Do you want to get out on the water but feel put off by how difficult it is to transport a kayak? If you are looking for a kayak that is short or lightweight, we have just what you need.
Time to put away the excuses!
We have found a list of kayaks that are both short and lightweight, so you can start enjoying your time on the water with little to no issues.
The idea of carrying a 14-foot, 65-pound kayak up and down a stairwell each time we want to use it is not appealing.
Short Kayaks vs. Long Kayaks
There are some downsides, however, to shorter kayaks.
Long kayaks are faster than shorter kayaks.
I won’t go into the physics of it here, but you can read more about it if you’re interested. Basically, small kayaks are not built for speed.
The biggest problem with small, lightweight kayaks is their lack of ability to track in a straight line. A shorter kayak is not as aerodynamic and will not paddle in a straight line as well as a longer kayak.
In other words, they are easier to turn than most longer kayaks, so they can be more easily maneuvered in smaller waterways and channels if necessary.
One’s storage situation, height and weight, the types of water one plans to kayak in, and one’s purpose for kayaking are all important factors to consider when choosing a kayak.
Best Short and Lightweight Kayaks You’re Sure to Love
The main advantages of short and lightweight kayaks are that they are easy to transport and store.
It’s easier to haul and carry a lightweight kayak by yourself.
BKC FK 184 9′ Sit On Top Kayak
The Brooklyn Kayak Company FK 184 9′ Kayak is a versatile kayak that is great for paddling and fishing.
The FK 184 is a 9′ long kayak that weighs approximately 44 lbs. This boat can hold up to 330 lbs and is 32” wide for more stable paddling. This kayak is ideal if you are looking for something lightweight and easy to transport, both on and off the water.
BKC created the FK 184 from a single piece of their proprietary roto-molded HDPE plastic. This boat is very durable compared to others in its class.
Additionally, BKC engineered this kayak with anglers in mind. The kayak has a roomy sit-on-top design, making it easy to cast lines and store gear. This boat comes with 4 rod holders that are flush-mounted, 1 articulating rod holder, and multiple hatches that are large and water-resistant for storing your tackle box and other gear.
This makes it stable in rough water and easy to beach The wide, mostly flat hull of the BKC 184 makes it stable in rough water and easy to beach The design of the boat offers great stability in flat water.
The company advertises the boat as one that you can even stand up on if you want a better angle for casting lines.
This kayak also has a memory foam seat for comfort during long periods of use. This boat comes with carry handles for easy transport and a system to keep your paddle in place while you’re on the water.
Even though the BKC FK 184 kayak is good, some taller people may find that the pedals don’t work well for them because they are too short. This is most important for tall paddlers to remember, but even if you have average-length legs, it’s worth paying attention to.
The BKC FK 184 9′ Kayak has some drawbacks, but it’s still a great choice for anyone who wants a versatile and dependable kayak for exploring flat water.
Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak with Deluxe Package
Of course, the lightest kayak will be an inflatable kayak. Inflatables are becoming increasingly popular due to recent advancements in technology that make them just as durable and seaworthy as traditional watercraft.
This is no longer the case! Inflatables are now seen as serious recreational vessels. Inflatables are becoming popular for watercraft because they are lightweight but durable and can be transported easily.
It offers a versatile design that makes it suitable for a number of activities, including fishing, diving, and camping. The Sea Eagle SE-330 Inflatable Kayak has a versatile design that makes it suitable for many activities, such as fishing, diving, and camping.
This kayak weighs only 26 pounds, but it can be inflated to a length of just over 11 feet. The Sea Eagle is able to hold up to 500lbs, making it large enough for two people to kayak together.
In other words, the interior space is reduced when the chambers are inflated.
Although it can hold a lot of weight and is quite long, most people agreed that it’s too cramped to comfortably seat two people for long periods of time. If you are looking for an inflatable tandem kayak with more room, you should upgrade to the SE-370 version of the same kayak.
Many people were amazed by how tough and strong this kayak was.
Many reviewers who have owned the kayak for 5 years or more have said they are just as satisfied as the day they bought it. This kayak can drift through Class III rapids effortlessly and can also maintain its course in shallow water. It’s a great deal all-around, especially for its low price.
In addition to its excellent three-year warranty and responsive customer service, Sea Eagle’s gear is also very well-made, leaving customers satisfied even in the rare case that something goes wrong.
People tended to say that the only negative about this kayak is that it gets blown around in strong winds or currents. Since it is a lightweight, inflatable kayak, it is not surprising that it would be easy to transport.
Many people say that you can paddle stronger to overcome this problem, but it is worth noting that this may be difficult in windy conditions.
Oru Kayak Beach LT
The Oru Kayak Beach LT is a kayak that is good for recreation and fishing. The Beach LT has a very stable cockpit and is ideal for beginners and families. This bag is perfect for carrying everything you need for a day trip or to the beach. It is large enough to fit one adult and one child.
This kayak folds down to a size of just 12 x 33 x 29 inches, and unlike inflatable kayaks, it doesn’t need a pump. The weight of this object is only 28 pounds, and it has backpack-style straps to make it easy to transport.
Polypropylene is a durable material that is treated with UV protection to last for up to 10 years. It is rated to withstand up to 20,000 folds, so you can be confident in its durability.
The Oru Kayak Beach LT is a great choice for a family outing or a trip to the beach. This bike is perfect for someone looking for an easy-to-ride bike that is also stable and can accommodate a child. Oru’s website says that the kayak can be put together in just three minutes.
Although experienced kayakers might be expecting something different, they may be disappointed by the kayak’s lack of speed and maneuverability.
Apollo Solo Red
Our pick for the best lightweight kayak is the Apollo Solo because of its low weight, modular design, and range of uses.
The Solo Red kayak is split into two sections, each section weighing approximately 20 pounds and measuring 55 inches in length. This makes it very easy to store and transport the kayak. If you have a kayak that can be disassembled, you won’t need a trolley or car rack to transport it. You’ll be able to fit it in your back seat.
Point 65’s Snap-Tap system allows the Apollo to be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily, making it a great choice for kayakers who want to be able to put their kayak together quickly once they reach their destination.
With the modular construction of the Apollo, it is able to easily turn into a tandem kayak with the addition of a centerpiece that extends. Now you can go out on the water with a friend without needing to spend a lot of money on another kayak.
Apollo’s sit-on design makes it easy to get on and off the board, whether you’re on land or in the water. It is a maneuverable craft, but its wide frame and lack of a steering system do reduce its top speed and tracking ability.
If you want a kayak that is easy to carry and store, then the Apollo Solo is the one you want. This device is small and light enough to be transported in the back of most cars and by one person. The Apollo Solo is big enough to accommodate even the smallest paddlers.
This bike’s ability to be converted into a tandem is just a great extra feature.
Buying Guide – Factors to Consider
Construction Materials
Most kayaks have a hull made of polyethylene plastic or composite materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or ABS. Fiberglass and carbon fiber boats are usually stiffer, which gives them better performance.
They also don’t warp or develop deep scratches over time. Plastic boats are not as good as composite kayaks because they are heavier and not as stiff or responsive. However, they are less likely to be damaged if they hit rocks or are dropped.
In general, kayaks have one of two hull designs. Rougher water kayaks have a V-shaped hull to help them move through the water more easily. Flatwater kayaks have a rounded hull, which is not as good for cutting through waves, but is better for kayaking through calm rivers, coastal flat waters, and lakes.
Folding Kayaks
The two main types of folding kayaks are those with an inflatable outer skin supported by solid inner ribs, and those that are made of a flexible material that folds against itself to become a rigid outer hull.
There is no one design that is better than the other, but some kayaks may have features that make them a better fit for you.
Puncture Resistance
There is a risk of puncturing inflatable kayaks, but this is uncommon unless the kayak is used in conditions that are not recommended. Each of the inflatable kayaks examined have an outer shell with three layers to ensure protection from punctures.
Comfort
When purchasing a kayak, comfort should be a key factor in your decision. It not only allows you to stay out on the water longer, but also makes it easier to control your kayak. If you want a kayak that is comfortable, look for one that you can adjust to fit your body.
This includes features like an adjustable seat, thigh braces, and foot plates.
Storage
It is important for your kayak to have the right amount of storage space. Changing the subject to storage, if you’re planning on spending a few days out on the water, you’re going to need enough space to store all the gear you’ll need to make sure it’s a safe and comfortable experience.
Most kayaks that are larger in size have fore and aft hatches in order to store gear. Many of these kayaks will also come with bungee cords on the outside for extra storage space.
Rocker
A kayak’s rocker is a measure of how much the front and back of the kayak rise off the water. This kayak is more maneuverable, but slower because the rocker is higher.
Edging
The act of tilting a kayak so that one side is out of the water is called edging. The more water friction there is on one side of the kayak, the faster it will turn.
Tracking
Tracking is a way of measuring how well a kayak will stay in a straight line when it is being paddled.
Chine
A chine is a sharp change in angle in the cross-section of the hull in kayaking. The term “hard chine” indicates a more sharp and less rounded angle, whereas a “soft chine” would be more rounded, but would still involve the meeting of two distinct planes.
Stability
This can be determined by how wide the kayak is, how high the sides are, and how much weight is evenly distributed throughout the kayak. The initial stability of a kayak is how stable or unstable it is when you first get into it, which can be determined by the width, height of the sides, and distribution of weight throughout the kayak.
How stable the kayak feels when it is put onto the edge is the kayak’s secondary stability.
Skeg
A skeg is a fixed rudder that is designed to allow a kayak to track straight, even when it is not moving into the wind.
