Thinking of buying a budget kayak

[wisconsin heat]

I am looking at purchasing a kayak, I don't have much to spend (currently in college and have other things that require my money). But I want something to get myself on the water more often. I have Kayak fished before and like it, just was out of a small, uncomfortable sit inside kayak.

 

A local retail store is going to be having a sale on these next month for $199. 

https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-90539-tamarack-120-inch-sit-on-top-angler-kayak-olive-with-paddle-backrest# 

 

I don't really want to spend much more than that and for the price it seems like a good deal.

(I really like the higher end kayaks and the option of hands free propulsion, and maybe will consider getting one just not any time in the near future)

 

 

The sale isn't until next month, so I have some time to think it over.

 

Just wondering other's overall thoughts on it?

 

Is the Kayak any good?

Is the price good?

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

[Choporoz]

I am unfamiliar with that brand, but it looks like they use the same mold as Perception...remarkably similar, anyway.  I think that the seat is going to suck bad, but toss a boat cushion in there and for $200, you might just be doing ok for a while.  I've always advised to avoid most any new kayak at that price, but that might actually be a reasonable deal.

[MassYak85]

I think if you're only willing to spend 200 that right there is going to be your best bet. The only other kayaks I've seen at that price range are not conducive whatsoever to fishing, and frankly seem like junk. Your other option is to look at the used market. Like Choporoz said, that seat looks pretty uncomfortable but a cushion will help. 

[Darren.]

4 hours ago, wisconsin heat said:

I am looking at purchasing a kayak, I don't have much to spend (currently in college and have other things that require my money). But I want something to get myself on the water more often. I have Kayak fished before and like it, just was out of a small, uncomfortable sit inside kayak.

 

A local retail store is going to be having a sale on these next month for $199. 

https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-90539-tamarack-120-inch-sit-on-top-angler-kayak-olive-with-paddle-backrest# 

 

I don't really want to spend much more than that and for the price it seems like a good deal.

(I really like the higher end kayaks and the option of hands free propulsion, and maybe will consider getting one just not any time in the near future)

 

 

The sale isn't until next month, so I have some time to think it over.

 

Just wondering other's overall thoughts on it?

 

Is the Kayak any good?

Is the price good?

 

Thanks for reading.

 

$199 sale and normally $550? Not bad!

 

I'd jump on it as your first yak. I started out with

a $300 Pelican and it sufficed. Caught many nice

bass from it. Still used by my boys in salt and fresh.

 

But realize you will *need* a good PFD that you will

wear all the time you are on the yak. Don't play games

with your life. Please. And you'll want a good paddle.

 

Plan on another $100-150 for the two.

[tbone1993]

Search for used kayaks. Can find tons of deals on used boats with better features.

[CenCal fisher]

I had that same kayak, I picked it up on sale for $250 and used it for a year until I upgraded. I was happy with my purchase at $250 and would recommend it at $200. the seat gets uncomfortable after about four hours and it isn't all that fast but it's cheap, light and easy to transport.

 

What's your height and weight op? I'm 5'10 150lbs and would say I was near the height and weight limit to be comfortable in that kayak 

[wisconsin heat]

9 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I am unfamiliar with that brand, but it looks like they use the same mold as Perception...remarkably similar, anyway.  I think that the seat is going to suck bad, but toss a boat cushion in there and for $200, you might just be doing ok for a while.  I've always advised to avoid most any new kayak at that price, but that might actually be a reasonable deal.

5 hours ago, MassYak85 said:

I think if you're only willing to spend 200 that right there is going to be your best bet. The only other kayaks I've seen at that price range are not conducive whatsoever to fishing, and frankly seem like junk. Your other option is to look at the used market. Like Choporoz said, that seat looks pretty uncomfortable but a cushion will help. 

 

Thanks! will look into some sort of cushion for the seat. 

 

 

5 hours ago, Darren. said:

 

$199 sale and normally $550? Not bad!

 

I'd jump on it as your first yak. I started out with

a $300 Pelican and it sufficed. Caught many nice

bass from it. Still used by my boys in salt and fresh.

 

But realize you will *need* a good PFD that you will

wear all the time you are on the yak. Don't play games

with your life. Please. And you'll want a good paddle.

 

Plan on another $100-150 for the two.

 

Thanks! Any recommendations on a PFD?

 

1 hour ago, tbone1993 said:

Search for used kayaks. Can find tons of deals on used boats with better features.

 

Thanks! I have looked a little bit, but seeing nothing really in my price range.

 

I am not really looking for a "forever kayak," More looking towards something I can use until I have more time and money to purchase and actually use it. Right now, with Wisconsin's short fishing season, I'll be happy if I get it out 15 times a year.

 

7 minutes ago, CenCal fisher said:

I had that same kayak, I picked it up on sale for $250 and used it for a year until I upgraded. I was happy with my purchase at $250 and would recommend it at $200. the seat gets uncomfortable after about four hours and it isn't all that fast but it's cheap, light and easy to transport.

 

What's your height and weight op? I'm 5'10 150lbs and would say I was near the height and weight limit to be comfortable in that kayak 

 

Thanks! Good to know!  I'm about 5'9 and 170. 

[jbw252]

A PFD recommendation from me would be a Stohlquist Fisherman PFD.  Many others use that or an NRS Chinook.  DO NOT go cheap on a PFD.  It is your life insurance.  Try them on & decide what works for you. It has to be comfortable & suitable for your type of fishing, so you will WEAR it always while using your yak.  Stay safe.

[Darren.]

7 hours ago, wisconsin heat said:

Thanks! Any recommendations on a PFD?

 

 

I suggest a fishing vest with pockets. I'm using the

Bass Pro Ascend model, but it is $99. Goes on sale

often. But my first vest, and one that will be just 

fine to get you started is a Field & Stream model 

pictured below at $59.

[brent245]

Who is having them on Sale for $199? I was looking at this exact same one.

[wisconsin heat]

7 hours ago, Brent Heermans said:

Who is having them on Sale for $199? I was looking at this exact same one.

Blain's Farm and fleet. I think they are only in a couple states, Wisconsin and Illinois are the ones I know of.

[wet_dream]

A buddy and I just got into kayak fishing a couple years ago. That was actually his first kayak. He ended up upgrading within a few months. We also fish in saltwater, and while that kayak should do well in freshwater ponds and lakes, it wasn't geared towards the other types of fishing he wanted to do. It did well in calm conditions, but he felt a little unstable when there was a little chop on the water. Also, we had to cover a lot of ground, and it wasn't the best paddling/tracking kayak.

 

Keep a look out on Craigslist and other sites for used kayaks, I believe you can find great value that way. But then again, for $200, I guess you can't really go wrong because you can probably recoup your money if you do decide it isn't for you. Naturally, you'll find better deals during the off season as more people are looking to unload unused gear when they are not using it. 

 

Buy the best you can afford, and budget accordingly for accessories (PFD, paddle, rudder, crate with rodholders, etc). A kayak is great fishing investment and it opens up more water to fish. Good luck on your search!

[Tsmiddy21790]

I have the same one... and being honest, i wish i would have bought something else. Like others have said the seat does suck, the dry storage runs the length of the hull so its pretty much useless unless you buy one of the dry bags that replace that plastic ring... stability is ok, but not much room for gear.

[BrianSnat]

The Lifetime kayaks are down there with Pelican, Sun Dolphin and other cheap, rotomolded junk that will be completely warped within a few seasons.  Sure, it will get you on the water cheaply, but ultimately you get what you pay for. And once you buy paddle, PFD and perhaps a rod holder and other add ons you will probably be well over $300

I suggest looking at used kayaks. You might find a fully decked out and much better kayak for a little more. And used yaks are usually sold with paddle,  PFD, etc included in the price. Once you compare what you can get in a decent used yak vs. these cheap yaks, after the add ons, the price of the cheap yaks doesn't look so hot.

[22hertz]

A new kayak for $200 is hard to beat. I was once a college student so I know your pain financially.

 

The best time to buy any used boat is sometime between fall and spring. If you can wait you might find a better kayak used in your price range. Many times a used kayak includes a paddle.

 

The closest deal I am aware of in a new kayak is a Perception Pescador 12' for $400 when you catch them on sale. That's double what you're wanting to spend but worth it IMO if you can save a little more.

[dwh4784]

For $200 I don't see a downside. You're off of the bank, it has three rod holders and a better seat than a lot of other entry level SOT kayaks. 

[LBASS01]

Lifetime is a good brand.  If you can get that kayak for $199 then jump all over it.

[Fisher-O-men]

22 minutes ago, LBASS01 said:

Lifetime is a good brand.

They make awesome tables!  Be careful, looks like it has holes in it!

[Caliyak]

 

I am looking at purchasing a kayak, I don't have much to spend (currently in college and have other things that require my money). But I want something to get myself on the water more often. I have Kayak fished before and like it, just was out of a small, uncomfortable sit inside kayak.

 

A local retail store is going to be having a sale on these next month for $199. 

https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-90539-tamarack-120-inch-sit-on-top-angler-kayak-olive-with-paddle-backrest# 

 

I don't really want to spend much more than that and for the price it seems like a good deal.

(I really like the higher end kayaks and the option of hands free propulsion, and maybe will consider getting one just not any time in the near future)

 

 

The sale isn't until next month, so I have some time to think it over.

 

Just wondering other's overall thoughts on it?

 

Is the Kayak any good?

Is the price good?

 

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

Dude, for the price, great deal. Get it. And most important, no more shore/bank fishing. Be grateful that you are not stuck on the bank. Get a life jacket, a paddle and 2 poles and have a great time.

For your college graduation and first job gift, upgrade. But for now, that is a great boat. Have fun and tight lines.