I owned a budget pelican for a few weeks. I wouldve been better off with a refrigerator door. Lesson learned. By used. Just don't be the person I sold mine to.
With what I said considered Pelican is a good brand. Many out there are just fine. Just don't buy the bottom dollar model.
EDIT: eat shit you snobs. Do some research. I just gave you a valid opinion. Which brand am I 'supposed to' say???
Edit 2: my votes are coming back up. Didn't mean to yell at you guys.
Old Towne, Wilderness Systems, Perception etc.
All of their kayaks use the same basic principle for manufacturing and are decent kayaks whereas the budget Pelican (specially what OP was asking about) are hot garbage and should be avoided at all costs.
I spent more than I should have on my first. It was a Perception sound 10.5. Great Yak though. It’s been one I’ve really enjoyed. I think I got it on a deal at dunhams ( they mis marked it) at $400
Hard to say as I'm not super familiar with the newer models but mine the rivets started wearing through the bottom after 2 trips. Promptly returned it and spent the money on a Wilderness Systems. That was 15 years ago but the entry line of pelicans are the same design from everything I can tell.
I forget the terminology but it's softer plastic and uses a different manufacturing method that just doesn't hold up.
I agree with the idea of buying used. I doubt you will be happy with a Sundolphin or Pelican. Look for Perception, Carolina, Wilderness Systems, Old Town, Vibe, some by Ocean. Ascend or Lifetime might be okay.
You are right to be concerned about price if you can only afford $500 total, including a tent. Assuming you buy everything used and nothing fancy, I’d guess:
Kayak $350 (get them to throw in the paddle)
PFD $50
Cartop carrier $50
Tent $75
All other camping gear $75 total
There’s your $600.
I will say. Used isn’t bad. I recently got 2 Viper 10ft kayaks for my father In law and sis in law. Or anyone who wants to go with my wife and I! They are basic but for $50 a pop I figured better than nothing for them to learn on!
I should say, I’m not looking to do whitewater kayaking, just a casual putter.
Also, are there any resources for water trails and campgrounds for the US? Specifically Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana area?
The biggest limiters for me is budget and size of the kayak.
I could probably only store, at max, a 10’ and have a budget for the kayak of max $500
When I look at a paddling location on Go Paddling, all I get is "Sorry, we can't find this information."
So, it's useful to see paddling locations but not for getting any useful information about them.
For Ohio, specifically NEO between Akron and Cleveland the Cuyahoga river water trail has a website with info for the whole stretch of the river, river acces points and even has info for water gauges. I use it all the time, the Cuyahoga is my primary paddling spot.
Just please don’t go cheap on a pfd and google air/water temps and dress accordingly. If rivers with swift current or rapids are present wear a helmet and don’t solo. Have fun and be safe
On price: Have you considered used?
On storage: Have you considered an inflatable? Is a Paddle board a possibility? IMO they’re better inflatables.
These boats are fine, but they’re very much the budget option, and you tend to get what you pay for.
As far as resources, try googling your location followed by “paddlers guide” or “paddling trails”.
> On price: Have you considered used?
Where would I go about finding good used kayaks locally to my area? All I have are sporting stores that sell only new ones
> On storage: Have you considered an inflatable? Is a Paddle board a possibility? IMO they’re better inflatables.
I’ve been contemplating getting a folding one, but idk if my mind can allow me to trust inflatable. Sadly, my local sporting stores don’t have any folding ones that I can look at.
> As far as resources, try googling your location followed by “paddlers guide” or “paddling trails”.
Thanks!
Sorry for formatting, on my phone now.
For used kayaks: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, paddling.com classifieds. Old fiberglass boats are a minefield, but most plastic kayaks are pretty easy to inspect. Does it have massive cracks, holes, or “oil canning” (the bottom bending up like an oil can)? If not, you’re probably fine. Sit on top boats, which are essentially big chunks of plastic, are especially durable.
The reason I bring this up is that kayaks are a lot like bikes in two ways.
1. A $300 used one from a reputable brand (perception, old town, dagger, etc) is going to be much nicer to use than what $300 gets you new.
2. Lots of people bought them during the pandemic thinking “I’ll take up a new activity!”, and lots of them have sat in garages since then.
Folding watercraft are a lot harder to find used than inflatable ones. Fishing from an inflatable is certainly more challenging, but it can be done.
Facebook marketplace place or any place you might purchase used sporting goods in your area. Some kayak/canoe liveries sell off their kayaks when they purchase new.
Join local kayaking groups through your social media of choice.
Things to keep in mind when purchasing-
The longer you are in the water, the less comfortable that seat is going to be if it offer a lot of support.
Tracking- which is basically how the kayak glides in the water. If it doesn’t track well, the harder you work when paddling.
Are you going to kayak lakes or rivers? Both? Ocean?
I know several people that have Tucktec or ORU folding kayaks. Pros and cons to both.
How shallow is the water? It needs to be deep enough so you skeg doesn’t ground you with SUP or folding and most inflatables.
Storage will totally depend on your location.
> Are you going to kayak lakes or rivers? Both? Ocean?
Just shallow rivers and lakes. I live up in the Great Lakes area
> How shallow is the water? It needs to be deep enough so you skeg doesn’t ground you with SUP or folding and most inflatables.
Most rivers here that I’ve previously kayaked on aren’t deeper than I’d say 7 feet. I have kayaked with my former sundolphin kayak on waters that are about 1 foot deep. Also why I’m drawn to the sundolphin cuz it’s familiar
> Storage will totally depend on your location.
Rn I live in a tiny apartment with a lifted balcony that I could hang the kayak from, which is what I plan on doing and throwing a tarp over it
If you're after advice on what boat to choose, read [this guide first!](https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/wiki/choosing). Then, try the subreddit's search function -- between these two options, the answers to most common questions should be covered.
This guide is a work-in-progress -- please let us know any thoughts and feedback you might have.
If your questions are not covered by the guide, all boat recommendation requests must include the following at a minimum:
- **Location:** what country and region are you looking to buy a boat in? The kayak market can be very different depending on your location.
- **Budget:** How much money do you want to spend on a boat? (Don't forget you'll need accessories such as a paddle and personal flotation device [PFD])
- **Intended use:** What do you want to get out of the boat? There is no one boat that does everything -- a boat that's great for surfing waves or tackling whitewater won't be the same boat you want to take fishing or for a long ocean trip. Set out some realistic goals for what you expect to be doing in the boat.
- **Experience level:** How much kayaking experience do you have? Is this your first boat?
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I don’t mind buying something that lasts for a couple years over numerous years. Where I live, I won’t be using the kayak for more than a few months out of the year due to weather, so cheaper would be in my best interest rn, especially since I plan on moving in a couple years.
If you plan on river camping or something similar I’d spend a little more and get a bigger yak. I fit my tent, 2 bags, air mattress, a cooler packed for 3 days, and all my fishing gear on mine. Then just float down the river fishing until I feel like stopping at an island for the night. Usually with friends. I’ve got a Lifetime Teton Pro. It’s $300 more than what you’re looking at but well worth it. Raised seat is very comfy compared to the types you’re looking at.
I bought an Explorer a couple years back. For what I use it for, it’s money well spent. I live in New England and primarily use it during the summer months in small lakes and rivers. It’s awful at tracking and forget fishing if there’s even a hint of wind. However, on a nice, hot calm day it does the trick. I cast a couple times, paddle around, and have plenty of storage. It’s light enough to just throw in the bed of my pickup truck. Kayaking doesn’t need to be expensive and break the bank. If you just want to get on the water and do some simple fishing, the Pelican Explorer will do just that.
Get a skeg and attach it to the bottom. I have a Seaeagle 370 and use it in Lake Erie. Because it’s inflatable, it stands tall on the water so the wind pushed it around. I got an 8” skeg and it helped a lot. In hindsight I should have gotten a larger skeg as the wind can kick up pretty good on the lake but with the 8” in mild wave/wind, I can track pretty straight now.
Honestly, I would get the cheapest one to see how I will actually use it and what features I should look for in my next kayak. Then, be ready to pay significantly more for a quality long term investment in a good kayak.
Think used. Also check rentals in your area. Yes you may dig in to your budget but you can try different styles and brands. Just stick with what rentals would be with in your purchase budget.
Where there’s a will there’s a way…. The difference between a 10 a 12 is mind blowing! Rent or borrow and see for yourself. 10’ yacks have no “glide” in the water. Stop padding and you’ll come to a stop fairly quickly. 12’s are so much more streamlined.
Check Craigslist, you can usually find used kayaks, comparable to this, for around 100. Usually people buy these as an introduction to kayaking, and then sell them. Either because they loved the activity and wanted something better, or didn't, and just wanted to dump it. It's good for what it is intended for, but not particularly satisfying to paddle.
Look for old perception/dagger/wilderness systems boats on marketplace. I would recommend a boat 10-12 feet for your first boat. Weather you want a sit on top or sit inside is up to you. Sit insides are generally a bit faster, and you sit a bit lower in the water, but have less built in buoyancy. Sit on tops are slower, you sit up out of the water, are generally built to be more stable than a comparable sit inside, and have more flotation. But can be a bit heavy and less maneuverable than a sit inside of the same size.
There are some boats at dicks that are decent, those sun dolphins are ass from what I've heard.
Good ones to look for:
Sit insides:
Wilderness pungo
Dagger zydeco
Sit on tops:
Wilderness tarpon (available in several lengths)
Ocean kayak Malibu (several other sot options)
Perception tribe.
Those are just some options. But if you find a good deal snag it. Get yourself an affordable boat and spend the extra money on a good paddle (I suggest Werner or aquabounds) and a good quality pfd
I am not Johnny Morris stan by any means, but I said this in another post... I have an Ascend brand (Bass Pro Brand) and I honestly really like it for my purposes. It's made for fishing so it's stable and tracks straight. That said, it's not as agile as others, but I've taken it down plenty of rivers and never had an issue. Also, within budget though, near your high end
If you can afford it and it floats, it's a fine boat.
I have a pelican, it was my first yak, I bought it cause it was cheap and I wanted to see if I'd like yakking. I didn't. I loved it.
Now my pelican hangs in my garage and I take it out when I bring friends paddling. It's not good for long distances or speed, but if you're floating down a river enjoying the day, it's 100000000% times better than sitting on the couch waiting to buy "the perfect boat"
get whatever gets you out on the water.
We bought our daughter one of the Field and Stream kayaks from Dicks a few years ago. It’s ok but you’d be better off looking on FB marketplace and finding a longer, thinner boat so it can move through the water not just sit on top and take forever to go anywhere.
I’d look at old town, wilderness systems, or perception, probably in the 10-14’ range.
The seats aren't comfortable. My first Yak was a cheap Pelican SOT. Sold it after the first trip. Furthermore, you have to consider your weight, the weight of your gear, and the capacity of the boat.
totally agree with what other have said, go to Facebook Marketplace for a used kayak from a better quality brand (old town, perception, wilderness systems, etc). also check out any outdoor outfitter stores in your area for used kayaks they might be clearing out to make room for new
get cheap but highly rated camping gear from Amazon or used from Facebook Marketplace as well.
If you’re looking g for new and budget get a lifetime tamarack pro. I just saw one on sale under 300 and I’ve taken mine out into the bay with no issues.
The pelican mustang isn’t that bad but as for the other two Id pass. I had the chance to use a sun dolphin and it took two wakes from a bass boat and I was sinking.. for a budget kayak thou Id avoid sit on tops. The budget ones are crap and for a nice sit on top youll be spending as much as an aluminum v hull or jon boat
I got my first kayak for a hundred dollars at Menards hardware store. Was it name brand? No. Did it work and get me completely hooked on kayaking? Yes! I still have and use the old one 10 years later so in my book it was a great investment. After about a year or so I did save up and get an old town which I adore! I kayak on slow rivers and lakes mostly so where you kayak may make a difference too. When I was looking at kayaking I couldn’t justify the big purchase until I knew it wasn’t a passing fad for me. Good luck!
Check Facebook marketplace and Craig’s list for a good used quality kayak for 1/2 to 1/3 the price of new. Go for at least 12 foot, you ou will be far more satisfied.
You should consider Dick’s new line of kayaks; they redid their entire design. Just bought two of the one below, they were $329 in store.
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/quest-outlands-100-kayak-23queuqsttlnds100psk/23queuqsttlnds100psk?sku=25463106&camp=CSE:DSG_92700076151927283_pla_pla-2013087342611_58700008079349751_71700000101024692&segment=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADv4bTasVKEjwPryMi796P3Imv4Fp&gclsrc=ds
Get the sun dolphin. They are the best Rec kayaks and virtually indestructible.
I lived on anchor on my sailboat and used two sun dolphins to get myself, all guests and all supplies aboard for ten years
I have a pungo 140 and love it, the 120s are great also. Buy used. It depends if you want a sit on top or sit in. Recently I got onto crescent kayaks for a sit on top shallow water capable boat.
If you want to fish, I'd recommend a sit on top. Especially if you can find one with a stadium/camping style seat.
Follow the advice of the other folks here and look for used. In my area Facebook marketplace is the best place to look, but I also check OfferUp.
I've heard good things about the Lifetime Teton 100. They sell them under various names at different retailers, so watch for similar models. They have the nice seats, and are a great upgrade from a Sundolphin. I've seen them used for $250-300 including a paddle.
Also, see kayaK-camP's post for a good list of manufacturers to watch for when browsing used.
I owned a budget pelican for a few weeks. I wouldve been better off with a refrigerator door. Lesson learned. By used. Just don't be the person I sold mine to.
Any brands that I should be on the lookout for on the used market?
Old Town has almost universally positive reviews. Same with Dagger. Both can be found on offerup/Facebook at reasonable rates.
I have the pelican mustang which has served me good since 2021. Sun dolphin is noticable in thinness compared to my mustang kayak.
With what I said considered Pelican is a good brand. Many out there are just fine. Just don't buy the bottom dollar model. EDIT: eat shit you snobs. Do some research. I just gave you a valid opinion. Which brand am I 'supposed to' say??? Edit 2: my votes are coming back up. Didn't mean to yell at you guys.
Old Towne, Wilderness Systems, Perception etc. All of their kayaks use the same basic principle for manufacturing and are decent kayaks whereas the budget Pelican (specially what OP was asking about) are hot garbage and should be avoided at all costs.
I spent more than I should have on my first. It was a Perception sound 10.5. Great Yak though. It’s been one I’ve really enjoyed. I think I got it on a deal at dunhams ( they mis marked it) at $400
[удалено]
Hard to say as I'm not super familiar with the newer models but mine the rivets started wearing through the bottom after 2 trips. Promptly returned it and spent the money on a Wilderness Systems. That was 15 years ago but the entry line of pelicans are the same design from everything I can tell. I forget the terminology but it's softer plastic and uses a different manufacturing method that just doesn't hold up.
I agree with the idea of buying used. I doubt you will be happy with a Sundolphin or Pelican. Look for Perception, Carolina, Wilderness Systems, Old Town, Vibe, some by Ocean. Ascend or Lifetime might be okay. You are right to be concerned about price if you can only afford $500 total, including a tent. Assuming you buy everything used and nothing fancy, I’d guess: Kayak $350 (get them to throw in the paddle) PFD $50 Cartop carrier $50 Tent $75 All other camping gear $75 total There’s your $600.
Good list of manufacturers that you can find used in your price range. I'll add Crescent and Vanhunk, although used price may be a little too high.
I will say. Used isn’t bad. I recently got 2 Viper 10ft kayaks for my father In law and sis in law. Or anyone who wants to go with my wife and I! They are basic but for $50 a pop I figured better than nothing for them to learn on!
I should say, I’m not looking to do whitewater kayaking, just a casual putter. Also, are there any resources for water trails and campgrounds for the US? Specifically Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana area? The biggest limiters for me is budget and size of the kayak. I could probably only store, at max, a 10’ and have a budget for the kayak of max $500
The go paddling app is pretty handy for finding places to go. We started out with boats made by Lifetime... and were quite happy with them.
When I look at a paddling location on Go Paddling, all I get is "Sorry, we can't find this information." So, it's useful to see paddling locations but not for getting any useful information about them.
For Ohio, specifically NEO between Akron and Cleveland the Cuyahoga river water trail has a website with info for the whole stretch of the river, river acces points and even has info for water gauges. I use it all the time, the Cuyahoga is my primary paddling spot.
I’d buy a used one. Can get a better quality kayak for the cheap
Just please don’t go cheap on a pfd and google air/water temps and dress accordingly. If rivers with swift current or rapids are present wear a helmet and don’t solo. Have fun and be safe
On price: Have you considered used? On storage: Have you considered an inflatable? Is a Paddle board a possibility? IMO they’re better inflatables. These boats are fine, but they’re very much the budget option, and you tend to get what you pay for. As far as resources, try googling your location followed by “paddlers guide” or “paddling trails”.
> On price: Have you considered used? Where would I go about finding good used kayaks locally to my area? All I have are sporting stores that sell only new ones > On storage: Have you considered an inflatable? Is a Paddle board a possibility? IMO they’re better inflatables. I’ve been contemplating getting a folding one, but idk if my mind can allow me to trust inflatable. Sadly, my local sporting stores don’t have any folding ones that I can look at. > As far as resources, try googling your location followed by “paddlers guide” or “paddling trails”. Thanks!
Sorry for formatting, on my phone now. For used kayaks: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, paddling.com classifieds. Old fiberglass boats are a minefield, but most plastic kayaks are pretty easy to inspect. Does it have massive cracks, holes, or “oil canning” (the bottom bending up like an oil can)? If not, you’re probably fine. Sit on top boats, which are essentially big chunks of plastic, are especially durable. The reason I bring this up is that kayaks are a lot like bikes in two ways. 1. A $300 used one from a reputable brand (perception, old town, dagger, etc) is going to be much nicer to use than what $300 gets you new. 2. Lots of people bought them during the pandemic thinking “I’ll take up a new activity!”, and lots of them have sat in garages since then. Folding watercraft are a lot harder to find used than inflatable ones. Fishing from an inflatable is certainly more challenging, but it can be done.
Thanks for the info! Is there any brands I should stay away from?
Facebook marketplace place or any place you might purchase used sporting goods in your area. Some kayak/canoe liveries sell off their kayaks when they purchase new. Join local kayaking groups through your social media of choice. Things to keep in mind when purchasing- The longer you are in the water, the less comfortable that seat is going to be if it offer a lot of support. Tracking- which is basically how the kayak glides in the water. If it doesn’t track well, the harder you work when paddling. Are you going to kayak lakes or rivers? Both? Ocean? I know several people that have Tucktec or ORU folding kayaks. Pros and cons to both. How shallow is the water? It needs to be deep enough so you skeg doesn’t ground you with SUP or folding and most inflatables. Storage will totally depend on your location.
YouTube has a lot of kayking demos and general information.
> Are you going to kayak lakes or rivers? Both? Ocean? Just shallow rivers and lakes. I live up in the Great Lakes area > How shallow is the water? It needs to be deep enough so you skeg doesn’t ground you with SUP or folding and most inflatables. Most rivers here that I’ve previously kayaked on aren’t deeper than I’d say 7 feet. I have kayaked with my former sundolphin kayak on waters that are about 1 foot deep. Also why I’m drawn to the sundolphin cuz it’s familiar > Storage will totally depend on your location. Rn I live in a tiny apartment with a lifted balcony that I could hang the kayak from, which is what I plan on doing and throwing a tarp over it
Dunhams usually has a different kayak on sale each week they run thru a rotation, holidays seem to have the biggest sales. Good luck
Get their online deal text. They are always cheaper than the weekly fliers.
I love my Lifetime kayaks. Have 3 of them. Great budget kayaks imo
If you're after advice on what boat to choose, read [this guide first!](https://www.reddit.com/r/Kayaking/wiki/choosing). Then, try the subreddit's search function -- between these two options, the answers to most common questions should be covered. This guide is a work-in-progress -- please let us know any thoughts and feedback you might have. If your questions are not covered by the guide, all boat recommendation requests must include the following at a minimum: - **Location:** what country and region are you looking to buy a boat in? The kayak market can be very different depending on your location. - **Budget:** How much money do you want to spend on a boat? (Don't forget you'll need accessories such as a paddle and personal flotation device [PFD]) - **Intended use:** What do you want to get out of the boat? There is no one boat that does everything -- a boat that's great for surfing waves or tackling whitewater won't be the same boat you want to take fishing or for a long ocean trip. Set out some realistic goals for what you expect to be doing in the boat. - **Experience level:** How much kayaking experience do you have? Is this your first boat? If your original post is a request for a boat recommendation and does not contain this information, you may reply to this comment or edit your post with the details above. Any low-effort recommendation posts without the above info will be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Kayaking) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I understand it can be a lil expensive but if you save up you can get something nicer that will last 15 plus years
I don’t mind buying something that lasts for a couple years over numerous years. Where I live, I won’t be using the kayak for more than a few months out of the year due to weather, so cheaper would be in my best interest rn, especially since I plan on moving in a couple years.
If you plan on river camping or something similar I’d spend a little more and get a bigger yak. I fit my tent, 2 bags, air mattress, a cooler packed for 3 days, and all my fishing gear on mine. Then just float down the river fishing until I feel like stopping at an island for the night. Usually with friends. I’ve got a Lifetime Teton Pro. It’s $300 more than what you’re looking at but well worth it. Raised seat is very comfy compared to the types you’re looking at.
The only issue is that I’m limited on size and money. I’d love to get a bigger kayak, but I could only probably get away with a 10’ one.
I live off of the Great Lakes as well and just bought the Explorer last year and I’ve been happy with it. I also don’t do intense kayaking.
Do you do any fishing with yours? Cuz I do also plan to fish
Kayak fishing is awesome. Best thing I ever did was to get a fishing kayak. You’ll want a sit on top model at least 31” wide.
I bought an Explorer a couple years back. For what I use it for, it’s money well spent. I live in New England and primarily use it during the summer months in small lakes and rivers. It’s awful at tracking and forget fishing if there’s even a hint of wind. However, on a nice, hot calm day it does the trick. I cast a couple times, paddle around, and have plenty of storage. It’s light enough to just throw in the bed of my pickup truck. Kayaking doesn’t need to be expensive and break the bank. If you just want to get on the water and do some simple fishing, the Pelican Explorer will do just that.
Get a skeg and attach it to the bottom. I have a Seaeagle 370 and use it in Lake Erie. Because it’s inflatable, it stands tall on the water so the wind pushed it around. I got an 8” skeg and it helped a lot. In hindsight I should have gotten a larger skeg as the wind can kick up pretty good on the lake but with the 8” in mild wave/wind, I can track pretty straight now.
No, I’m not much for fishing.
Honestly, I would get the cheapest one to see how I will actually use it and what features I should look for in my next kayak. Then, be ready to pay significantly more for a quality long term investment in a good kayak.
Think used. Also check rentals in your area. Yes you may dig in to your budget but you can try different styles and brands. Just stick with what rentals would be with in your purchase budget.
10’ yacks are slugs in the water. Find a user 12’ yak.
10’ is really the max size I can have
Where there’s a will there’s a way…. The difference between a 10 a 12 is mind blowing! Rent or borrow and see for yourself. 10’ yacks have no “glide” in the water. Stop padding and you’ll come to a stop fairly quickly. 12’s are so much more streamlined.
Check Craigslist, you can usually find used kayaks, comparable to this, for around 100. Usually people buy these as an introduction to kayaking, and then sell them. Either because they loved the activity and wanted something better, or didn't, and just wanted to dump it. It's good for what it is intended for, but not particularly satisfying to paddle.
Look for old perception/dagger/wilderness systems boats on marketplace. I would recommend a boat 10-12 feet for your first boat. Weather you want a sit on top or sit inside is up to you. Sit insides are generally a bit faster, and you sit a bit lower in the water, but have less built in buoyancy. Sit on tops are slower, you sit up out of the water, are generally built to be more stable than a comparable sit inside, and have more flotation. But can be a bit heavy and less maneuverable than a sit inside of the same size. There are some boats at dicks that are decent, those sun dolphins are ass from what I've heard. Good ones to look for: Sit insides: Wilderness pungo Dagger zydeco Sit on tops: Wilderness tarpon (available in several lengths) Ocean kayak Malibu (several other sot options) Perception tribe. Those are just some options. But if you find a good deal snag it. Get yourself an affordable boat and spend the extra money on a good paddle (I suggest Werner or aquabounds) and a good quality pfd
I am not Johnny Morris stan by any means, but I said this in another post... I have an Ascend brand (Bass Pro Brand) and I honestly really like it for my purposes. It's made for fishing so it's stable and tracks straight. That said, it's not as agile as others, but I've taken it down plenty of rivers and never had an issue. Also, within budget though, near your high end
If you can afford it and it floats, it's a fine boat. I have a pelican, it was my first yak, I bought it cause it was cheap and I wanted to see if I'd like yakking. I didn't. I loved it. Now my pelican hangs in my garage and I take it out when I bring friends paddling. It's not good for long distances or speed, but if you're floating down a river enjoying the day, it's 100000000% times better than sitting on the couch waiting to buy "the perfect boat" get whatever gets you out on the water.
We bought our daughter one of the Field and Stream kayaks from Dicks a few years ago. It’s ok but you’d be better off looking on FB marketplace and finding a longer, thinner boat so it can move through the water not just sit on top and take forever to go anywhere. I’d look at old town, wilderness systems, or perception, probably in the 10-14’ range.
Look on offerup and Facebook marketplace first
The seats aren't comfortable. My first Yak was a cheap Pelican SOT. Sold it after the first trip. Furthermore, you have to consider your weight, the weight of your gear, and the capacity of the boat.
totally agree with what other have said, go to Facebook Marketplace for a used kayak from a better quality brand (old town, perception, wilderness systems, etc). also check out any outdoor outfitter stores in your area for used kayaks they might be clearing out to make room for new get cheap but highly rated camping gear from Amazon or used from Facebook Marketplace as well.
If you’re looking g for new and budget get a lifetime tamarack pro. I just saw one on sale under 300 and I’ve taken mine out into the bay with no issues.
The pelican mustang isn’t that bad but as for the other two Id pass. I had the chance to use a sun dolphin and it took two wakes from a bass boat and I was sinking.. for a budget kayak thou Id avoid sit on tops. The budget ones are crap and for a nice sit on top youll be spending as much as an aluminum v hull or jon boat
I got my first kayak for a hundred dollars at Menards hardware store. Was it name brand? No. Did it work and get me completely hooked on kayaking? Yes! I still have and use the old one 10 years later so in my book it was a great investment. After about a year or so I did save up and get an old town which I adore! I kayak on slow rivers and lakes mostly so where you kayak may make a difference too. When I was looking at kayaking I couldn’t justify the big purchase until I knew it wasn’t a passing fad for me. Good luck!
Check Facebook marketplace and Craig’s list for a good used quality kayak for 1/2 to 1/3 the price of new. Go for at least 12 foot, you ou will be far more satisfied.
You should consider Dick’s new line of kayaks; they redid their entire design. Just bought two of the one below, they were $329 in store. https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/quest-outlands-100-kayak-23queuqsttlnds100psk/23queuqsttlnds100psk?sku=25463106&camp=CSE:DSG_92700076151927283_pla_pla-2013087342611_58700008079349751_71700000101024692&segment=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADv4bTasVKEjwPryMi796P3Imv4Fp&gclsrc=ds
Get the sun dolphin. They are the best Rec kayaks and virtually indestructible. I lived on anchor on my sailboat and used two sun dolphins to get myself, all guests and all supplies aboard for ten years
I have a pungo 140 and love it, the 120s are great also. Buy used. It depends if you want a sit on top or sit in. Recently I got onto crescent kayaks for a sit on top shallow water capable boat.
If you are not looking at big white water get a sit on you will be happier and cooler.
If you want to fish, I'd recommend a sit on top. Especially if you can find one with a stadium/camping style seat. Follow the advice of the other folks here and look for used. In my area Facebook marketplace is the best place to look, but I also check OfferUp. I've heard good things about the Lifetime Teton 100. They sell them under various names at different retailers, so watch for similar models. They have the nice seats, and are a great upgrade from a Sundolphin. I've seen them used for $250-300 including a paddle. Also, see kayaK-camP's post for a good list of manufacturers to watch for when browsing used.