Eleven feet is the perfect size for a kayak.
It’s right in the middle: not too long and not too short.
There are several benefits of a long kayak, including the ability to hold two people (on tandem 11-foot kayaks) and increased speed, but without the difficulty that comes with navigating a much longer kayak, such as a 15-foot one.
Today, I will be going over the best 11-foot kayaks on the market. If you’re looking to buy one, read it to the end. Whether you want an inflatable kayak, tandem kayak, pedal drive kayak, or fishing kayak, there’s something for you.
Let’s get into the full list!
Quick Summary
The best 11-foot kayaks include the:
- Perception Hangtime 11.
- Reel Yaks 11.
- Pelican iESCAPE 110.
- Goplus Inflatable Kayak.
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110.
- FunWater Inflatable Kayak.
Whether you want an inflatable kayak, tandem kayak, pedal drive kayak, or fishing kayak, there’s something for you, so let’s get into the full list!
Best 11 Foot Kayaks
1. Perception Hangtime 11 Kayak
The reclining seat and adjustable headrest are truly what make this kayak so unique.
Not only that, though, but there is a rear lounging area/seat where you can relax or even meditate. Make sure to get a cooler to store some beer so you can chill out.
Don’t worry; there are a whopping five drink holders on this kayak, which is quite unusual. The idea was to make your drink as accessible as possible from any position; there are two drink holders in the rear and three in front of the seat.
I really like the style of this kayak, especially its color schemes, which include Funkadelic, Déjà vu, Dapper, and Sunset. Not only will you feel comfortable while paddling this kayak, but you will feel stylish as well.
For storage, there is an area behind the seat where you can tie items down with bungee cords.
If you want maximum comfort, make sure to get a comfortable life jacket as well. A life jacket is absolutely a must, and it doesn’t have to feel restricting, as there are plenty of comfortable ones available for purchase.
As this kayak is designed for comfort, it’s best for calm, gentle waterways, including lakes and rivers. It’s by no means a whitewater kayak.
2. Reel Yaks 11 ft Fishing Kayak
This 11-foot fishing kayak from Reel Yaks features a pedal drive. A fishing kayak with pedals can be a great choice for anglers who find themselves struggling to balance the tasks of paddling and catching fish.
This kayak is truly designed with fishing as a main goal. The pedals on the drive have adjustable straps, which allow you to adjust them to the size of your feet.
The pedal drive uses two-piece cam locks to lock into place, which holds up well in salt water. Unlike spring locks, which may get rusted, these locks increase the longevity of your pedal drive and kayak overall.
These cam locks are compatible with many third-party pedal drives as well, including some Hobie Mirage drives.
In addition to the fin pedal drive, which is lightweight (weighing only 11 pounds), the design is optimal for fishing as well.
The W-shaped hull provides extra stability for fishing, allowing you to stand up while hauling in those big fish. The hull shape is not the only thing improving stability, as there are also anti-slip pads on the floor, ensuring you don’t slip when the floor is wet.
If you want to sit down, you can enjoy the stadium-style chair, which can be leaned back and adjusted on rails, depending on how long your legs are, so you can use the pedal drive with comfort.
In the front and back of your seat, there are hatches with waterproof nylon bags. These help keep your equipment nice and dry.
There are four rails for your accessories and six fishing rod holders. From bottle holders to tackle box holders, this kayak offers it all.
There is also a hole for your fish finder as well as a mount for your camera, so you can document your adventures.
It’s pretty easy to maneuver and turn this kayak, with a rudder that is 4.75 inches wide. This allows for tight turns, which is essential in narrow fishing creeks and waterways.
Adjusting the rudder is easy due to the inline rudder cabling that goes down the center of the rudder. Just use the handle available from the cockpit to raise or lower the rudder as needed.
While it has a load capacity of 500 pounds, which is more than enough for all of your gear, the kayak itself is lightweight. It weighs only 62 pounds, and it has four carry handles to make transportation easier.
The kayak can be stored on its side to maximize space, and you can also remove the pedal drive and store it under your car seat.
3. Pelican iESCAPE 110
The Pelican iESCAPE 110 is both an inflatable kayak and a tandem kayak, which means it can carry up to two people. However, it does feature a convertible seating system, which means that you can convert it into a single-person kayak as well.
A lot of people think that inflatable kayaks are not safe, but that is far from the truth. Inflatable kayaks are extremely safe.
For example, this inflatable kayak has three Safetech chambers, which are protected by durable materials that are difficult to puncture. Not only that, but since there are three air chambers, you will stay afloat even if one air chamber happens to get punctured (which is not likely).
Additionally, the Pressure Relief Valve system ensures that the kayak doesn’t burst due to excessive pressure. If excessive pressure is detected for any reason, it will let out some air.
Of course, you will need a pump to inflate an inflatable kayak, and this one comes with a pump included. It also comes with a transport bag in which you can carry the kayak once deflated; ease of transport and minimal storage space are some top benefits of inflatable kayaks.
The kayak also comes with a removable tracking fin, which helps keep the kayak going in the direction you want it to go. Moreover, it comes with a repair kit, which you can use to repair the kayak if it gets damaged due to excessive wear and tear.
4. Clear Transparent 2 Person 11 ft Kayak
A transparent kayak might seem like a novelty, but a lot of people are opting for transparent kayaks these days. There’s nothing better than seeing the beautiful blue water under your feet while kayaking; it’s truly a surreal experience, as you can even get to see fish!
This isn’t just a standard transparent kayak, though, as it comes with LED lights to spice things up.
It’s a tandem kayak as well, which means it’s great for trips with your partner or friend.
The transparent kayak is made of anti-scratch material, helping ensure longevity, and it comes with two transparent paddles as well. It weighs around 53 pounds, so it’s pretty light, but it has a load capacity of around 440 pounds, which should be enough for two people and some basic gear.
5. Goplus Inflatable Kayak for 1 Person
This Goplus inflatable kayak has a beautiful blue and white design (it’s also available in green and white). The colors help improve visibility, which can help your buddies find you if you get lost or ensure you get prompt assistance if you need it.
Made of durable PVC material, this kayak is resistant to punctures, abrasions, and other common forms of damage. It has a large, comfortable seating area with a place to rest your feet, although the seat is detachable.
The spring-loaded valve allows for quick inflation, and a manual hand pump comes included. A traveling bag in which you can transport the kayak when deflated, as well as a repair kit that contains things such as repair glue, also come in the package.
When inflated, you can easily take the kayak from point A to point B with the helpful carry handles. It weighs just 30 pounds, so it’s not difficult to carry at all.
Furthermore, it has a useful four-piece paddle, which you can take apart and use as an oar as well. Steel D-rings and bungee cords are available to help you tie down your gear, allowing you to use this kayak for fishing, while the removable fin helps with tracking.
6. SOLSTICE Inflatable Kayak Boat Series for Adults & Kids
This inflatable kayak has two seats and is great for people of all ages, as well as kayak trips of all purposes. Whether you want to go on a recreational kayak trip or fishing, it’s a solid choice.
You can convert it from a tandem kayak to a solo kayak as needed.
It comes in five colors, including three different shades of blue. The 1000 Denier reinforced fabric is resistant to punctures and will keep you safe; there are three air chambers for added safety.
The bucket-style seats are padded for extra comfort.
With a weight of just 40 pounds, it’s easy to transport this inflatable kayak. The two grab handles ensure you can carry it with ease when inflated, and it comes with a cute bag you can put it in when deflated.
There are storage bungees for tying down gear and a total of 22 D-rings. Unlike many inflatable kayaks, it comes with drain valves to drain water that may accumulate in the kayak.
A pump is included, and the Boston-style pump valves allow for quick inflation and deflation. The removable skeg helps with tracking, and a repair kit is included.
7. HO Scout 11 Kayak Blue/Teal
If you’re looking for something inflatable but incredibly durable, try the HO Scout 11. It has a reinforced hull, steel, and side bladders for extra longevity.
It also features a rigid drop-stitch floor that doesn’t bend or fold. There are two storage areas, complete with bungee cords for tying down items, and there are carry handles on both ends to make transportation while it is inflated easier.
Furthermore, there is a storage pocket by the seat for small items.
The material it is made of is waterproof, which means it won’t get moldy or start smelling like other inflatable kayaks do. Still, you should leave it out to dry properly before leaving it in the bag for any extended period of time after taking it on a trip.
This inflatable kayak is great not just for recreational purposes but fishing as well due to the built-in fishing rod holders.
The package comes with a hand pump and a backpack for transporting it while deflated.
8. Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110 11 Foot Angler
For fishing, this Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 110 is a solid choice as well. It’s a sit on top kayak, with a cozy and adjustable Hero Seat with two different seating positions optimized for comfort.
Use the higher position for a better view of your surroundings, which can help you spot schools of fish.
The seat also dries pretty quickly, so it won’t be all wet and saggy if some water splashes on it.
It’s a pretty stable kayak overall, and it comes with everything you will need to fish. For example, there is a port where you can place a transducer, and there are rod holders for holding your fishing rods.
Gear tracks for your accessories are built in, while the cupholder helps you stay hydrated on those long days.
The large tank well in the rear is great for storing a cooler and other large items, but there are also hatches in front of the seat. These feature a watertight seal and PVC cargo bags to keep your gear nice and dry.
The rudder, complete with toe-controlled steering, helps keep your kayak on track.
While a bit pricey, keep in mind that everything is included, including the transducer and rudder system.
9. FunWater Inflatable Fishing Kayak
Finally, we have this FunWater kayak, at 11 feet long and 41 inches wide. Although it weighs less than 40 pounds, it’s strong enough to hold two people.
Not only does it have three air chambers for enhanced safety, but it also comes with three fins at the bottom to improve tracking and navigation.
It comes with pretty much all the accessories you will need, including a bag for transport, two removable and very comfortable seats, two paddles, and a pump with which to inflate the kayak.
Since it’s a foot pump and not a hand pump, it’s a lot easier to use, and it will use up less energy.
There is a small storage area in the back with bungee cords for tying things down, as well as a handle for carrying the kayak.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are all sorts of 11-foot kayaks.
Some are made of a plastic hard shell while others are inflatable; both solo and tandem kayaks are available. Some are specifically designed for fishing.
Eleven-foot kayaks are perfect for intermediate and advanced kayakers and even beginners, so regardless of which of the above kayaks you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a great time.
