to go Kayaking with a friend or lover. It is compact and easy to store.
My favorite part of this kayak is that you can repurpose the carrying bag as an additional seat- for a smaller creature like your pet. A small child can also fit into the chair.
I like how this kayak has multiple air chambers. Although filling all the air chambers might be time-consuming, it’s nice to have them as reserves.
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Features
- Sit-on-top cockpit model.
- Has enough air chambers
- 7ft inflatable kayak
- Constructed with rigid tarpaulin bottom.
Solstice Inflatable Kayak For All Skill Levels
This rogue 1-2p kayak from Solstice is one of the best 10-foot kayaks under $200 with heavy-duty construction. The seats are padded for extra comfort, and it comes with all the accessories you’ll ever need.
The best part is that this kayak is perfect for both beginners, and intermediate and experienced kayakers.
Here’s the kicker; if you’d love to kayak with your dog or pet, this is the right kayak for you. Keep reading to explore more of the details of this kayak.
My Impression
When this kayak got delivered to me, the first impression that slapped my senses was that it felt incredibly tough- like it was ready to take to the seas regardless of the stumbling block or hard pile of rocks in its way.
Of course, I was correct. Carved from heavy-duty PVC material, I paddled fearlessly in rough water bodies. Guess what? This kayak was entirely unscathed.
As one of the best 10-foot kayaks under $200, I enjoyed the comfort engulfed in the padded seats- and I adjusted the seat to enhance the comfort further. The default seat arrangement was a tad bit uncomfortable for me.
The floor has an i-Beam construction which makes perfect sense that no holes were punctured into it after my first rough ride on the sea. It is ideal for two riders.
Features
- 360 weight capacity
- 6ft kayak
- Carved with heavy-duty PVC material and i-Beam floors
- Deploys screw drain valves.
HotMax 2-Person Inflatable Kayak for Adults
It’s okay not to want to invest in an inflatable kayak that’s not easy to clean. It’s the absolute worst. Thankfully, this 2-man inflatable kayak from HotMax has the perfect maintenance feature.
Unlike every other inflatable kayak you might have encountered, this HotMax kayak is easy to clean. Aside from that, you’ll enjoy fishing with it too.
With its 5-chamber construction, the kayak is more rigid than you probably imagined. And you won’t guess just how many air chambers it has. Read on to find out.
My Impression
I’ve had terrible experiences with kayaks that didn’t have reserve air chambers. As a result, I’m pretty big on the extra air chamber game.
Trust me; you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere because your kayak lost its air chamber to a wicked stone or sharp object. But you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the middle of a lake when your kayak has spare air chambers.
Now, this HotMax kayak comes with 10 air chambers which is one of the reasons I’m so in love with it.
So, if you lose one or two while enjoying the thrills of kayaking, you don’t need to get into that panic mode. Simply switch to the spare air chamber, and you’re good to go.
Moving on from the surplus air chambers, the adjustable and comfortable seats are another feature you’ll love about this HotMax kayak. Imagine going on a kayaking date with a friend, lover, or family member you have to keep an eye on.
You can adjust the seats so they’ll be directly opposite each other. That way, you can have small talks while you kayak the time away. There’s more. If you’re worried about leaving your phone at home so it won’t fall in the water, HotMax included a juicy feature for you.
This kayak has a cell phone pocket. Safely keep your mobile phone in your pocket, and your fear of dropping it in the ocean has been eliminated. More so, the kayak is stable. Hence, it won’t tumble while kayaking in it with friends.
Features
- Yellow Inflatable Kayak
- 400 pounds weight capacity
- 10 air chambers
- Adjustable seats
Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 2-Person Heavy-Duty
Here’s another inflatable kayak from Intex. This time, it’s a heavy-duty kayak. This kayak is perfect for when you want to embark on kayaking adventures without dealing with hardshell kayaks.
While this kayak might not necessarily be great for fishing, it is your best bet for kayaking for fun.
Some of the standout features are its ease of use, short & long SKEG, its beautiful combination of gray and red colors, and its durability. You’ll find out more about this awesome inflatable kayak in the following sections.
My Impression
Inflatable kayaks carved from high-quality material to guarantee durability are my favorite, and Intex always comes through on that front. The brand created this kayak from heavy-duty vinyl material.
You already know that heavy-duty Vinyl equals durability. Nevertheless, this kayak would only last as long as you use and maintain it. But, it has a rule you must adhere to if you’ll use it for prolonged periods.
That rule is simply- paddle in it carefully when kayaking rough or shallow waters. That way, you won’t aggressively bump into any factor that could potentially puncture it, terminating its lifeline.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that, although this kayak is carved from tough material, it is still susceptible to punctures. If you’re like me and would rather have all the necessary kayak accessories delivered with the kayak, then this kayak is for you.
This kayak also comes with two SKEG to facilitate its speed and boost how agile it can be. The first SKEG is a short one responsible for easy navigation on the water. The second is a long SKEG that makes it easy to execute straight-line tracking.
Features
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds.
- I-Beam floors.
- Two SKEGs.
- 3 air chambers.
- Adjustable seat.
Valwix-Inflatable-Recreational Inflatable Kayak
If you’d love to share a kayaking experience with your dog or pet, but you don’t want to get a 2-person inflatable kayak, Valwix’s got you covered.
Although this is a 1-person inflatable kayak, it can handle your weight and that of your pet. More so, Valwix carved a wide enough space to accommodate your pet on the kayak so your pet won’t feel left out. It is stable enough and easy to maneuver. Let’s see what else this kayak holds in store for you.
My Impression
If you’re looking for a solo kayak to help facilitate bonding and relaxing time with your pet while kayaking, you should check out this kayak. It comes with 200 pounds weight capacity to hold your weight and that of your pet.
The best part is that Valwix designed this kayak with a level of pet-proofing. The portion designated for your pet to sit on is covered in a scratch-resistant net. That way, your pet won’t plant scratch marks on the kayak with its claws.
Generally, the material is water-resistant. This feature protects the kayak from possible damage from sunlight. It also allows the kayak to sail successfully on the water without breaking down from abrasion.
Thanks to the SKEGs, the kayak is stable. Couples with the paddle, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride on the sea. The paddle follows a three-section design that makes it easy to direct the kayak in any direction you want to go. It also puts you in control of the kayak’s speed.
Features
- 220 pounds weight capacity
- Handles 1-1.5 psi pressure
- Removable seat and SKEG
- Three-section paddle.
Bestway Hydro-Force Koracle Inflatable Kayak Set
Nothing stings more than buying a kayak that doesn’t have the necessary kayaking accessories like a paddle. I mean, how are you supposed to kayak?
Thankfully, this kayak from Bestway is one of the best cheap inflatable kayaks you’ll find on the market, with high-quality accessories for your kayaking adventures. But that’s not all.
This kayak was designed in a flashy green color that can be spotted in the river miles away. The accessories and the color are not all this kayak is about. Dive in to discover the remaining details.
My Impression
For a low-budget kayak, I must say that this Bestway kayak clearly outperforms many expensive tagged kayaks, and I’ll show you why. First, it is big on storage space.
There are so many storage compartments on this kayak to keep your items. Once your items are safely stored away in the compartments, you can fully get your hands busy with paddling your kayak.
The paddle is a strong double paddle that allows you to navigate this 1-man inflatable kayak easily. Although it was designed as a solo kayak, it holds up to 330 pounds. And I enjoyed the legroom in it.
Features
- Has a wraparound grab rope.
- Fishing rod holder, built-in.
- Backrest, built-in.
- Accommodates 330pounds weight.
Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak
If you’re particular about lightweight and compactness in a kayak, this kayak from Sevylor will blow your mind. Aside from that, it comes with a life-saving feature- 3 air chambers to save you when one gets punctured.
Sevylor carved this kayak under 200 with an airtight system to eliminate the leakage problem. Trust me; there are many more reasons to blush over this kayak. Check it out.
My Impression
One of my least favorite things about kayaking, in general, is getting wet. While it’s not a bad thing, I do not enjoy the thrills of ocean saltwater coming in contact with my sensitive skin.
So, it’s not surprising that I fell in love with this kayak because of its spray covers. I didn’t expect much from it when I saw it until I put it into action.
Interestingly, the spray covers kept me dry all through my kayaking adventure. It also uses mini-double and double lock valves to simplify and speed up the inflation and deflation process.
While the accessories for this kayak are a bit robust, it doesn’t come with SKEG. This doesn’t mean the kayak was designed to work without it. In fact, a SKEG is crucial to the paddling smoothness of this kayak. But you’ll have to buy the SKEG.
Features
- Spray Covers
- Contains 400-pound weight
- Detachable seats
- 22-gauge PVC
- 2-seater Kayak
Hydro-Force Cove Champion Inflatable Kayak Set
What better way to enjoy the summer than with a versatile kayak? Guess what? Bestway stuns with this kayak under 200 dollars. It is perfect for any water, from oceans to ponds, lakes, etc. the best part is that it comes with all the necessary accessories to inflate and deflate it with ease.
My Impression
Bestway didn’t come to play with this easy-to-setup kayak. They built it with high-quality PVC material enforced with the ability to sail on different water bodies. You can paddle it effortlessly on lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.
It’s your best companion in summer. Guess what? It is lightweight and portable. That means you can easily transport it from your house to any part of the world.
Part of the accessories that come with this kayak is detachable fins. These fins boost the stability and directional movement of the kayak. It is also a great way to enjoy perfect tracking in water.
Of course, it comes with compartments to store your property and protect them from the water. You can also easily store this kayak. Simply deflate it and tuck it where you want to keep it. Its easy storage is also thanks to its compactness.
Features
- 220 weight capacity
- Solo kayak
- Detachable fins.
- Lightweight and portable
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Inflatable Kayak under 200
Frankly speaking, shopping for the best affordable inflatable kayak can be challenging. It’s all because of the budget price you set on it. I’m trying to say that it’s natural to get scared when shopping on a budget.
You’ll tend to doubt the quality of the Kayaks you’ll find. But, this guide will expose some of the valuable tips you need and the features you should look out for when shopping for kayaks under $200. Read on to learn the tactic.
Material
The material the kayak was carved from equals durability. But that doesn’t mean inflatable kayaks under 100 or 200 dollars aren’t durable. Some affordable kayaks were created with high-quality materials that facilitate their durability.
The trick is to look for affordable kayaks carved from durable materials. Since the type of kayak we’re focused on are the inflatable kayaks, only invest in them if they’re cut from heavy-duty Vinyl.
They can withstand most of the factors that damage kayaks. If you think you can throw a little more money into your kayak budget, you could opt for hardshell kayaks.
They are usually carved from high-density polyethylene, which makes them stand the test of time.
Weight Capacity
Another feature you should pay attention to when shopping for a kayak is the weight capacity. This feature refers to how much weight the kayak can handle.
Knowing and sticking to the weight capacity of a kayak is one of the ways to elongate its lifespan, and here’s why. If you enjoy kayaking solo, you’d most likely look out for a 1 man inflatable kayak.
That means when you go kayaking, you can’t have any other person on board because the kayak has been designed to accommodate only one person’s weight.
So, if you sit in this type of kayak with a friend, it will lose its strength and wear out quickly. So, if you’ll go kayaking occasionally with a friend, you should shop for a 2 man inflatable kayak. You can still go kayaking with it even though you’re not going with a friend.
Now, the weight capacity for a 1-man inflatable kayak ranges from 220 to 300 pounds. With 2-person kayaks, the maximum weight capacity is usually 400 pounds- at least for an inflatable kayak.
Storage
Kayaks aren’t only for people who love sports for fun. Anglers can also benefit from the best cheap inflatable kayak, especially one that has enough storage space.
As an angler taking a kayak to fish, you’ll surely need one that has enough storage space. Otherwise, where would you keep your cooler and fishing gear? Kayaks with perfect storage space are also great for fun lovers.
You might want to bring drinks along in a cooler to the river. That way, you and your friend can pop a bottle of soft drinks while relaxing on the water. You must ensure that the storage space doesn’t mess with the kayak’s stability.
Portable
Portability is one feature you shouldn’t underplay when shopping for an inflatable kayak. The reason is that portable kayaks are more accessible to transport and store.
More so, they are usually lightweight, which is great when you kayak in different locations. Now, when your kayak is portable, you won’t need help setting it up or pushing it into the river.
You’re better off getting a semi-rigid inflatable kayak as they’re easy to transport and store around the house when they’re not needed.
Comfort
Sometimes, you might stay in your kayak longer than expected. You definitely don’t want to end up with a sore back or other body parts drowning in pain when that happens.
Hence, look out for kayaks with features that enhance your comfort when you sit inside. Specifically, look for kayaks with padded seats. With the kayak seat designed with enough cushion, sitting inside won’t feel like an extreme sport.
Couple the cushioned seats with footrests, and you’ll have a fortress as a kayak. Ensure that you can adjust the footrest to fit the height of anyone who chooses to go kayaking with your kayak. That way, you’ll enjoy maximum comfort in the kayak.
Air Chambers
Having a kayak under 200 dollars with enough air chambers is a plus. But first, kayaks with more air chambers are usually time-consuming when setting them up for use.
Nevertheless, the multiple air chambers always come in handy. For instance, accidents are bound to happen.
So, when an external force punctures one or two air chambers on your inflatable kayak, you’ll have spare ones to paddle with.
You won’t get stuck in the middle of anywhere. Of course, there are kayaks under $200 with up to 5 air chambers. The extra chambers that won’t be used can be stored as reserves.
Stable
Nobody wants an unstable kayak. Trust me; you won’t enjoy kayaking in it. You’ll be in constant fear of the possibility of the kayak tumbling over, tossing you and your luggage into the ocean.
That’s not a good look, especially if that happens in an area far from land. A significant way to tell if the kayak you’re opting for is stable is to check the size or length.
Shorter kayaks usually have stability problems. As a result, you might not be able to load enough load in the kayak successfully. So, the trick is to opt for inflatable kayaks that are longer.
Ease of Use
Different kayaks follow different designs. For some kayaks, it’s effortless to get into them and start to maneuver them.
You won’t have to break a sweat to control the kayak in the water as it would go anywhere you direct it. However, others would require you to fight with it before obeying you.
It all depends on the technology deployed by the manufacturers in creating the kayaks. So, opt for kayaks that are easy to maneuver so that you won’t get tired of paddling.
An excellent inflatable kayak carved from good material would withstand any pressure the ocean brings. You just have to choose correctly.
Accessories
Accessories are essential too. When you get your kayak, you can’t ride them with your bare hands. You’ll need some accessories to ride it.
The most obvious is the paddle. Whether you want to buy a 1 or 2-person inflatable kayak, you’ll need paddles. Specifically, if your kayak is for 1 person, you’ll mostly need two paddles.
But if it’s for two people, you’ll need 2 paddles. Depending on the kayak you buy, you’ll also need air pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are inflatable kayaks?
Inflatable kayaks are not the regular plastic kayaks that you take out for kayaking. They are different in that the best affordable ones are crafted with heavy-duty Vinyl.
This type of kayak is portable and can be easily stored. You’ll have to inflate them until they assume their original size to use them. After using it, deflate and store it safely.
Must Read:
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- How Does a Fat Person Get In a Kayak?
- How to Get Out of a Kayak With Bad Knees?
- How to Store a Kayak in an Apartment?
How to inflate a kayak?
There are different ways to inflate your inflatable kayak. But the best method is to use an air pump. Frankly speaking, any air pump works well for your inflatable kayak. Just work with an air pump that’s easy to operate, and you’re good to go. The best part is that some inflatable kayaks come with air pumps as part of their accessories.
Are inflatable kayaks safe?
Yes, they are safe. Ignore the fact that an inflatable kayak needs to be pumped by air. The best entry-level inflatable kayak material is rigid and tough enough to withstand pressure.
When you set it on water, it won’t be susceptible to rocks or sharp objects that could puncture it. Nevertheless, use this kayak type carefully.
Are inflatable kayaks durable?
Yes, they are durable. Inflatable kayaks made from heavy-duty Vinyl naturally inherit the durability feature of the material. They become scratch-resistant, with a solid surface that can sail on any water. Put these features together, and you’ll use your inflatable kayak for as long as possible. But you still have to maintain and clean it well.
Are inflatable kayaks good?
Yes, Inflatable kayaks are suitable for some reasons. First, inflatable kayaks made from high-quality materials always stand the test of time. They won’t be victims of leaks, and they have a solid surface that can handle the current of the water. They are also portable and easy to store and transport.
Are inflatable kayaks worth it?
Yes, Inflatable kayaks are worth it. If you don’t want to get plastic kayaks that require you to store them in your garage, an inflatable kayak comes in handy.
You won’t have issues with storage and transporting the kayaks. The setup process is also smooth and independent.
What is the best inflatable kayak?
There are many best inflatable kayaks. We’ve explored 10 of them on this list.
Every inflatable kayak you encounter on this list offers unique, mind-blowing features. As a result, they effortlessly make kayaking fun for people who love to try it.
Can you use inflatable kayaks in the sea?
Yes, you can use inflatable kayaks in the sea. But they have to be made with heavy-duty Vinyl. That way, they won’t cave in when they go through harsh conditions.
It’s all thanks to the rigid materials they were forged with. Vinyl materials are scratch-resistant, which is why they can withstand any condition.
Are inflatable kayaks safe for fishing?
Yes, they are safe for fishing. For starters, they are versatile, which makes them suitable for any fish habitat. Like traditional boats, kayaks were created for fishing terrain. So, they’re great for oceans, lakes, and seas for fishing. As long as the inflating kayak you purchase is high quality, you can use it on any surface.
Can one person use a 2 person inflatable kayak?
If you’re familiar with 2-person inflatable kayak reviews, you’ll realize that most high-quality 2-person inflatable kayaks have removable seats. As a result, you can take out one of the seats to convert the kayak into a single kayak.
How to clean an inflatable kayak?
The first thing you should know about cleaning inflatable kayaks is that you can clean them when it’s deflated and inflated. Choose which posture of the kayak is best for you.
Then, clean the kayak like you would clean a window with soapy water (ensure the soap is mild). Get fresh water and rinse the kayak thoroughly. If you’re washing the kayak inflated, take out the floor and wash it separately.
Conclusion
After going through this list of the best inflatable kayak under 200 dollars, you can already tell that getting a high-quality kayak at an affordable price is not impossible.
Sometimes, less is more. You’ll enjoy the thrills of kayaking with a high-quality, budget inflatable kayak.
But of course, you can’t just wander off into the market without guidance on which budget kayak is right for you. You’ll get a good one with our list of the best affordable inflatable kayak reviews.
