Kayak < $399 Range

[FishingMastah1]

Hello, I'm looking at kayaks and would like one that is quality for less than $400, preferably in the $300-350 range. The biggest factor I would like out of this kayak is stability, and durability. I don't want a kayak that tips and yaws easily, nor one that does not have a good quality reputation. I would be using this kayak for fishing lakes, no ocean on it. Thanks for any pointers.

[Gaerith]

At that price point, try keeping an eye out on Craigslist.  Go with a non 'fishing' kayak, they are a much better value.  The features they add at the sub 400 range are not worth the extra price.  For most kayaks in that range it will just get 2 rod holders built in and you can just add them to your fishing crate with PVC pipe for a few bucks.  I recommend 12' Sit on Top, no shorter.  I bought a 10' one off Craigslist a while ago, and my only complaint is it's too short/cramped (price was right tho). 

 

Brands to watch for are Perception or Old Town.  Jackson, Wilderness Systems, and Hobie also make good kayaks, but are most likely out of your price range, even used.

[DRH2O]

I was in the market last year to purchase a pair of kayaks for my son and I. Since I was purchasing 2 and still had to outfit them both I did a ton of research so I could get the most economical buy without sacraficing on quality.

 

We ended up going with the Ascend A10 from Bass Pro Shops. This was the baseline, "non-fishing" version. I picked up a package of two side-mount removable rod holders that were a perfect fit (pics below) for like $15.00 more.

 

There's room for the custom fishing crate behind the seat and a small cooler or something behind that. In short, this set-up is fantastic for $300.00 and change. Very stable and tracks pretty good. I really really like the open-cockpit design. I get out on the water (small lakes and reserviors with an occasional river) every weekend with it and have spent as much as 6-7 hours at a time in it with no complaints.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-A10-SitIn-Kayak-Blue/product/11081905012220/

 

 

~dr

[Mr_Scrogg]

Perception Pescador. Same mold as the pre2009 Wildy Tarpon 120/100. Proven piece of plastic. I loved mine.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

Perception pescador above seems to be a good yak for the price. It will probably be my next one. Currently I have the old town vapor10 and love it for my river fishing. I have never tipped it and I am not a small guy. I would suggest it without hesitation.

[FishingMastah1]

Perception is seeming to fit my bill. This Perception Impulse looks like what I need, as I prefer a sit in kayak.

 

Perception Impulse http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/product/index/products/recreational/impulse/impulse_10-0/

[MikeinFresno]

for a used item an Ocean Kayak Drifter is a wide platform that is hard to roll over. They can be found under $400.