What is the best kayak available for the lowest price?

I'm in the market for a kayak, my first. My friend and I are buying together and will go out together, but we are interested in 2 decent and comfortable kayaks that we can throw in the truck and go for the day. Weight capacity must be in the high 200s and has to have enough leg room for someone that is 6'3" Any suggestions? We are college students and need something that we could get the whole package for mid-500 or below 400. Thanks!What is the best kayak available for the lowest price?
I would have to say the best Kayak for the money, is a Sea Eagle.I have 3 of them and they are great. I have one for my wife, one for my kids and mine. I use mine every weekend to go fishing.I love them! Good luck!What is the best kayak available for the lowest price?
Check out the kayak packages from www.Kayak.net. This is where I bought my kayak. They offer a beginner package (kayak, paddle, %26amp; life jacket) for around $500.



They have some great video reviews of their kayaks, this really helped me with my purchase.What is the best kayak available for the lowest price?
Gotta go to S. C for that!
The only way you are going to get a decent set of gear in that price range is to check Craigslist and buy a used boat. You don't specify what kind of water you are planning to paddle: lakes? coastal? creeks? flatwater? whitewater? leisurely floats? fishing? Do you care about speed and maneuverability or do you just plan to bob along for a couple of hours? Without knowing that stuff I can't recommend specific models. A lot of boats are just not going to fit someone of the size you describe, especially cheapo plastic boats from discount stores.



First, decide what you plan to use the boat for (there is no such thing as an "ideal" all purpose kayak.) Then check the Craigslist classifieds for kayaks for sale in your price range. Look up any model you see listed for sale at the boat reviews on http://www.paddling.net to get the specs for it and to read reviews on the performance. There are also used kayaks for sale listed on that site in the classifieds (though these will tend to be higher cost, higher performance boats.)



Then, be sure and "try on" any boat that you consider buying -- kayaks need to be fitted to your body proportions.



Don't forget to budget for a PFD and paddle. Don;t skimp on the paddle -- better a crappy boat with a good paddle than a better boat with a crappy paddle. This means avoid the $30 aluminum shaft paddle. You should pay at least $50 and closer to $100 for a paddle -- it's what you use to propel the kayak and a heavy and too-short "boat anchor" paddle will make paddling a drag instead of a pleasure.



Deals can be found. I got a used 16' Dagger Magellan rotomold plastic sea kayak from Craigslist a few years ago for $400 (it was $1200 new -- the owner threw in a neoprene sprayskirt too), found a decent 2-piece fiberglass paddle for half off at $60 and a nice MTI PFD from Sierra Trading Post for $40. At $500 total I've got a quality whole second boat set-up to loan a date or friend that I would not hesitate to take on any river, lake or ocean. If I had gone to a discount or general sporting goods shop to buy new, I could have only gotten a flimsy, bulky and slow "recreational" kayak (I call them "plastic bathtubs") with a clunky aluminum paddle and junky PFD for that $500.



A lot of people selling used boats this time of year -- it's far and away your best option.

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