7 Best Cheap Kayaks for Sale Under $200 (Reviews) – 2023

Kayak demand has been on the rise, and it’s easy to understand the appeal. Kayaking can be a great way to relax in nature, either by yourself or with a companion (including animal friends). With the right kayak, you can be winning the work-life balance with little time and effort. Since we’re talking about cheap kayaks for sale under $200, this “escape into nature” comes with a price point that is easy on the budget.

After countless hours of paddling on lakes, rivers, and streams, testing fishing kayaks, sea kayaks, and inflatable kayaks, we found ourselves more than slightly obsessed with the Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Kayak. Its sleek, sporty design, easy set up, high quality tarpaulin bottom, storage area, and heavy duty 21-gauge PVC construction make this one-person sit-on-top kayak a must have. The roomy cockpit allows for your arms, legs, and back to stretch, which means more time on the water.

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The Best Cheap Kayaks For Sale Under 200 Dollars– A Buying Guide

Not all kayaks are created equal, and when it comes to fun on the water, there are a few details you want to keep in mind to help ensure the best experience. All of the kayaks researched below are sit on top, inflatable kayaks.

• Fit. Consider whether you want a one person or two person kayak. If you plan on being on the water for an extended amount of time, you may want to bring a few items with you on the kayak such as a cooler, fishing pole, or camera gear. Whether you plan on kayaking solo or with a pet, an inflatable two-person kayak might be the best choice, as it can give you the storage space and roominess you need.
• Durability. The type of materials used can make a big difference in the durability. A rigid floor, flat bottom and three-chamber design keeps the kayaks solid shape on the water. Removable skegs for directional stability are very helpful, especially on choppy or quick-flowing waters.
• Portability. Some kayaks travel easier than others. Things to consider are the weight of the kayak and how quickly does it inflate and deflate. Kayaks with Boston valves tend to very quick to set up and take down. Double Lock Valves and Mini Double Lock Fast Valves makes quick work of inflation and deflation as well.
• Additional Options. Check to see if your kayak purchase includes a paddle and a hand or foot pump. Other options that might come with the kayak are a storage compartment, cup holders, spray covers to keep you dry, and side handles or a toggle handle for ease of carrying. Most kayak packages do not include a life jacket, so you will need to purchase that separately.

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7 Best Cheap Kayaks For Sale Under 200

While demand has kept supplies limited, here are some high quality inflatable kayaks for sale under $200 that are perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, that are easy on the budget.

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1. Sevylor Quikpak – Best Overall

The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is an overall top performer for many reasons. The easy-to-carry backpack system allows you to carry the kayak from vehicle to water easily and quickly, and it’s 5-minute set up gets you on the water fast.

The Airtight system is guaranteed not to leak. Multiple air chambers allow the kayak to stay inflated if another chambered is punctured, important if you plan on taking the kayak on quicker moving waters where rocks and sticks are present.

Comfort was on the minds of the engineers of this sit on top kayak, as the backrest lets you lean back while the multi-position foot rest lets you find your most comfortable position. A drink holder and storage compartment keep your drink and gear within easy reach, and with a weight capacity of 400 pounds, it can easily accommodate one or two people.

FEATURES: very durable construction, rugged tarpaulin bottom, double lock valves with two locking points for easy inflation/deflation, adjustable foot rest, comes with paddle that breaks down for compact storage and a high-pressure hand pump

PROS

• The easy-to-carry backpack system turns into the seat
• Easy and quick to inflate (5-minute set up time)
• Secure storage area and drink holder

CONS

• Responds to paddling very quickly which can cause some zigzagging, but this can be fixed by adjusting your paddle strokes.

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2. The Intex Challenger – Best Value

The sporty Intex Challenger K1 1 person kayak is a blast on the water and is perfect for lakes and mild rivers. The bright green and blue colors offer high visibility on the water and its low profile and grab line on both ends makes it easy to get in and out of, great if you want to stop for a swim.

The streamlined design allows for easy paddling and the cockpit offers plenty of comfort and space with an adjustable inflatable back rest. The cargo net in front is a great place to keep gear that you want easily accessible, and

This sit in kayak is ranked one of the top kayaks in the touring category.

FEATURES: rugged vinyl construction, comes with paddle and pump, cargo net for extra storage space, adjustable inflatable seat with backrest, inflatable I-beam floor and removable skeg

PROS

• Easy to transport
• Low profile is great for lake use and mild rivers
• Wider cockpit for extra room

CONS

• Easy to over inflate which can affect how it feels (think of an air mattress). Included is measuring tape piece to help determine the optimal amount of air.

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3. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak 2 Person Inflatable Kayak – Budget Friendly

With two seats and a weight capacity of 400 pounds, the durable Intex Explorer K2 Kayak 2 is perfect for bringing a companion. A removable skeg gives you more control while paddling, and the two adjustable, inflatable seats with backrests make for a comfortable day on the water.

The three air chambers give you peace of mind that the kayak won’t “pop.” A grab line and grab handle at each end come in handy when getting in and off the water, and makes for easier re-entry if you take a swim.

The larger dimensions give plenty of room for two people or gear if you want to do some kayak fishing. We tested it on some smaller Class 1 and 2 rapids, as well as some 1 foot waves on the lake, and were more than a bit happy with the durability and maneuverability.

FEATURES: With rugged vinyl construction, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak 2 Person comes with two aluminum oars and a high output air pump, a removable skeg for directional stability, and a repair kit

PROS

• Easy to transport
• High volume pump for quick inflating and deflating of kayak
• Bright yellow color helps with visibility
• Great for smaller lake use and mild rivers

CONS

• The heavier materials used to make this kayak more durable, also makes it a little heavier. Try to inflate the kayak as close to the water as possible.

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4. Intex Challenger K2 Kayak 2 Person Inflatable Kayak – Most Affordable Kayak

You wouldn’t know it by the quality, but this is the cheapest kayak we tested, pricing well under 200 dollars. With its sporty bright colors and streamlined design, Intex spared no expense on looks. The weight capacity of 400 pounds allows two kayakers to sit comfortably, and we used it as a fishing kayak with great success.

The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak 2 person is more than just good looks though. This is the largest inflatable model by Intex, dimensions of 11 feet 6 inches long x 2 feet 5 inches wide, offering plenty of space for kayakers as well as room for storage options. Its heavy duty vinyl, two separate air chambers, and removeable skeg give you the stability and durability you need for many successful kayaking adventures.

Made of Intex’s rugged, super tough vinyl this kayak is puncture and UV damage resistant.

• FEATURES: comes with a removeable skeg, two 86 inch aluminum oars, high capacity pump, and carry bag

PROS

• Easy to transport
• Cheapest kayak we tested
• Exceptional value

CONS

• It can be difficult to get a wet kayak back into the carrying bag, which could stand to be larger. If the kayak is dried completely, it is easier to put away.

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5. Solstice by Swimline Rogue Kayak, 2 Person Inflatable Kayak

The Solstice by Swimline Rogue Kayak 2 Person Kayak comes with spray skirts on both ends to protect you and your gear from getting wet as you guide this sit in kayak through the water. The 3 chamber construction with I-beam floor gives you plenty of performance and control. We used it for kayak fishing on a lake with 1 foot waves, and it handled great.

The heavy duty 26G K80 material is incredibly durable and held up like a dream on Class II rapids, bouncing off rocks easily while maintaining stability. It is self bailing, allowing you to focus on the next set of rapids, instead of water in your kayak. This is the closest to a sea kayak that we tested. It handles well on smaller waves and choppy water.

FEATURES: comes with 2 adjustable inflatable seats, front and rear spray covers

PROS

• Easy to transport
• Spray covers to help keep you and gear dry
• Good performance and control

CONS

• Although this is a two person kayak, the dimensions are smaller than other kayaks rated here, so something you may want to consider is to remove the seat and use as a one person kayak

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6. Bestway Lite – Rapid X2 Kayak, 2 Person Inflatable Kayak – Easiest to Use

It’s hard to miss the Bestway Lite – Rapid X2 Kayak on the water, with its bright orange color and streamlined shape, designed to prevent water from entering the cockpit. This easy-to-inflate kayak is also easy to transport. A comfortable cockpit with inflatable seats will allow you to enjoy your time on the water for hours.

Constructed of durable vinyl, it has a middle bottom fin for directional stability, which is great for maneuvering into tight spaces, like that perfect little fishing hole. We also tested this kayak on the sea, and it handled smaller waves and choppy water with ease.

With the longer dimensions and plenty of cockpit space, this can easily be used as a fishing kayak or sea kayak.

FEATURES: comes with two aluminum oars, a quick inflate/deflate valve, grab ropes, and carrying handles

PROS

• Easy to transport
• Comfortable cockpit with inflatable seats
• Bright orange color great for high visibility

CONS

• Weight capacity is 350 for two people, so this might be best used for 1 adult, 1 child

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7. Airhead Roatan Inflatable Kayak, 2 Person Inflatable Kayak – The Lightest Kayak

Designed for lakes and moderate white water, the Airhead Roatan Inflatable Kayak comes with spray covers on both ends, helping keep you and your companion dry. This lightweight, compact kayak makes it easy to store in a duffle bag or suitcase for those spontaneous trips to the water.

The two movable and removable inflatable seats provide great back support. The seats can be placed anywhere within the kayak and the pontoon sides hold them in place. The large pontoon sides give you a sense of security, with very little chance of falling out or tipping over.

There is plenty of storage space for dry bags, clothes, or other necessities, allowing for a fun day on the water.

FEATURES: semi-rigid heavy gauge PVC construction, tubular I-beam floor, spray covers front and back, Boston valves, movable and removable inflatable seats

PROS

• Easy to transport
• Superior comfort, buoyancy
• Spray covers to keep you and gear dry
• Designed for lakes and flat water

CONS

• With the tall pontoon sides, kayakers may find they rub their hands and paddles against the sides a bit when paddling. Adjusting how you hold the paddle will help.

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What Is The Best Cheap Kayak For Under 200 Dollars?– Final Thoughts

As you research your kayak purchase, consider how and where you will be kayaking, what your price range is, and if you prefer a kayak built for one person or two people. With that in mind, if you are looking for a fun experience on the water that’s easy on the budget at under 200 dollars, the Sevylor Quikpak K1, is an outstanding option. This sit on top inflatable kayak is comparable to a hard side kayak in durability and stability but without the bulk and cost. It’s one of the best cheap kayaks for sale.

Follow safety guidelines, use life jackets and check a weather website before getting on the water.