8ft kayaks. The name of these boats may be deceiving; they are not actually 8 feet long! They are, however, a great option for those who want to take advantage of the best features and benefits that kayaking has to offer without the hassle and expense of purchasing a full-sized model. The article goes on to discuss different models available in this size range.
What Length Of Kayak Do I Need?
Length is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a kayak. You need enough length for stability and this varies depending on your skill level, weight, type of boat you are looking for (inflatable or sit-on-top), as well as what kind of use it will get.
The key is to choose a kayak that balances performance with your budget. This will ensure you are satisfied with the purchase and not feeling like you over-invested in one type of boat when another would have worked fine, too.
In general, shorter kayaks are more maneuverable and easier to control than longer ones. This is great for beginners or those who are looking for a leisurely paddle on calm waters. If you want to fish or explore areas with rapids and obstacles, you will need a boat that can handle choppy conditions and has more stability.
For this reason, many people recommend sit-on-top kayaks for beginner paddlers as they provide more stability and are easy to get in and out of. They also have a wide variety of uses – from fishing to bird watching – making them an excellent option for anyone just starting out.
What are 8ft kayaks used for?
The smaller size of these kayaks makes them perfect for shorter trips and those who want to avoid the extra weight and bulk of a larger model. They can also be easier to store, transport, and set-up than their larger counterparts.
That said, they still offer plenty of features and can be used for a variety of activities, including:
- Paddling on calm waters
- Fishing in rivers or streams
- Exploring areas with rapids and obstacles
- Bird watching
- Photography
8ft kayaks reviewed
The Emotion Spitfire Sit on Top Kayak is a great entry level kayak that provides all of the features and benefits you would want in an eight-foot boat. It has adjustable seats, three storage areas (one at front and two side), and comes with a paddle. The polyethylene model weighs around 50 lbs, making it easy to transport either on your own or on top of your car for longer trips.
It also includes some unique fishing features including rod holders as well as a fish finder mount so you can stay up to date while out exploring new waterways! This kayak is backed by one year of warranty protection from the manufacturer if anything should go wrong during use.
The Emotion Spitfire is an eight-foot kayak that weighs around 50 pounds. It has rod holders and a fish finder mount, as well as adjustable seats with three storage areas (one at the front and two on the side). The polyethylene model provides all of the features you would want in an entry level boat, comes with a paddle, and includes one year of warranty protection from the manufacturer. There are also reviews available for this product to give others insight into what it’s like to use before they buy!
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Adjustable seats for comfort
- Three storage areas for gear
- Fish finder mount included
- May be too lightweight for some users
The Ocean Kayak eight-foot Yak Board Sit On Top is a great choice for those looking for an easy to use and transport kayak. This model is made of durable polyethylene plastic and can hold up to 275 pounds, making it a good option for larger individuals or those who want to bring along more gear with them on their trips. It also has built in handles on either side as well as a cup holder, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go!
At just 36 lbs, the Ocean Kayak Yak Board is incredibly lightweight and easy to transport – perfect if you don’t have a lot of space at home or need something that’s simple to move. It’s also extremely stable, which makes it a good choice for beginners who are still getting used to the kayaking experience.
However, some users complain that the included seat is uncomfortable and limits their movement while on this board. Others also feel like they sink too low in the water when riding this model – so if you’re looking for something with more buoyancy it might be worth considering other options on our list of eight-foot kayaks .
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
- Included seat is uncomfortable and limits movement during use.
The KL Industries Sun Dolphin Bali is a great option for those who want to enjoy the water on their own or with one other person. It’s an affordable kayak that comes in at just five feet long, but can still hold up to 250 pounds of weight – making it suitable for many different paddlers.
This model also includes two seats and adjustable foot braces, allowing you to customize your experience on the water (or share things equally between riders). You’ll be able to store all your gear easily thanks to this boat’s molded-in storage compartment and bow hatch. The hull material does make this kayak more vulnerable than some others on this list; if you do get any chips or scratches while out on the water it will be more noticeable.
The Sun Dolphin Bali is also easy to transport; this kayak weighs just 42 pounds and can fit onto most vehicles without much difficulty. You’ll need a little extra help getting it up on top of your car, but you won’t have any issues taking down steep ramps or rocky landings if necessary.
- Low cost
- Great for one or two people
- Adjustable foot braces and seats
- Can be damaged more easily than other kayaks on this list
- Weighs 42 pounds
The Lifetime Monterey Kayak is a more durable option if you’re looking for something that can take some wear and tear out on the water. The kayak itself weighs just 34 pounds, but it’s capable of holding up to 500 pounds of weight – making it suitable for many different paddlers or even multiple people at once (just make sure your total combined weight doesn’t go over 500 lbs).
This model also includes adjustable foot braces and seats; like the previous boat this allows you to customize your experience each time you hit the water. This design does include one drawback though; there isn’t any storage space included with this kayak. You can purchase small bags that attach easily onto standard fishing poles, but that’s about it.
One other feature to mention is the Lifetime Monterey Kayak’s impressive stability – even if you find yourself flipping this kayak back upright, it will be easy for you to get back in and continue on your way.
- Durable design can take a beating out on the water
- Adjustable foot braces and seats make for a customized experience
- Stable even when flipped over
- No storage space included
- Only suitable for one person at a time
The Sun Dolphin Bali kayak is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight kayak. This model only weighs 23 pounds but can hold up to 250 pounds of weight – making it perfect for both beginner and experienced paddlers alike.
One feature that makes the Sun Dolphin Bali Kayak stand out from others in its class is the inclusion of a dry storage area. This allows you to store your belongings securely within the kayak itself, rather than having them floating around on top or taking up space inside the boat.
This particular model also comes with adjustable foot braces and seats, as well as a water bottle holder – ensuring that you have everything you need while out on the water. The Sun Dolphin Bali kayak is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight kayak. This model only weighs 23 pounds but can hold up to 250 pounds of weight – making it perfect for both beginner and experienced paddlers alike.
One feature that makes the Sun Dolphin Bali Kayak stand out from others in its class is the inclusion of a dry storage area. This allows you to store your belongings securely within the kayak itself, rather than having them floating around on top or taking up space inside the boat.
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Dry storage area
- Adjustable foot braces and seats
- Water bottle holder
- None noted
The Emotion Spitfire is a recreational kayak that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. This model comes in two different sizes – the Spitfire 80 and the Spitfire 90 – so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Both versions of the Emotion Spitfire are made with durable polyethylene plastic, making them tough enough to withstand even the roughest conditions. They also have a molded-in seat and cockpit area, as well as adjustable foot braces, which provide added comfort and support while you’re paddling.
The Emotion Spitfire kayaks also feature a unique “V” shaped hull that allows them to glide through the water effortlessly – making them suitable for both calm waters and choppier conditions.
The Spitfire 80 is seven feet, eight inches long – perfect for paddlers of all sizes who want more leg room without having to spend a lot of money on an advanced model kayak that might end up being too big or bulky. The Spitfire 90 measures nine feet in length, making it ideal for taller people who are looking for some extra space while they’re out on the water.
- Affordable and easy to transport
- Durable plastic construction that’s tough enough for rugged conditions
- V shaped hull allows the kayaks to glide easily through the water, making them suitable for both calm waters as well as choppier conditions.
- Life jackets aren’t included with the purchase of either model – so be sure to buy your own before taking one out onto open water!
How To Choose The Best 8ft kayak: A Buyer’s Guide
There are multiple types of kayaks that fall into this length range. Each type is designed for different activities and in some cases, they may not be suitable to the activity you want them for. They include:
- Recreational (also known as ‘sit-on-top’)
These sit on top of the water instead of inside it like other models which makes them much easier to transport when deflated or folded up; however, there’s no storage space so don’t expect to take camping gear with you when out paddling! These do well in calm conditions but can tip over if caught by a wave unexpectedly due to their open design; also, since they’re made from plastic PVC rather than fiberglass composite, they’re not as durable
- Touring
These are designed for long-distance paddling and typically have more storage space onboard than recreational kayaks; they’re also a bit heavier but this means they track (move in a straight line) better through the water, making them ideal for those who want to cover distance
- Sit-in
These kayaks are designed to sit inside the water with a closed hull, making them more suitable for rougher conditions and they offer a bit more protection from spray when paddling in choppy waters
- Fishing
These kayaks have been adapted so that anglers can easily fish from them; many of these models also feature pre-installed fishing equipment holders or even rod holders built into their design.
Before purchasing an eight-foot kayak, there are a number of things that you should consider:
When looking for your first or next boat, make sure to look at the overall price. You’ll want to get the best value for your money while still finding a product that meets all of your needs. This is especially important if this will be your first purchase as you may not know what type of features and benefits you need in order to have a successful boating experience.
Different materials weigh differently and offer different levels of durability. For example, polyethylene boats tend to be more durable than fiberglass models but cost slightly more due to their weight. Fiberglass boats provide better glide and are often more aesthetically pleasing, but they require more upkeep.
Be sure to consider how you will store and transport your kayak before making a purchase. Some models include storage features such as hatches while others must be transported on a roof rack or trailer.
Kayaks come in a variety of different capacities, ranging from one person to three people plus gear. Consider who will be using the kayak and what type of activities you plan on doing with it before settling on a specific capacity model.
Some eight-foot kayaks include extra features such as rod holders, paddle clips, and even fishing ladders that can make your experience on the water much more enjoyable. Be sure to think about what features you would find useful and prioritize those when looking at different models.
Not all kayaks are created equal, and some brands are known for producing higher quality products than others. Do your research on the different brands before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a boat that will last.
Benefits of 8ft kayaks
There are many benefits to owning an eight-foot kayak. They are the perfect size for a variety of paddlers and can be used in a number of different ways. Here are some key reasons why you might want to consider an eight-foot kayak:
- Easy to transport and store
Eight-foot kayaks are shorter than most, making them easier to transport and store. This is especially beneficial if you don’t have a lot of space at home or if you need to take your kayak on long trips.
- Versatile
An eight-foot kayak can be used for both recreational and fishing purposes. They provide enough stability for beginners while still being able to carry enough gear for the more experienced kayaker.
- Lightweight
Eight-foot kayaks are lighter than longer models, making them easier to transport and store. This is great if you live in an apartment or don’t have a car of your own to take your boat on long trips.
- Great entry level model
An eight-foot kayak makes a fantastic first boating purchase due to its price point and ease of use. They are also fun for families looking at adding canoeing or paddling into their summer adventures.
Tips for using 8ft kayaks
- If you are a beginner, it is best to start with an inflatable kayak. They are often easier to maneuver and more forgiving.
- Make sure that the kayak has enough storage space for your gear.
- Consider the weight capacity of the kayak before purchasing. It needs to be able to hold your weight plus any gear you will be taking with you.
- If you plan on fishing or camping from your kayak, make sure that it has the appropriate features for those activities.
- Always read the reviews before purchasing any product. The reviews can give you a good idea of what others thought about the kayak and whether it would be a good fit for your needs.The following are some general tips for using an
- Always wear a life jacket when kayaking. It is the best way to ensure your safety on the water.
- Make sure you know how to swim before getting into a kayak.
- If you are kayaking in choppy waters, try to stay close to shore. It is easier to get back in control of the kayak if it starts to drift away from you.
- When entering or exiting a kayak, always use caution and be aware of your surroundings. There have been cases where people have fallen out of kayaks and drowned because they were not paying attention.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
A quick review of the benefits and considerations for 8ft kayaks will help you decide which type is best for your needs. If you’ve read this and are still unsure, we can offer assistance with choosing a kayak that meets your individual specifications as well as provide troubleshooting tips to make sure it fits comfortably on top of your car or in your garage.