10 Best Sit On Top Kayaks In 2023

With its excellent stability and maneuverability, Perception Tribe 9.5 is a fantastic kayak for all-around fun on the water. Besides being enjoyable to paddle, it also gives you plenty of storage space for all your gear. Combine this with a great price, and you get the best sit-on-top kayak for recreational use. 

Hull Design and Stability

Made of rotomolded high-density polyethylene, the Tribe 9.5 holds its own in every situation. It’s very stable too, especially on flat and slow-moving water. And, considering that it’s a single kayak, it has a very good weight capacity (300 pounds).

Deck and Seating

Thanks to the adjustable recline seat with high back support, Tribe 9.5 is one of the most comfortable models in our sit on top kayaks reviews. In addition, it also has plenty of molded-in footwells for different-sized kayakers.

Storage and Extra Features

The spacious tankwell in the back is ideal for carrying larger gear like bags and coolers. In addition, the Tribe 9.5 comes with a small dry hatch in the middle and four carry handles. All of this makes it easy to see why it ranks as the most excellent sit on top kayak in our review.

Perception Rambler 13.5 is the best sit-on-top kayak for sharing a ride with a friend. It’s lively but very stable, allowing you to fully enjoy the water. And, thanks to its design, you can use this tandem kayak anywhere you want – light surf, ocean bays, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

Hull Design and Stability

The excellent construction quality of this kayak makes the ride safe in all conditions. The tough HDPE hull provides 550 pounds of weight capacity, great for bringing gear. And, measuring 34 inches in width, it will remain stable and steady in every situation.

Deck and Seating

The Rambler 13.5 sit on top ocean kayak comes with a very roomy deck that makes getting in and out easy. As for the seats, they are soft, padded, and have adjustable backrests for improved support. On top of this, the kayak has a molded middle seat, perfect for a child.

Storage and Extra Features

When talking about storing gear, Rambler 13.5 has a wide and deep tank in the back. This makes it ideal not only for recreation, but also for using it as a 2 person fishing kayak. Lastly, it comes with 4 carry handles (2 T-shaped + 2 molded), so transporting is made easy too.

If you enjoy casting a bait while on the water, Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 is the most excellent sit on top kayak for fishing on our list. It’s comfy to sit on, has plenty of storage (both dry and open), and comes with a fantastic price that makes it the best value option for your money.

Hull Design and Stability

The hull is made of blow-molded HDPE that not only ensures impact-resistance but also provides great UV-protection. The bottom is flat and has stability chine rails, so the kayak will stay stable while you’re casting or reeling in. To compensate for this, it comes with a molded-in skeg for improved tracking, as well as a sharp bow to improve gliding.

Deck and Seating

Both the seat bottom and backrest are padded, making it cozy for all-day fishing sessions. The backrest is adjustable using the webbing straps to give you proper support when paddling or holding the rod. Additionally, Tamarack Angler 100 also has molded-in footwells for leg comfort.

Storage and Extra Features

The best thing about this kayak is the inclusion of three rod holders in its design. Two flush mount rod holders are placed behind the seat, while the swivel rod holder is on the right-hand side. Finally, there’s plenty of gear packing options too (two bungee areas and two dry hatches).

Perception Pescador 10 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for versatility – it works equally well for recreational kayaking and fishing. Additionally, the abundance of open and dry storing space makes it the best sit-on-top touring kayak on our list.

Hull Design and Stability

The Pescador 10 kayak is perfectly adapted for fishing and maintains stability when casting and reeling in. While it’s not particularly fast, tracking is very decent. The hull is made of leak-proof and UV-protected material, ensuring top-level durability and performance.

Deck and Seating

The seat is very good, with abundant padding on the bottom and the backrest. Instead of footwells, this model comes with adjustable foot braces for a better leg position. The deck is roomy and well-designed, but standing up is not recommended.

Storage and Extra Features

Besides the foot braces we’ve already mentioned, the kayak comes with two flush mount rod holders behind the seat, as well as two convenient gear tracks on the sides for mounting gear. The storage is abundant too (tankwell and a dry hatch), making it a really well-rounded package.

Lightweight, balanced, and very enjoyable for paddling, the Sun Dolphin Bali SS the most excellent sit on top kayak for beginners. It’s a great choice for recreational purposes, offering you everything you need for a fantastic day out. It works well for both adults and kids, and stays comfortable throughout the day.

Hull Design and Stability

The combination of stability and handling makes the Bali SS kayak fantastic if you’re an inexperienced kayaker. The multi-chine hull design provides great stability, and allows the kayak to handle the waves well. And, considering that it’s a fairly short kayak, tracking is very decent too.

Deck and Seating

The spacious cockpit design of the Sun Dolphin Bali SS makes getting in and out very easy. While it may be too short for tall kayakers, it’s perfectly sized for an average person. The seatback is padded, while the adjustable foot braces make finding the ideal leg position easy.

Storage and Extra Features

A detail we really like about this model is the Portable Accessory Carrier (P.A.C.) that makes packing all your gear easy and keeps it dry. On top of this, it can also be removed and towed behind the kayak for some extra space. Additionally, this great kayak also comes with a small dry hatch and shock cord deck rigging.

The simple and functional design of the Lifetime Lotus makes it one of the best sit-on-top kayaks for having fun on the water. Besides being cozy and spacious, the kayak also comes with an included paddle to make moving around easy. 

Hull Design and Stability

Made of tough polyethylene, the hull can withstand pretty much any conditions. Furthermore, the multi-chine design makes it practically flip-resistant. At the same time, Lifetime Lotus manages to keep the weight low so that even a single person can carry it.

Deck and Seating

Even though it comes with a molded-in seat bottom, Lifetime Lotus is pretty comfortable. The seating system gives you very good support, and it can be adjusted to find the best position while paddling.

Storage and Extra Features

Equipped with a unique molded-in center carry handle, this sit on sea kayak is very easy for picking up and carrying. And, if you don’t like this solution, you also have two T-shaped handles at your disposal. While storing area is a bit limited, it’s well-designed (bungee-corded tankwell behind the seat).

If you wish to take your paddling to the open waters, the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two might be the best sit-on-top kayak for the ocean. While designed as a tandem kayak, you can also use it to paddle solo when you don’t have a paddling buddy. On the other hand, this kayak sit on top also comes with a small middle seat for bringing a child or a pet.

Hull Design and Stability

Malibu Two kayak is made of single-layer polyethylene that won’t fade in the sun or get damaged by bumps and hits in the water. As proof of quality, Ocean Kayak gives you a lifetime warranty on the hull of these kayaks.

Deck and Seating

Both paddling positions come with Comfort Plus seats that feel great on longer rides. Of course, they are adjustable for improved comfort, and removable when you need to pack. In addition, the deck can be reconfigured so you can paddle solo.

Storage and Extra Features

Even though it’s not loaded with storage options, Malibu Two has webbing straps with buckles at the front and back for securing bags and other gear. These are very useful, and make it the best kayak for touring on a budget.

Emotion Spitfire 9 is a well-designed kayak that offers a good balance of functionality and price for beginner and intermediate kayakers. Besides flatwater, the design allows you to use it in the ocean and even in slow-moving water. While it might look basic, we assure you that this sit-on-top recreational kayak is going to put a smile on your face.

Hull Design and Stability

At nine feet long, Spitfire is not a good choice for longer journeys. The polyethylene hull includes chines in its design, which give stability and allow it to handle small waves too. As a bonus, the hull is covered by a 5-year warranty.

Deck and Seating

Thanks to the padded CRS+ UltraLite seat, Emotion Spitfire 9 is one of the best kayaks to paddle. Good back support is complemented with molded-in footwells. With this solution, even taller kayakers will have enough leg space.

Storage and Extra Features

For such a compact kayak, Spitfire 9 has plenty of room. Both front and back have shock-corded tankwells, and you even get a dry hatch in the middle. Overall, these are fun kayaks that you can enjoy on any type of adventure.

Specially designed for lady kayakers, Ocean Kayak Venus offers a different sensation on and off the water. It caters better to a female center of gravity, providing more stability on the water. Also, it’s much lighter than other models, making it the best sit-on-top kayak that a woman kayaker can get.

Hull Design and Stability

Measuring almost 10 feet in length and 28 inches in width, this sit-on-top recreational kayak balances great between speed and stability. And, even though they are made of tough polyethylene, these sit on kayaks weigh only 37 pounds for easy carrying.

Deck and Seating

Rigged with a Comfort Hybrid seat, Venus 10 recreational kayak is more than comfortable for spending a whole day paddling. Like the rest of the design, the seat is also designed to suit a female figure better. In addition, the wide footwells make sure your feet remain stable too.

Storage and Extra Features

Storage is decent on this kayak, consisting of a shock-corded tankwell in the back and a small bungee rig in the front. However, what sets this kayak apart is its car topping handle system. Two side handles and a well-positioned center handle make it very easy to lift and secure the kayak.

For true fishing enthusiasts among you, Riot Kayaks Escape 12 is a fantastic option. It’s a fishing kayak that comes with five rod holders and gear tracks, allowing you to set up your rods and equipment any way you like. Also, it has plenty of room for all your other gear.

Hull Design and Stability

Riot Kayaks 12 kayak is a very good performer that hasn’t lost its stability along the way. Thanks to its Pilot rudder system, you can count on great tracking too. In addition, the fishing kayak comes with 300 pounds of load capacity.

Deck and Seating

We really like the deck on this fishing kayak – it’s spacious enough even for standing up comfortably. And, when you sit down, the cozy padded seat will feel great against your back while the sliding foot braces will keep your feet in a good position too.

Storage and Extra Features

Like we’ve mentioned, Escape 12 kayak comes with five rod holders – four flush mounts and a swivel one in the middle. As for storage, the front hatch will keep your gear dry, while the spacious rear tankwell fits coolers and crates. The abundance of storage also makes it probably the best kayak for camping on this list.