If you’re anything like me, you probably prefer a sit-on-top kayak for leg freedom, enhanced stability, comfort, and easier entry/exit. Although I’m quite embarrassed to admit it, another reason I prefer a sit-on-top kayak is it removes my fear of flipping upside down. Honestly, I probably just watched too many Youtube videos.
These kayaks are optimized for recreational use and enjoyment. You’ll also value the open floor space allowing room for your cooler. Nevertheless, whichever reason you’re in the market for a sit-on-top kayak, you’ve come to the right place. We formulated a list of the 12 highest-rated on the market. Regardless of your budget, size preference, or design of choice; you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for below!
In Short, Here Are The Best Sit-On-Top Kayaks Under $400
- Emotion Spitfire
- Evaxo
- Intex Challenger
- Lifetime Lotus
- MaxKare Youth Kayak
- Lifetime Hydros Angler
- Intex Explorer K2
- Field & Stream Blade 97
- Lifetime Youth
- Perception Swifty Deluxe
- Pelican Mustang
1. Emotion Spitfire
You can get the Emotion Spitfire in orange or light blue. Due to the high-density polyethylene material, the overall build quality outperforms its meager price. Another noteworthy mention is its impressive ability to hold up to 350 pounds while only weighing 45 pounds.
In case water gets inside, the kayak possesses self-bailing scupper holes enabling the water to drain from the cockpit. You’ll love its UV-resistant capabilities for added longevity, as well. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 350 Pounds
- Weight: 45 Pounds
- Made with High-Density Polyethylene
- Sit-On-Top Kayak
2. Evaxo
Running below $400, the Evaxo is an inexpensive sit-on-top kayak. Providing a length of 8.5 feet, 225-pound weight capacity, and a total weight of 35 pounds, it’s an acceptable choice for the money.
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 225 Pounds
- Length: 8.5 Feet
- Weight: 35 Pounds
- Sit-On-Top Kayak
3. Intex Challenger (Inflatable)
There a plethora of reasons why we love the sit-on-top Intex Challenger. Not only is it absurdly inexpensive far below $400, but it also offers impressive mobility, a useful netted storage compartment in the front, tough welded material build, two separate air chambers, and robust puncture-resistant vinyl.
This single-person kayak is 9 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. Along with its great weight limit of 220 pounds, you’ll love the fact that it comes with collapsable oars made of aluminum. Some people love the oars coming with the purchase considering their effortless portability. Others don’t like them and end up purchasing their own set of oars.
The pump is highly dependable making it quick and easy to inflate and deflate the kayak. It generally takes 6-8 minutes to inflate it. We specifically recommend it for people looking for a very affordable sit-on-top kayak!
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 9ft X 2.5ft
- Comes with Aluminum Oar
- Inflatable
- 1-Person
- Weight Capacity: 220 Pounds
4. Lifetime Lotus
Only weighing 250 pounds, the Lifetime Lotus is a very lightweight option. This sit-on-top kayak is low cost below $400. created for recreational use and enjoyment, it’s a convenient option with easy mobility and portability. And depending on your preference, you might appreciate the shorter length of 8 feet, as well!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Length: 8 Feet
- Sit-On-Top
- Weight: 38 Pounds
5. MaxKare Youth Kayak (For Kids)
Made for kids 5 years old and up, MaxKare is an inexpensive and dependable option for youth. It has a weight limit of up to 121 pounds. Only weighing 25 pounds and 6 feet 1 inch in length, it’s a fantastic choice and nicely compact.
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 121 Pounds
- Size: 6’1′”L x 24.6” W x 8.8′”H
- Sit-On-Top
- Weight: 20.5 Pounds
6. Lifetime Hydros Angler
Amazingly, the Lifetime Hydros Angler is on a hefty price cut of 13% off the original amount. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s, either way, an astounding value for the price. This sit-on-top kayak is a reliable option for recreational use!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 225 Pounds
- Size: 101 x 29 x 10.5
- Weight: 41 Pounds
- Made with High-Density Polyethylene
- Sit-On-Top Kayak
7. Intex Explorer K2 (Inflatable)
If you’re looking for an inflatable kayak for 2 people, the INTEX Explorer K2 is a great choice well under $400. For good reasons, this kayak is wildly popular with some of the highest customer reviews on the market. It possesses a 350-pound weight capacity. Therefore, it’s not compatible with two large adults both weighing 400 pounds. Some people decide to use it as a single-person kayak while using the front seat for gear and necessities.
Coming with the purchase, you get both paddles and a pump. The Boston valves make it relatively easy and quick to inflate and deflate. With multiple air compartments, 10.25 length, and lightweight construction at 32.1 pounds, it’s reliable and portable. You’ll also be very satisfied with its maneuverability in the water.
Considering its abnormally low price, it does come with downsides. For one, the seats have you sitting deep within the kayak without back support. Also, you might want to upgrade the low-quality paddles that come with the purchase. Keep in mind, we’re probably being a bit nit-picky for the low price. When it’s all said and done, it’s a remarkable bang for the buck!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 400 Pounds
- Size: 10’3″ X 3′ X 1’8″
- 2-Person
- Comes with Aluminum Oars
- Weight: 35 Pounds
- Sit-On-Top Kayak
- Inflatable
8. Field & Stream Blade 97
Regardless of the fact that it’s not well-known, we believe the Field & Stream Blade 97 is a stellar option. For the price under $400, this sit-on-top kayak is underrated and performs well in calm water!
Tech Specs & Details
- Size: 115 inches X 31 inches
- Sit-On-Top
- Weight: 45
9. Lifetime Youth
As mentioned in the name, the Lifetime Youth is yet another kayak for youth. It only weighs 18 pounds for enhanced convenience and effortless maneuverability.
Amazingly, it offers a surprising weight capacity of 130 pounds. You’ll also love the stunningly high customer reviews and ratings amongst users!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 130 Pounds
- Size: 72 x 24 x 9
- Sit-On-Top
- Weight: 18 Pounds
10. Perception Swifty Deluxe
Barely running below $400, the Perception Swifty Deluxe genuinely outperforms its meager price. This sit-on-top kayak performs efficiently in the water.
With a 9.5-foot length, a weight of only 44 pounds, and an impressive weight limit of 300 pounds, we highly recommend it. You can get it in two stylish color options, as well!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Length: 9.5 Feet
- Sit-On-Top
- Weight: 44 Pounds
11. Emotion 90245 Spitfire
The Emotion 90245 Spitfire is a decent sit-on-top kayak. Even though it’s not the highest-rated choice on the list, it’s still an option worth mentioning. One of the benefits you’ll love the most is peace of mind with its 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 240 Pounds
- Size: 96 x 31.5 x 14
- Sit-On-Top Kayak
- 5-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty
12. Pelican Mustang (Fishing)
Last but not least, the Pelican Mustang is an excellent sit-on-top kayak. Customized for fishing, it’s one of the most affordable choices of just about any fishing kayak on the market. Thus, if your primary objective is to fish with your new kayak, it’s the best choice in the price range. Although it only weighs 39 pounds, you’ll be amazed by its stellar weight capacity of 300 pounds!
Tech Specs & Details
- Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
- Fishing Kayak
- Length: 10 Feet
- Sit-On-Top
- Weight: 39 Pounds
Quick Recap
Here Are The Best Affordable Kayaks Under $400
- Emotion Spitfire
- Evaxo
- Intex Challenger
- Lifetime Lotus
- MaxKare Youth Kayak
- Lifetime Hydros Angler
- Intex Explorer K2
- Field & Stream Blade 97
- Lifetime Youth
- Perception Swifty Deluxe
- Pelican Mustang
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