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

MY BEST KAYAKS FOR DOGS COMPARISON:

MY BEST KAYAKS FOR DOGS REVIEWS:

OCEAN KAYAK SCRAMBLER 11

• Length: 11.6 ft
• Width: 29.5 inches
• Type: Sit on top
• Kayak weight: 47lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 350lbs
• Features: Tri-Form hull for stability, 4-way adjustable Comfort Plus seat for comfort, Molded-in side handles for easy carrying, Front and rear Bungee cords for storage
• Pros:  Incredibly stable, comfortable seats, great storage space
• Cons: Not designed for speed

 

SEVYLOR COLEMAN COLORADO KAYAK FOR DOGS

• Length: 10.9 ft
• Width: 39 inches
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 37lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 470lbs
• Features: Tough PVC construction for lake use, 1000D tarpaulin bottom alongside 840D nylon protect it from punctures, Numerous air chambers, Set rod holders for hands-free fishing, Paddle holders, Airtight guarantee
• Pros:  easy to inflate and deflate, stable, lightweight, rigid sides to keep your dry, very roomy, hands-free fishing
• Cons: Doesn’t track well

 

SEA EAGLE 330 INFLATABLE KAYAK

• 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

 

SUN DOLPHIN BALI SS 10-FOOT SIT ON TOP

• Length: 10 ft
• Width: 30 inches
• Type:  Sit-On-Top
• Kayak weight: 44 lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 395 lbs
• Features: Large cockpit for easy entry and exit, comfortable seating areas, Protective thigh pads, Adjustable foot braces, Equipped with a paddle holder, Cupholders
• Pros:  Tracks so well, Comfortable seating area, easy to access cockpit, stable, great storage options
• Cons: No side handles, not enough back support

 

PERCEPTION HI-LIFE KAYAK AND STANDUP PADDLE

• Length: 11 ft
• Width: 34 inches
• Type:  Solid sit on top
• Kayak weight: 55lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 280lbs
• Features: Stand up paddleboard for stability, Leakproof construction, Elevated seat with great backrest, Comfortable carry handles, Convenient drink holders
• Pros: Durable, comfortable, highly stable, safe
• Cons: A little heavier than most alternatives

 

LIFETIME KAYAK WITH PADDED BCAKRETS

• Length: 10ft
• Width: 36 inches
• Type:  Solid sit on top
• Kayak weight: 60lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 500 lbs
• Features: Roto-molded polyethylene, Two soft backrests for extra comfort, Includes a paddle, Molded front carry handle for easy transportation, High and dry seating to keep you dry
• Pros:  Tipping over made impossible, can be used as solo or tandem kayak, handle for easy carrying, includes a paddle
• Cons: Not built for speed

 

INTEX EXPLORER K2 KAYAK

• Length: 10 ft
• Width: 36 inches
• Type: Inflatable
• Kayak weight: 35lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 400 lbs
• Features: Deployable skeg for stability, Adjustable inflatable seats, Large cockpit and great backrest for extra comfort, Includes paddles
• Pros: easy to store, can withstand your dog’s claws and teeth, comfortable seats, stable
• Cons: You can get really wet, doesn’t hold so well in strong wind

 

AQUAGLIDE CHINOOK XP TANDEM

• Length: 12.8 ft
• Width: 36inches
• Type:  Tandem, Sit-In
• Kayak weight: 35.2lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 550lbs
• Features: Tough, 600D polyester material for durability, UV protected, Plenty of cockpit space, Threaded cockpit to drain water, Adjustable elastic straps to provide storage for your gear, Compact storage pack
• Pros: Tough material for enhanced durability, spacious cockpit, threaded cockpit to help drain water, comfortable seating system
• Cons: Doesn’t come with a pump. Limited storage

 

OCEAN KAYAK MALIBU TANDEM SIT ON TOP KAYAK

• Length: 12 ft
• Width: 34 inches
• Type:  Tandem Sit-On-Top
• Kayak weight: 57lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 425 lbs
• Features:  seating for two people, Molded footwell for riders of all heights, 4-way adjustable Comfort Plus seats, Includes a skid plate
• Pros:  Stable, can be used as a solo kayak, Comfortable seats, Handles for easy carrying
• Cons: Doesn’t come with a storage compartment

 

OLD TOWN CANOES & KAYAKS VAPOR 10

• Length: 10 ft
• Width: 28.5 inches
• Type:  Solo Sit-In
• Kayak weight: 47lbs
• Kayak maximum capacity: 325lbs
• Features: Single-use seating, Made from durable polyethylene, Adjustable comfortable seats, Equipped with knee/thigh pads for enhanced comfort, Built-in carry handles, Stern day well to provide easy access to your essentials
• Pros:  Well padded seats for extra comfort, larger cockpit for you and your dog
• Cons: drain plug location makes it quite useless, lacks storage

 

 

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.