My 10 Best Kayaks for Dogs (Reviews And Buying Guide)

MY BEST KAYAKS FOR DOGS COMPARISON:

MY BEST KAYAKS FOR DOGS REVIEWS:

FEELFREE LURE II OVERDRIVE

• Length: 14ft. 2in
• Width: 36 in
• Type: Rigid – Sit-on-top 
• Kayak weight: 114 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 475 lb
• Features: Removable sonar and electric sonar pod – Patented Gravity Seats – Patented Wheel in the Keel – Sturdy molded-in handles for easy transport – Rear overdrive Pedal System – Two Fishing Rod Holders – Built-in Bow, Stern and Side Carry Handles – Dry storage – Adjustable seat backrest
• Pros: Stable for standup fishing – The hull allows the boat to roll and pitch over waves – Relatively lightweight – Overdrive, Motordrive, and rudder ready – Platform keeps your feet firmly planting while standing
• Cons: High price – Limited storage space

SEA EAGLE 330

• Length: 11.2 ft
• Width: 34 inches
• Type:  Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 26lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 500 lbs
• Features: 2-person, Inflatable spray skirts, 1-way inflation/deflation valves, 2 skegs at the bottom for speed and tracking, Includes great accessories like a repair kit, pump and carry bag
• Pros:  Tracks well, built for speed, suitable for larger dogs, tons of accessories, quick inflation/deflation
• Cons: Can be difficult to kayak with 2 people

SEA EAGLE 370

• Length: 12.5 ft
• Width: 34 in
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 26 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 650 lbs
• Features: Sun & saltwater resistant hull material – 2 skegs on the bottom –
• Bow & Stern Grab Line – Aluminum shaft –
• Pros: Suitable for up to Class III whitewater – Easy storage and transport – Easy to inflate – Lots of room – Made to be very durable, even with dogs – Maneuverable 
• Decent Tracking
• Cons: One user declared that the seats back are useless – Pricey – No D-rings to secure gears

ADVANCED ELEMENTS ADVANCEDFRAME

• Length: 15 ft
• Width: 32 in
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 52 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 550 lbs
• Features: Aluminum bow increasing the tracking performance – Generous storage space – 3 layer polyester with 2 PVC coating offers superb puncture resistance – 
• Pros: Valves compatible with most pumps – Easy switch from tandem to solo – Easy transport and storage – Stable and easy to launch – Roomy for two people – Tracks pretty well
• Cons: Requires inflation time – Needs several hours to thoroughly dry may be an ordeal for some – Putting into the bag is challenging but doable

AQUAGLIDE CHINOOK 120

• Length: 12 ft
• Width: 37 in
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 29 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 550 lbs
• Features: HexShell 600-denier ripstop polyester makes it puncture resistance – Breathable high backrests – Paddle holders keep your paddles in place when not in use – Front and rear bungee storage areas
• Pros: Plenty of room for a dog and gear – Easy storage in a closet or a trunk – Durable – good job of tracking, even with just one fin
• Cons: One user said it is pain to inflate, but an electric pump will speed up the process – Storage requires it to be dry – 

AQUAGLIDE CHINOOK 100

• Length: 12 ft
• Width: 37 in
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 29 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 550
• Features: HexShell 600-denier ripstop polyester – Removable floor make it easy to clean – Storage pocket on the seat – Paddle holders to secure it when not in use –  Front and rear bungee storage areas –
• Pros: Simple setup – Easy storage and transport – Puncture resistance – Seat installs easily – Sturdy – Light enough to be carried with ease – Durable – Affordable price
• Cons: Seat backs are very low for some paddlers when another one find them highly comfortable 

NRS STAR OUTLAW II

• Length: 12’2″
• Width: 38″
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 41 lbs.
• Kayak maximum capacity: 400 lbs.
• Features: PVC-coated polyester – Drop-stitch floor insert – 16″ rocker – Bow and stern handles for easy carrying – 
• Pros: Very stable with its 38″ width – Climb over waves with it rocker – Compact, and light – Tracks very well – Abrasion resistance – Easy storage and transportation – Includes a repair kit – 2-year at least warranty
• Cons: Can be pricey for some – Needs to be dry before storage

AIRE TRIBUTARY TOMCAT

• Length: 12′ 6″
• Width: 38.5″
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight:44 lbs.
• Kayak maximum capacity: 500 lbs.
• Features: One-way Summit II air valves – Adjustable seats – Cargo loops to tie in gear – Bow/stern carry handles – Includes a repair kit 
• Pros: Can easily handle class III-IV water – Stay rigidly inflated even after 6 years of use – 
• Cons: Just 1-year of manufacturer warranty – May be pricey for some 

OCEAN KAYAK MALIBU 2XL ANGLER

• Length: 13ft. 4in.
• Width: 34 in.
• Type: Rigid
• Kayak weight: 74 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 450-500lbs.
• Features: 2-rod holders – 4 Scotty flush mounts – Center hatch – Multiple accessory eyelets – Drain holes – Side carry handles – Overlapping footwells
• Pros: Center seat makes paddling efficient when you are solo – Very stable – Comfortable – Spacious – Tracks well – Handles wakes and rough water very well – Easy to maneuver
• Cons: Requires enough room for transport and stage – A bit heavy for a single anglers to load and launch – Stepped hull needs special cart for ground transport

OCEAN KAYAK MALIBU 2XL TANDEM

• Length: 13ft. 4in.
• Width: 34 in.
• Type: Rigid Sit-on
• Kayak weight:68 lbs.
• Kayak maximum capacity: 450-500 lbs.
• Features: Overlapping footwells – Side carrying handles – Front and rear bungee – Paddle holders –
• Pros: Does very well with wakes – Performs well against the wind – Glides through shallow water – Very stable even for a beginner – Tracks well – Very spacious – Maintain speed relatively well – Affordable price – Very versatile kayak – Hull and deck lifetime limited warranty
• Cons: One user asked for more seat padding – Slow moving-and-turning – Well placed middle seat – One user declared that the paddle holders are a little trickery to use if your hands are wet

BOTE DEUS AERO

• Length: 11 ft
• Width: 33 in
• Type: Inflatable Sit-on
• Kayak weight: 41 lb
• Kayak maximum capacity: 300 lbs
• Features: Military-grade PVC – 10-inch removable center fin – BVA multitextured deck pad – Self-draining through the stern – Removable foot bar – MOLLE system loops – A grab handle with comfortable grip – Bungee storage straps – Tie-down straps for a small cooler – Bow beam running halfway down the hull
• Pros: Convenient storage and transport – Removable seat allows to convert it to a SUP – Very durable – Doesn’t look like an inflatable kayak – Very stable even with a bit of chop – Comes with a solid hand pump with built-in gauge – Versatile
• Cons: Hand pumping is a bit of an arm workout – One user said he struggled with the wind on this kayak

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR KAYAK FOR DOGS

TYPE

There are two types of kayaks available today. Each of them comes with their advantages and disadvantages as well.  Choosing what to go for will depend on your specific needs.

• SIT-IN-KAYAK:

These types of kayaks come with plenty of benefits and are usually the best choice for beginners and calm and well-trained dogs. Sit in kayaks also comes in a variety of models ranging from touring, recreational and also whitewater models

One of the biggest reasons why this option is quite popular is because of the paddling efficiency they come with. They are narrow and super fast and you can reach the farther destinations within a very short time. Additionally, if you are looking at achieving great control of your kayak, a sit-in kayak is the best. Since you are body comes in direct contact with your body, you can perform maneuvers to prevent you from capsizing.

• SIT ON TOP:

These are the best kayaks for warmer weather kayaking trips with your dog. They are also suitable if you are thinking of doing some little fishing in the lake. Sit On top kayaks come with a number of benefits. First, it is really easy to get in and out when you are on the water. They also come equipped with self-bailing scupper holes that can drain excess water automatically.

If you have a dog that is more prone to jumping in the water and likely to knock you off balance, a sit on top kayak is exactly what you should be going for next

CATEGORY

Sit in and sit on top kayak can further be subdivided into two categories. They can be inflatable or solid. You can choose what to go for here depending on what you want and your specific needs. To give you a clear insight into what all is about, let’s take a quick look at each category.

• INFLATABLE:

They are less solid and are suited for people with limited space. If you can get a quality inflatable, you can actually bring your dog along. They come made from tough materials and they can easily withstand puncturing. One of the best things about inflatable is that they are inflatable. You can fill in with the air when you want to use it or even deflated when not in use. It is highly portable.

• SOLID:

Compared to inflatable kayaks, solid kayaks rank the best choice if you want to bring your dog along. They come with solid construction and are more durable. These kayaks can without any problem withstand more abuse far much better than their inflatable counterparts.

FEATURES TO LOOK OUT FOR

DURABILITY:

After spending a great amount of money on your kayak, the last thing you want is the boat developing some issues. For this reason, you need to consider the amount of durability that a particular boat comes with before you pay for. Ideally, you need a boat that comes equipped with a great dog seat; that is made from high-density polyethylene or inflatable PVC materials. These two materials are equipped to handle the weight and claws of your dog.

WEIGHT LIMIT:

Kayaks come with weight limits. So when buying a kayak, take your dog’s weight into account. At no time should your weight, your dog’s weight and gear should exceed the manufacture’s weight limit specification.

SAFETY: 

During the selection process, think about the bodies of water that you and your dog will be kayaking on. Ideally, it will be in the best interest of both of you to go for a boat that is suited for that particular situation. For example, if you know things can get really rough, an inflatable kayak may not be the best shot. A solid kayak would do well.

SIZE:

The size of your dog will also dictate the type of kayak to buy. If you have a very larger dog, a kayak that can accommodate two people without any problem will make a lot of sense.

STORAGE:

You also need to consider the amount of storage space you are getting from that boat. When kayaking with your dog, obviously, you would bring along a lot of things including food, snacks, camera and treats among others. For that, you need generous storage space to stash all the things. In this case, a kayak that offers a number of storage options will be more practical.

COMFORT: 

When kayaking, especially long-distance kayaking, the amount of comfort you are getting should be your highest priority. Some of the things you might want to be on the lookout for include well-padded seats, room cockpit where your dog can move freely among other things. In the end, really, you want to be very comfortable at all times.

Updated on December 6, 2021 by Ben