5 Best Kayak Outriggers And Stabilizers On The Market
Our Top Pick After 30 Hours of Reviewing and Testing:
It is easy to mount as no drilling is required
Can be raised or lowered using the hinge system
Has a two years warranty
Extremely durable
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It turns out that adding a stabilizer or kayak outriggers will help you greatly when paddling in your kayak. Most kayaks are not as stable as you might think. You just have to mess a little bit, and your goose is cooked. It does not matter whether you are kayaking in calm waters; tipping over is very much possible. Mind you; even the so-called pros have tipped over their kayaks a few times.
I am pretty sure you can imagine the nightmare of trying to save your gear, kayak, paddles, and yourself after tipping over. Don’t even think about it! You can save yourself from such scenarios by investing in the best kayak outriggers and stabilizers. They will go a long way to maintain your yak’s balance.
How do you choose one, and which are the best options available? Well, that’s why we are here. I am going to take you through my top picks and buying guide as well. There are so many brands out there, which means you need to be well equipped with the knowledge to know the right outrigger for your kayak.
The 5 Best Kayak Outriggers and Stabilizers In 2023:
| Kayak Outriggers | Dimensions | Rating | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BROCRAFT KAYAK SYSTEM Kayak Outriggers | 4.4 | ||
 | Kayak Stabilizer System #302 by Scotty | 32 x 9 x 9 inches ; 10 pounds | 4 | |
 | Hobie Side Kick Kayak Outriggers | 10 lbs | 4 | |
 | Mexidi PVC Inflatable Kayak Outriggers Stabilizer Kit | Length: Approx. 90 cm/35.4 inch ★Width: Approx. 28 cm/11 inch | 3 | |
 | Inspired By Nature Kayak Outriggers | 30 x 10 x 10 inches ; 10 pounds | 3.6 |
Kayak Outriggers & Stabilizers Reviews
1. BROCRAFT KAYAK SYSTEM Kayak Outriggers
The Brocraft kayak outriggers is arguably the safest outrigger you can ever invest in. This outriggers system is quite common, and you’ve probably spotted it while kayaking. Most people prefer this system simply because of its stability and balance. Below are a few more attributes about this outrigger that might blow you away:
Easy To Use
As a beginner, you definitely want to invest your dollars in a kayak outriggers that won’t give you a hard time when it comes to installation. Luckily, the Brocraft fits your requirements as it comes with stainless steel mounting hardware that installs by attaching to the rod holders and detaches easily.
Awesome Build Quality
It is evident that the Brocraft kayak outrigger has been manufactured with high standards. It features a lightweight aluminum frame to avoid adding more weight on the kayak. The entire stabilizer has been designed in a way that it can function with any kayak.
The steel mounting hardware is rust-resistant, while the floats are made using ultra tough PVC. At least you will have an outrigger that can hold up in rough water conditions. No more replacing stabilizers after a few months of use.
Ideal for Beginners
The Brocraft kayak outrigger should be your go-to stabilizer if you are a beginner kayaker. It will definitely come in handy when learning kayaking skills, fly fishing, or other kayaking activities. Besides, you should always have the outriggers installed when you go for longer trips, or you are carrying a lot of fishing gear.
- It is easy to mount as no drilling is required
- Can be raised or lowered using the hinge system
- Has a two years warranty
- Extremely durable
- The mounting nuts might loosen because of excess movement.
2. Kayak Stabilizer System #302 by Scotty
This Kayak pontoon stabilizer is definitely one of the most popular kayak outriggers among kayak anglers. They might be expensive compared to other picks, but they will provide you with the utmost stability while standing on your yak. Most kayakers who’ve tried out the #302 by Scotty have been pleased by their performance. Let’s jump straight to the key features of this stabilizer.
Compact & Lightweight
The good thing about this kayak stabilizers kit is its compact and lightweight nature. The pontoons are easy to inflate and deflate as well. This shows that this outriggers kit is pretty easy to transport as you won’t require much space to store the deflated pontoons. These will attach to your rod holders
Mounting system: articulating arms attached to rod holders
Extremely Stable
If you are looking to purchase the best kayak outriggers pontoons, then the #302 by Scott system is your best bet. The kit has been designed to offer optimum balance and stability on your yak. There is no chance you are going to tip over while you have these pontoons offering support. With Scotty kayak stabilizers, even a big guy will have nothing to worry about.
Build Quality
Although this outrigger kit uses pontoons, you will notice that they are designed with a thick and durable material. They can literally withstand sharp rocks and branches without getting punctures. Besides the hardware is also made from high-quality materials to enhance longevity.
- Provides exceptional stability
- The kit is compact and lightweight for easier transportation
- Extremely durable
- Comes with a puncture kit
- It is quite expensive as compared to other kayak outriggers
3. Hobie Side Kick Kayak Stabilizers
The Hobie Side Kick kayak outriggers is yet another incredible kayak stabilizers kit that will provide you with the right amount of buoyancy you require. It is a great outrigger for those who prefer inflatable pontoons. Below are a few things I like about the Hobie Side Kick
Quick Installation
As I mentioned earlier, most pontoon stabilizers are so easy to mount on your kayak. The same case applies to the Hobie Side Kick. Once you purchase this product, you will get the necessary installation hardware to mount it. Moreover, you do not require any skills to install these stabilizers.
Awesome Design
This kayak outriggers kit is pretty light as it weighs just under 5 lbs. The fact that you can deflate it when not in use means that you can transport it easily. At least you do not have to deal with a bulky outrigger system. Besides, it comes with strong aluminum arms that are made in such a way that you can adjust them to your preferred height.
- Quick and easy installation
- The kit is adjustable
- Rust-resistant hardware
- Quality build
- Quite expensive
4. Mexidi PVC Inflatable Kayak Outriggers Stabilizer Kit
The other option you have at your disposal is the Mexidi Stabilizer kit. It is a pretty solid purchase if you are looking for a good fishing kayak outrigger kit. With this kayak outriggers, you’ll be at a better position to get the most out of your kayak. What makes this system stand out?
Easy To Set Up
The Mexidi Kayak Stabilizer system will not give you problems when it comes to installation. In fact, you can easily inflate the outriggers with a few breaths. At least you won’t have to carry a pump with you when using the Mexidi stabilizer kit.
Impressive Durability
Although the Mexidi outriggers look simple, you can rest assured that they will serve you and your grandkids. The pontoons are made from rugged vinyl so that they can withstand any sharp or rough objects.
- It is affordable
- It’s compatible with most sit0on-top kayaks
- Easy to inflate
- Does not come with stabilizer bars and mounting hardware
5. Inspired By Nature Kayak Outriggers
Our final pick in this kayak outriggers article happens to be Inspired By Nature Canoe Kayak Outriggers. They are considered to be a great choice for kayakers who are looking for a tough and robust outrigger. Unlike most of my top products, this kayak outriggers comes with non-inflatable pontoons. Let’s check out some of the awesome attributes of this stabilizers kit.
Extremely Durable
If you are looking for a durable kayak outrigger for sale, you might want to look at the Inspired By Nature Stabilizer kit. It is a high quality product that’s made in the USA and most importantly, it features a durable construction design. Its pontoons are actually made from high-quality PVC. This assures you that your new stabilizer will serve you for years to come.
Impressive Stability
This kayak stabilizer floats will offer unequaled stability and balance when you are out there fishing. Besides, it comes with a seating assist cord that will help you sit or stand in your yak without worrying about tipping over.
- Has furniture grade plastic pontoons
- It features a seating assist cord
- Comes with stainless steel hardware
- It’s tough and robust
- Requires some drilling
- It is quite bulky
- It is difficult to adjust
How To Choose A Kayak Stabilizer system
Choosing a kayak outriggers is not as easy as people think. You have to know which factors are important to consider before you settle for any option. I’ve covered a few of them that will help you make an informed decision when you hit shopping.
Buoyancy
This is the most important factor you should use to choose the ideal stabilizer system for your kayak. The only reason you would be purchasing an outrigger is that you want more stability. It is for this reason that you should pick a unit with the most buoyancy.
Adjustability
Having an outrigger that is adjustable is a plus. Some stabilizers feature a hinge system that will allow you to lower the floats to the level you want. This feature is mostly available on PVC float triggers. On the other hand, inflatable floats do not come with this feature.
Material
It is imperative to check out the materials used to make the outrigger kits. This will help you know whether the item you are about to buy is durable enough to last for years. Besides, you will be able to estimate whether it is heavy or lightweight. The floats are mostly made from PVC while the mounting hardware is mostly made of plastic or stainless steel.
Installation
Unless you are a DIY person, you should always go for a stabilizer system that you can install on your own. Some systems require you to drill holes in the kayak, and thus you might require to hire an expert to do the job. Â In most cases, inflatable outriggers are quick and easy to install.
Are Kayak Outriggers & Stabilizers Worth It?
The only reason why you should purchase an outrigger is if you are struggling with balance. In most cases, you will find that you can paddle in a kayak without tipping over. A good outrigger will help take the balance and buoyancy of your kayak a notch higher. Besides, stabilizers have proved to be ideal for the following groups:
Duck Hunters, Photographers & Kayak Anglers
If you are in this group of people, you probably understand that an outrigger will help you maintain balance every time you are standing on a kayak. As you well know, standing up on yak interferes with your overall stability.
Kayaking Beginners
Beginners will always face a hard time when paddling in a kayak. In fact, most people in this category find themselves tipping over their kayaks many times. As a beginner, you should consider adding a kayak stabilizer system until you become more confident in your skills.
Parents kayaking with kids
If you want to keep your kids safe while kayaking, then it’s imperative to invest in the best outrigger & stabilizer. With a good unit, you will enjoy spending time in the water because you won’t have to worry about the safety of your kids anymore.
Conclusion
Installing a kayak outrigger kit is a good step towards ensuring that you remain safe while fishing or touring around in your kayak. Unless you have some pretty good kayaking skills, you will always have a rough time if your kayak does not have a stabilizer kit. Make sure you grab one before you drown or lose your equipment in the sea.
