If you are not worried about your budget, it makes sense to be aware of the most expensive kayaks on the market. Even if they are out of your budget, it does not hurt to dream from time to time.
To be honest, many beginners will not be able to tell the difference before they master techniques like sculling for support and trunk rotation. As you gain experience, however, there are huge differences between a high-end kayak and a budget-friendly model.
The other benefit of paying top dollar for a kayak is that it very well can be the last kayak you ever purchase. Cheaper kayaks are more likely to break or wear down from sun exposure more quickly than the most expensive kayaks.
For those of you that have a higher budget and are looking to buy a new kayak, we have compiled a list of 15 expensive kayaks from some of the best kayak brands in 2021.
We will review each kayak in detail to give you a better sense of what you will get when you agree to pay the kind of prices that come along with these kayaks.
Plus, we have included kayaks here that are meant for touring, whitewater, tandem paddling, kayak fishing, and recreational kayaking. So we hope that there is at least one expensive kayak here for everyone!
Photo by 66 North on Unsplash
Most Expensive Kayaks
- Brooklyn Kayak Company PK14 Tandem
- Old Town Sportsman 106
- Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120
- Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136
- Jackson Kayak Big Rig FD
- Jackson Kayak Coosa FD
- Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
- Hobie Mirage Compass Duo
- Hobie Mirage iTrek Fiesta
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal
- Oru Kayak Coast XT
- Advanced Elements AIRVOLUTION2â„¢
- Dagger Kayaks Stratos 14.5L
- AIRE Super Lynx
- Wilderness Systems Polaris 180T
Reviews of the Most Expensive Kayaks
1. Brooklyn Kayak Company PK14 Tandem
This is a tandem fishing kayak that is equipped with a pedal-drive system for hands-free propulsion. It is 14 feet long, weighs 95 pounds, and offers a maximum weight capacity of 670 pounds.
Both of the seats in this kayak are elevated for a better vantage point for fishing. There are a total of three flush-mounted fishing rod holders and there is a waterproof storage hatch at the bow of the kayak.
In the cockpit, each paddler will be able to enjoy adjustable footrests to find and maintain an ergonomic, powerful paddling position. The cockpit is also super flat underneath the seats because it is designed to accommodate standup kayak fishing as well as fishing from a seated position.
The rudder at the stern of the kayak is operated by a hand control that sits on the gunwale of the kayak to the left of the rear paddler. For extra storage, there is an open tankwell at the stern that is perfect if you have the right size dry bag for kayaking.
2. Old Town Sportsman 106
This is another fishing kayak, but this one is designed for a single paddler. It measures 10’6” long by 37” wide and it is designed to accommodate up to 404 pounds.
The kayak itself weighs 104 pounds and it comes with a Minn Kota trolling motor with 45 pounds of thrust. You will need to purchase a trolling motor battery separately, however, to power the Minn Kota motor on this kayak, which is center-mounted in the cockpit.
To operate the trolling motor, this kayak is equipped with a throttle that is very similar to what you would find on a motorized boat. The foot pedals also allow you to adjust the rudder so that you can steer without using your hands.
Because it is a fishing kayak, the Sportsman 106 is outfitted with a custom tackle box, three fishing rod holders, and accessory tracks for attaching your preferred items from your fishing accessories kit.
3. Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120
Stepping up to a slightly larger model, we find ourselves intrigued by the AutoPilot 120. The trolling motor on this kayak is designed for either a fresh or saltwater environment and it offers the same 45 pounds of thrust as the Sportsman 106.
This kayak measures 12 feet long but still boasts the same 37-inch width as the Sportsman 106. It also has a maximum weight capacity of 406 pounds and the kayak itself weighs a total of 128 pounds.
It has a removable center console that weighs 28 pounds by itself. That console is what holds the Minn Kota trolling motor on this kayak, but you will still need to purchase both a trolling motor and one of the best kayak paddles separately.
For experienced anglers, there are accessory tracks on the gunwales at the bow and stern of this kayak. There is also a watertight tackle box to the right of the seat that can hold either tackle or a small, handheld kayak GPS.
4. Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136
PC Old Town Canoe and Kayak
The largest version of the Sportsman AutoPilot measures 13’6” long and weighs a whopping 158 pounds. So you will probably want one of the best kayak carts, wheels, or trolleys to help you transport it.
The maximum weight capacity for this kayak is 427 pounds and it is also 37 inches wide like the shorter versions. That extra weight capacity makes this a better choice for larger paddlers.
You will still find it equipped with the 45-pound thrust Minn Kota trolling motor mounted in the center console of the kayak. If you want to just paddle without the motor, the entire console can be removed and it will reduce the total weight of the kayak by 24 pounds.
The seat can also be removed if you want to replace it with a kayak cooler and sit on top of that. Because of its extra length and large, flat cockpit, this kayak is also a great choice for stand-up kayak fishing.
5. Jackson Kayak Big Rig FD
PC Jackson Kayak
If you are concerned with the stability of some of the narrower fishing kayaks out there, the Big Rig FD from Jackson Kayak is one of the widest models you will find. It offers a 40-inch beam and measures 13’3” in length.
Weighing in at 145 pounds, this kayak offers a maximum weight capacity of 550 pounds. This kayak also features a front pedal drive system that allows for hands-free propulsion.
While you can find the classic rod holders behind the seat in this kayak, it is also equipped with oversized rod troughs on the gunwales. These allow you to lay or set down extra rods for easier access.
There are two closed and secured storage areas on this kayak. They are located in the bow and stern, respectively, and they both secure with easy-open latches.
This kayak also quickly and easily converts from a pedal-driven kayak to a paddle-driven kayak. You will just have to remove a few bolts and drop in the alternate pod to complete the transition.
6. Jackson Kayak Coosa FD
PC Jackson Kayak
The Coosa FD model from Jackson Kayak is slightly shorter and narrower than the Big Rig. It measures 12’7” long and 35 inches wide with a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds and a total weight of 107 pounds.
It features an elevated seat with storage for a small dry bag or tackle box underneath. It also includes the same sealed storage hatches at the bow and stern that you will find on the Big Rig.
Jackson’s Flex Drive system allows for pedal-driven, hands-free propulsion, but it can be transitioned to Jackon’s Flex Drive E system if you want to replace the pedal drive with a trolling motor.
There are two flush-mounted rod holders on this kayak and an additional swivel-mounted rod holder towards the front of the cockpit. Expert anglers will also enjoy the accessory tracks on the gunwales for attaching their preferred fishing tools and supplies.
7. Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
PC Hobie
The Hobie name is synonymous with high-quality pedal-drive systems and, as a result, we are now entering the extreme upper echelon of expensive kayaks. The Pro Angler 14 is one of their best models for single anglers.
The pedal drive system on this kayak can switch from forward to reverse instantly and the stern includes both a rudder and a skeg. This provides exceptional tracking ability in all paddling conditions.
In spite of the Angler 14 moniker, this kayak actually measures 13’8” long and 38 inches wide. It boasts a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds and the kayak itself weighs 114.5 pounds when fully rigged up.
For folks that want to fish from a standing position, it is equipped with a non-skid deck inside the cockpit. Unlike other kayaks with accessory tracks, Hobie uses unique H-rails on the top of the gunwales to provide attachment points for your fishing accessories.
8. Hobie Mirage Compass Duo
PC Hobie
Staying on the Hobie website, one of their most expensive tandem kayaks is the Compass Duo, which measures 13’6” long and 35” wide while boatings a fully rigged weight of 127 pounds.
It boasts a maximum weight capacity of 475 pounds and each seat has its own pedal drive in front of it. The rear paddler is responsible for controlling the direction of the skeg at the stern and steering the kayak using the easy-to-grip rudder handle on the left gunwale.
There are open storage areas at the bow and stern of this kayak that are secured with bungee rigging or mesh netting. Each paddler will also have access to a small, round storage hatch in front of their seat for storing snacks or gear that needs more protection from the elements.
The Compass Duo also has a super flat and open cockpit design for stand-up kayak fishing. Plus, there are accessory tracks conveniently located on the gunwales in four locations so that you can customize your setup according to your preferences.
9. Hobie Mirage iTrek Fiesta
PC Hobie
There is one more Hobie model that we want to mention here and, while it will not actually come out until 2022, you might want to keep your eye out for what will surely be one of the most unique kayaks ever made.
It is hard to see from this angle, but check out this link to the Mirage iTrek Fiesta in action.
Final Thoughts
Photo by Karl Hornfeldt on Unsplash
We certainly appreciate that wrapping your mind around paying this much for a new kayak can be a bit overwhelming. So we would encourage you to do as much research as possible before you finalize a purchase.
To that end, you may be interested in reading more about different types of kayaks and how to choose the best one for your style. It may also be useful to learn some tips for buying a used kayak because you may be able to find some of these expensive models at discounted prices if you can find them on the resale market.
Furthermore, we cannot stress enough how important it is to take good care of one of the most expensive kayaks. You will need to know things like how to lift and carry a kayak the right way and how to store a kayak properly in order to maximize its lifespan.
In conclusion, buying an expensive kayak is best for experienced kayakers. When you know exactly what you are looking for and how you like to spend your time on the water, you will be able to select an expensive kayak because it will hopefully be the last one you ever buy.
We hope that these expensive kayaks have inspired you to start saving for a new kayak. As always, we also want to take this opportunity to wish you the healthiest and most enjoyable of kayak adventures during the coming season!
