Recreational Kayak Buying Guide: The Final Touches

You’ve chosen your hull shape and outfitting — you’re 90% of the way to a great decision. Before you commit, here are a few final details worth considering to make sure you’re getting exactly the right kayak.

Storage

Kayak storage comes in two main forms: hatches and tankwells. Hatches are openings into the interior of the hull; tankwells are open deck areas with rigging for securing gear on top of the boat.

Hatch openings limit the size of what you can store inside, and small items should be tied in so they don’t get lost in the hull. Keep in mind that hatches are water-resistant, not waterproof — anything that must stay dry should go in a dry bag or dry box. Tankwells are best for large, bulky items that don’t need protection from water, like coolers or fishing crates. Many boats also include additional tie-down points for running extra rope or bungee to create custom storage configurations.

Think about how much storage you’ll actually need. For a few hours on the water, a small day hatch for lunch and sunscreen is plenty. If you’re planning overnight trips, look for multiple storage spaces — ideally hatches for better protection of essential gear.

Rod Holders

If you don’t need a fully rigged fishing kayak but plan to bring a rod or two along, look for flush-mount rod holders behind the seat. They’re a simple, low-maintenance solution for casual kayak fishing.

Gear Attachment

If you want the freedom to add aftermarket accessories down the road, look for a boat with versatile gear attachment points. Most modern sit-on-top kayaks feature a universal track system that lets you slide in rod holders and other accessories and lock them down without drilling into the hull. Sit-inside kayaks often have mounting points designed for manufacturer-specific accessories.

Steering and Power

Most recreational kayaks don’t come with rudders, pedal drives, or motors, but some are easier to retrofit than others. If you think you might want to add any of these later, look for rudder-ready or square-stern models that can be rigged out with steering or power solutions without major modifications.