The 10 Best Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Looking for a great sit-on-top kayak? You’re in the right place! Lately, these models have become really popular because they are great for fishing, touring, or having fun with family and friends. (You can even take your dog on your next tour.) SOT models are easy to use, spacious, and really comfortable. Unlike a sit-inside models, they allow you to move around the deck, stretch your legs, and simply enjoy a beautiful day on the lake.

Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or an entry-level paddler, you’ll see that SOT models have many advantages over traditional models. Today, we’re going to take a look at the main features to consider when you’re looking for the best SOT kayak. Also, we’re going to review the best models on the market.

TOP 10 SIT ON TOP KAYAKS – MID RANGE:

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SUN DOLPHIN JOURNEY 10

FEATURES: The perfect option for solo paddlers looking for a reliable, compact, and easy-to-transport craft. It is designed for all-day fun and comfort, as well as for fishing trips, as it’s equipped with two flush mounts, a swivel fishing rod holder, rear storage spaces, and a portable accessory carrier. It’s a great option for lakes and moderate rivers.

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PELICAN SENTINEL

FEATURES: One of the most popular one-person models on the market. If you are looking for a really stable, reliable, and compact option, the Pelican Sentinel might be your best choice. The ErgoLounge seating system provides great comfort for hours. It’s easy to carry and load onto your car’s roof rack.

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PELICAN BASSCREEK

FEATURES: This model is ideal for fishermen who value stability over speed. The flat bottom hull provides excellent stability and great tracking. It offers a padded seat and seat back for great comfort. It also contains a storage hatch, a Quick Lock hatch, a bottle holder, and a storage platform with bungee cords. Also, it features several fishing accessories, such as swivel rod holders and flush mount rod holders. 

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EMOTION SPITFIRE TANDEM

FEATURES: This model is great for tandem paddlers looking for a high-performing kayak at a reasonable price. This twelve feet craft offers good speed, while maintaining excellent stability. The high-density polyethylene construction is abrasion resistant for maximum durability. The quick-release seat back are very comfortable, so you and your mate can comfortably paddle for hours.

THE BEST SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS – TOP-END:

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VIBE GHOST 130

FEATURES: One of the best values for the money among top-end models, the Vibe Ghost 130 provides great stability, comfort, and speed.

Because it’s designed mainly for fishing, you’ll find plenty of useful accessories, such as paddle parks, fishing rod holders, and four built-in gear tracks for customized rigging.

Also, it’s equipped with multiple storage spaces, including a 20’’ frontal hatch, a roomy center console, a rear hatch, and a large rear tank.

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VIBE GHOST 110

FEATURES: This is a shorter version of the previous model. The construction and materials are very close, with both models being comfortable, sturdy, and durable.

This model is also equipped with plenty of storage hatches and fishing accessories. The main advantages of the Ghost 110 are:

1) It’s lighter, more compact, and easier to transport. 2) It’s a bit more economical. 3) It performs better on rivers and streams. The main disadvantages are: 1) It offers less storage space on the rear deck. 2) It has a lower weight capacity. 3) It performs worse in open water.

Overall, it’s a great one-person craft for fishing in lakes, rivers, and estuaries.

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EDDYLINE CARIBBEAN 12

FEATURES: Super lightweight and resistant, this model provides great primary stability, speed, and tracking performance. The foam-padded seat offers great comfort over long distances.

It is very stable and perfect for paddling with dogs. As you can see, it’s much lighter than the previous models, making it easy to transport and drag into the water. Unfortunately, high performance and a light weight come at a price. It’s one of the most expensive models on the list.

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OCEAN MALIBU TWO XL TANDEM

FEATURES: This model is perfect for paddlers looking to explore quiet rivers and lakes. The roomy two-person cockpit makes it one of the best models for having fun with family and friends.

The craft provides plenty of space in which to stretch your legs. It also offers great stability. The rockered shape makes it easier to turn, while the deep skeg helps you keep a straight track. There are two deck riggings at the bow and stern to secure your gear.

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OLD TOWN TOPWATER 106

FEATURES: Comfortable, versatile, and compact one-person fishing model. The “double-U” hull is easy to maneuver and really stable (even when you are standing up).

It comes equipped with several rod holders and bungees, as well as a lot of storage space, which makes it perfect for fishing tours. It features an incredibly comfortable seat that adjusts to various positions. Overall, it has a fantastic performance for the price.

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PERCEPTION PESCADOR PRO 10.0

FEATURES: A great option for solo fishers and recreational paddlers, the Pescador Pro 10.0 provides stability, tracking, and plenty of fishy features.

The seat has two positions (upright and recline) for greater comfort. The adjustable footbrace system allows for a good paddling posture. You’ll find plenty of storage options in the stern and bow.

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ADVANTAGES OF SOT KAYAKS

Easy to get on and off

Unlike sit-inside models, in which you have to fit into a tight cockpit, you can easily step onto and off a SOT craft. This is also great for paddling with kids who love to play, swim, and jump from the craft.

Great stability

SOT models are designed mainly for recreational use in flat water and for fishing. That’s why they are wider than other models – to provide good primary stability. Keep in mind that they don’t usually have good secondary stability. Most models are not meant for rough water.

Affordable

Because most sit-on-top kayaks have simple designs and are made of inexpensive plastic materials, they tend to be affordable.

Comfortable

These models feature open seats and large spaces in which you can stretch your legs or even stand up. People who find enclosed cockpits to be a bit constricting will love the freedom of movement provided by SOT models.

Safe for entry-level paddlers

The open deck design means that you can’t get trapped if the craft tips over. This feature, along with the great stability and tracking, make SOT models perfect for inexperienced paddlers.

Fully featured

Although we just said that these crafts are great for beginners, many models are designed for experienced users, too. Some SOT models can feature plenty of storage hatches, tank wells, scupper holes, rod holders, paddle holders, pedals, advanced skegs, and many other features.

DISADVANTAGES

Cold and sun exposure

Because these crafts feature open cockpits, they don’t protect you all that well from the wind and water splashes. That’s why most people use them in warm climates. Also, keep in mind that your legs will be completely exposed to UV rays. Make sure you wear long-sleeved clothes or use plenty of sunblock cream.

Slower

SOT models are wider than sit-inside models, which makes them more stable but also slower. If you’re planning to cover long distances, you might want to look for a traditional touring craft.

TYPES OF SIT-ON-TOP DESIGNS:

Recreational: These are usually the models that feature the most basic features. They tend to be inexpensive and sometimes a bit heavy but are perfect for having some fun with friends and family. Also, they are perfect for entry-level paddlers.

Fishing: These models include special fishing features that will help you get the perfect catch. From basic to professional models, you’ll find plenty of options for all budgets.

Sea: These models tend to be longer and narrower to increase speed and improve tracking. With a few exceptions, SOT models are not designed for whitewater or the open sea. Check out this article to find a good sea kayak.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST SIT-ON-TOP KAYAK:

EXPERIENCE

SOT models have become very popular because they are easy to use, stable, and safe. They are a great option for all kinds of paddlers, including children. Of course, it’s important to make sure that kids are always supervised by an adult. Also, they should take all safety measures, which includes wearing a life jacket.

SOLO OR TANDEM?

Before deciding on a model, consider whether you are going to use it on your own or with other people. Unlike inflatable kayaks, rigid SOT models don’t usually feature adjustable seats. This means that you can’t convert your craft from solo to tandem by simply changing the seat positions.

In addition to the necessary space for fitting two people in the craft, think about how much room you’ll need for gear storage. If you’re planning to go fishing or touring for many hours, keep several hatches on hand – preferably those that are sealed, as they’ll keep your clothes and electronics dry.

FLAT WATER OR ROUGH WATER?

As we mentioned before, most (if not all) SOT models are designed for flat water activities. That’s why they are perfect for lakes, quiet rivers, and moderate current estuaries.

Venturing into whitewater with an SOT model is not only not recommended but also potentially dangerous. These models’ secondary stability is not very good, which means that your craft could easily tip over.

MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

Many materials can be used in the construction of SOT kayaks. However, most models are made of polyethylene or ABS Carbonlite.

Polyethylene: Many models are built from this material because it’s durable and inexpensive. It’s a bit heavier than other materials and is susceptible to UV degradation. However, it has a good overall performance and is pretty resistant.

ABS: This material is a bit lighter, stronger, and more durable than polyethylene. The main problem is that it’s more expensive. Most of the time, it’s used in high-end models.

ROCKER

In a rockered model, the stern and bow are slightly lifted off the water. Because the endpoints of the craft are less submerged in the water, these models are easier to maneuver, allowing you to make quick turns in the open sea. On the downside, the rockered shape increases the “zigzag” effect, which makes it more difficult to paddle in a straight line.

Most SOT models are designed for flat water, so they typically don’t have a pronounced rocker.

LENGTH AND WIDTH

If you take a look at professional models, you’ll notice that the narrower and longer the design, the faster it will travel. On the other hand, the wider the model, the more stable and slower it is. Most SOT crafts are designed for recreational purposes, which is why they tend to be wider and shorter than other models.

Most recreational crafts are wider than 24 inches and shorter than 12 feet. They typically weigh less than 60 pounds.

ACCESSORIES

Depending on how you’ll use your kayak, you’ll need some extra accessories that can be helpful for fishing, touring, extra gear storage, paddling with dogs, or other activities. Before you purchase a model, make sure that it includes everything you need.

Depending on the activity, you’ll need a good skeg to improve tracking. If you like to go fishing, look for models that include rod holders, hatches, and fishing accessories.

Also, keep in mind that not all models include paddles. Sometimes you need to buy them separately.

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