Best Sit-On-Top Kayaks

Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 100 is as unapologetic as the company's kayaks get. There's so much here contributing to its comfort and performance that we'll try our best to briefly cover everything but make no promises.

First, the kayak smoothly tracks across all waters and through all conditions, delivering that perfect slip-resistant, open-deck platform that will be able to satisfy avid anglers and weekend warriors alike.

There are two tackle tray holders that fishing enthusiasts will find irreplaceable.

The foot braces are adjustable, so you can make them as comfortable and able to track as much track support as you want.

The supplied Vibe Hero seat contributes to the comfort cause too, along with the cup holders and comfy carry handles. The four top-loading gear tracks provide ultimate customization.

At the same time, the kayak's rotomolded single-piece high-density polyethylene makes the entire thing pretty much immune to cuts and punctures, so you can go as hard as you want without worrying about damaging the kayak.

Add to everything that we've mentioned above the two sealed V-wave deck plates with waterproof cargo bags and massive rear cargo storage area and you can easily say that the Yellowfin 100 is among the best sit-on-top kayaks out there.

Sun Dolphin Boss SS is pretty tremendous. Before anything else, this kayak is able to support 500 pounds, which is insane considering that the entire thing weighs less than 80 pounds.

Sure, somewhere around 78 pounds is no joke compared to most sit-on-top kayaks, making the product relatively heavy and somewhat inconvenient transportation-wise but, again, pretty lightweight considering its maximum load.

Partially, its strength is there thanks to the Fortiflex™ high-density polyethylene construction, making the kayak not only strong but also tough and durable. Also, the UV-stabilized finish will make sure you don't have to worry about the paintwork fading with time.

From the storage standpoint, the kayak comes fitted with wide below-deck storage area and rear and front cargo storage areas. These areas are spacious enough to hold everything you'd possibly need when you go fishing. There are five fishing rod holders, so you'll be able to multitask and stretch as thin as you want.

Apart from that, the Boss SS adopts adjustable foot braces, comfortable carry handles, and paddle holders, so you should have no issues with transportation, except for the aforementioned weight.

Last but not least, the built-in cup holder will enable quick and comfortable access to drinks.

Lifetime Tamarack Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak is among the most well-balanced SOT kayaks we've looked at.

First things first, its high-density polyethylene frame is durable and UV- and impact-resistant.

Besides that, the kayak comes housing two deck plates with waterproof cargo bags where you can store valuable items (smartphones, keys, cards, wallets, etc), keeping them safe and secure yet quickly accessible when necessary.

In addition to these bags, you'll also have access to front and rear cargo storage areas. You can put whatever you want there, from tackle to various fishing accessories.

Performance-wise, the kayak adopts this stable flat bottom with deep tracking channels and stability chine rails, so you'll be able to easily and effortlessly transition from rail to rail.

Sure, there are trade-offs here. The 275-pound maximum load is not that impressive considering the kayak's 52-pound weight and relatively standard 10- x 2.58-feet size.

Somewhat offsetting this issue from the versatility/flexibility standpoint are the molded-in foot braces that enable multiple footrest positions to accommodate different riders.

Also, there are two water bottle holders, making the kayak not only maneuverable and the most stable model within this lineup but also pretty comfortable too.

Sun Dolphin Bali SS is bright, not necessarily its biggest selling point, but we like it when recreational kayaks are sporting bright paintworks since you won't have to worry about being seen and recognized in low-light conditions.

What is this touring kayak's biggest selling point then? Well, its open cockpit is probably up there, enabling quick and easy entry. The SOT kayak's hull is probably up there too, allowing you to track and paddle with effortless ease, all while offering excellent stability.

What's not up there though is the seat. Since there are no seat pads, the available seat is not that comfortable, probably the product's biggest flaw.

On the bright side, the kayak weighs 44 pounds, meaning that this thing is extremely lightweight. Add to that the padded carry handles and this is easily the best sit-on-top kayak on this list from the transportation standpoint. You can even go camping and bring this kayak with you.

Apart from that, the adjustable foot braces will make this kayak comfortable for all fishing enthusiasts, without having to take these people's height into account.

Finally, the kayak comes housing ample below-deck storage area as well as rear and front cargo storage areas, so you'll be able to bring with you as many accessories as you want, making sure that the entire trip is enjoyable and comfortable.

Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 looks slick and stylish, which is not something we can say about most SOT kayaks. Before anything else, its sleek hull enables fast and nimble tracking, so you'll be able to ride with speed and efficiency.

The backrests are ergonomic and the seats are cushioned, meaning you can seat inside this kayak all day long without experiencing any discomfort in these areas.

At the same time, the carry handles are padded and molded, enabling easy and comfortable relocation. Add to that the kayak's 46-pound weight and you can purchase this thing without worrying about transportation.

You should probably worry about the V-wave deck plates though. Measuring six inches diagonally, these plates are relatively small, so you won't be able to stuff the supplied waterproof cargo bags with as many items as you'd probably want.

On the upside, the front and rear storage areas come fitted with bungee tie-downs, so you'll be able to hide stuff there too without worrying about its safety.

All things considered, Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 90 will be able to tussle with the most expensive sit-on-top kayaks. In addition to everything else, the quick-reach fishing rod holders will let you easily access the fishing rods.