Future Beach Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak

I bought this exact model several years ago. I love fishing, but, due to a surgery I had when I was a kid, I cannot submerge my head in the water. My eardrum and parts of my middle ear have been mostly removed in my left ear, so, if water rushes in my ear, it goes straight to my semi-circular canals, which control balance, and quickly changes the temperature of the fluids inside. Basically, if I fall in the water, I experience instantaneous vertigo. So, as you can imagine, I was looking for a kayak that is incredibly stable. It would be pretty tough to climb back on a kayak when you cannot tell which way is up or down. I decided to pick this model up on sale at a local sporting goods store as the sale price was way too low to pass up. The first time I used it, I was stunned at how stable it was. It was every bit as stable as the ocean going kayak that I first tried while on vacation in the Keys. It is so stable that I would bet the only way you would tip it is by running it up on a submerged object, or, by purposefully trying to tip it. Most of the time you hear from experts that the better the stability is the worse the tracking is on a kayak. With this model at least, that doesn't seem to be true. It skirts around easily for me, and I can get into those shallow spots where normal boats won't go. Again, this kayak is incredibly stable, tracks well, and, is light enough for me to throw up on my shoulder and carry down to the water myself. Very nice kayak indeed. A note of advice, though, just because it is stable doesn't mean you shouldn't wear a PFD. You never know what can happen out there. If you are looking for a stable fishing kayak that will give you years of service on your favorite lakes, creeks, and rivers, I highly recommend this model.

First, I think this is an excellent choice for either a "first/gateway kayak" or a dedicated full time fishing kayak.Future Beach makes a full range of kayaks of all types--SOTs, Sit-Insides, Fishing, Scuba/Snorkeling, and most are also good choices for hauling camping gear. It's not the most high-end brand, but it's tough and overall build quality is very good.Choosing a kayak is like choosing running shoes. You really need to try them on in person. Currently the Future Beach kayaks are widely available to see in the major outdoors big box stores. Sit in one, lift it, check out the seat, legroom, ergonomics and see if you like it before you choose.This is a great choice for warm/sunny/hot locations like Florida. A sit-on-top puts you out in both breeze and wave spray. Great for summer temps, maybe not for colder climes. It's great for lounging, spreading out a little, and kicking back. Very stable, the hull design isn't built with speed as the #1 priority. Fishing doesn't require speed, but space and stability are very good.Future Beach uses a durable, tough plastic that is a good choice for beginners. Bumping a concrete bulkhead or a submerged rock is less of a big deal than it would be in say, high end fiberglass.This is just a great overall fishing kayak. It's frequently on massive discount at your local big box stores...shipping must be a huge cost for Amazon on these.There are a lot of inexpensive DIY add-ons you can do with this kayak-- add some bungee cords, more fishing holders, a cooler, lots of options. I've reviewed a lot of these options--click "see all my reviews" for those.Hope this has been helpful. Happy 'yakking, everybody.

Not the best fishing kayak on the market, but it is for the $389 I paid. It isn't the best kayak at any one thing, just very good at a lot if things. I'm a big guy 6'3" 285. This thing has taken me on more camping trips that I can count. Very stable , even holding me and all my gear. As far as fishing, there may be better organized crafts as far as cockpit storage etc. but I have landed countless stripers including a 40" one in LI sound..not the fastest rig either, but I have no problem paddling 7-10 miles at a clip even in rough weather. I don't hesitate to take her out at all, just get In and go. If it wasn't for the attractive price I would still be using my canoe or on the sidelines. If you have the opportunity to pick one up for under $500 grab it you wont be disappointed. One thing I will say, and I hope future beach is listening, is that their customer service is HORRIBLE. Needed a replacement plug, I think it took me 8 tries to get one. Otherwise a complete home run.

The kayak is very stable.The speed is average. Slower than my Old Town Vapor 10 and the Perception Triumph 13. Faster than Lifetime Tamarack.I wish there was a protective plate over the hull, stern side.The circular dry hatch lids are hard to open with just your hand.It has not leaked any water on 4-5 trips.Sloped sides make it easy to paddle and hang your legs over.The seat although simple is easier on my back than I expected.The front scupper holes should have been located farther toward the seat as water from my paddle accumulates in front of my seat.As an angler kayak I wish it had an anchor trolley.It costs $469 at Dunhams as of 5-15-15All in all I like the kayak and would buy it again.

Great for the money I have mine totally rigged up for day and night fishing. I have had mine now for 6 years. Ready for an up grade

I bought mine for 350$ at sports store, but I love it!