Kayak Outriggers: What you need to know going into 2023

Any kayaker should have a good kayak cart as a tool. It saves you time and effort by making it simple to move your kayak from your car to the water. Your kayak will remain snug and safe while transport on a strong, dependable trolley, preventing damage. A kayak cart can also be quite useful for launching and landing your kayak, freeing you up to concentrate on paddling rather than fumbling with your kayak. A solid kayak cart is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come, whether you’re a recreational kayaker or a more serious enthusiast.

Especially anyone who’s looked at Kayak carts recently will know that these can easily set you back several hundred dollars (if not close to a grand). All the more reason to educate yourself before you buy!

Reason 1: Safety and Control

One of those sports that has grown in popularity throughout time is sea kayaking. More individuals are paddling in harsher waves, which raises the chance that a kayak will capsize if you do.

Outriggers for your kayak could save your life. If you’ve ever attempted to paddle a sea kayak in choppy water without an additional leg for stability, you are aware of how challenging it may be, how risky capsizing can be, and how unexpectedly quickly a catastrophic situation can develop.

It is incredibly difficult to capsize a kayak thanks to the outriggers. They might also be excellent choices for someone traveling to an area with cold water. Even in calm waters, capsizing might result in dangerous circumstances.

A pair of outriggers improves the stability of your fishing platform and gives you more control over the kayak.

You’ll be in a more stable stance and have greater power to lift heavier fish.

Additionally, it makes it much simpler and safer for fishermen to cast from standing positions than they could without outriggers.

Outrigger fishing seats are also commonly accessible on a variety of kayak designs. Any new or used boat can be quickly and easily transformed into an all-purpose watercraft by adding a pair of kayak outriggers.

Reason 2: Save your Strength!

Kayakers can lessen the strain on their arms and shoulders by adjusting their position. You can improve your fishing experience and increase your stamina by relieving the pressure on your arms.

Having two outriggers on a tiny boat will make it simpler for people who aren’t familiar with how kayaks should be positioned, even if you’re not an avid kayaker. Simply simply, outriggers simplify the kayaking process, which is quite beneficial for beginners.

The two-outrigger system makes people more at ease while preventing uncomfortable or potentially harmful postures. The ability to employ the same arm positions when standing up or sitting down in a boat also makes it simpler for individuals accustomed to larger vessels.

While you contribute to improving your stability, spare your arms from needless suffering. If you have a solid set of outriggers that you can rely on, you’ll be able to paddle farther with less effort.

Don’t settle for a shaky product because you might even employ these outriggers for your paddling demands. Kayak propulsion is challenging enough without adding extra effort. You may do more fishing expeditions without being constrained by muscular soreness or backaches if you invest in some reliable outrigger supports.

Reason 3: Save your Time!

The process of getting into and out of a kayak should be one of your top considerations. Without outriggers, that requires balancing, which can be challenging if you lack skill or balance.

However, boarding and disembarking are simple enough for kids to do with outriggers. To maintain equilibrium, all they need to do is step onto anything solid (like the kayak itself).

What to Look for in Kayak Stabilizers

Materials

Do you prefer lightweight, inflatable outriggers or ones made of a durable, long-lasting substance like polyethylene plastic? Are the side arms made of polyethylene plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum? If you plan to use the materials in saltwater, specifically, make sure they are corrosion-resistant. Materials have an impact on total weight, price, durability, and appearance.

Size

Make sure the outriggers you purchase are substantial enough to accommodate the size of your kayak but not so substantial as to noticeably impair performance. Outriggers will state which vessel sizes they are best suited for.

Adjustability

Are the side arms telescopically adjustable or do they have to remain at a fixed width? Can the outriggers’ height be adjusted? Are they simple to remove for storage? When looking for outriggers, it’s crucial to ask yourself these queries.

Storage

Are the outriggers foldable and movable? Can they be readily taken off? These are some crucial inquiries if you need to store in specific locations.

What about a DIY Kayak Outrigger?

DIY outriggers or inexpensive inflatable sets can be purchased for less than $50. But the majority of high-quality outriggers cost $150 to 650. Your price will fall somewhere within that range, depending on your use cases, the materials required, and whether you require additional functionality. Discover what suits you the most.

If you’re handy…then take a crack at building a DIY kayak outrigger:

Conclusion

Many people (myself included) thought of a kayak outrigger as something you’d never want/need…until you try one. Then you’ll never go back. So try before you buy but if you are ready to pull the trigger (and don’t want to go the DIY route) then check out some awesome options on amazon:

Our Top Picks

Bestseller No. 1
YakGear Kayak & Canoe Outriggers (Generation 2), One Size
  • The YakGear Outriggers provide an easy to install safety net for everything from rocking back and forth to toppling into the water. Whether you are standing to sight cast at fish, traversing through choppy waters, or paddling with the kids, the YakGear Ou
  • The outriggers are attached by using a RAILBLAZA StarPort base (included) mounted to the boat. The outriggers can be removed at any time making your watercraft easy to transport, leaving only the RAILBLAZA base.
  • This set comes with 2 outriggers for the port and starboard side of your watercraft. The adjustable outrigger arms are 30 inches long and will provide a float base roughly 22 inches from the port and starboard side of the boat.
  • 2 adjustable Outrigger arms and floats, 2 Ralblaza Starport HD mounts, all stainless-steel installation hardware, installation instructions, and rigging tips from YakGear.
  • The Amas (floats) provide stability when paddling is a problem. The included amas have pre-installed threading (1/4 x 20 brass insert) to mount a RAILBLAZA StarPort HD (included) directly to the float, which is used to connect to the outrigger arms; and a
Bestseller No. 2
VEVOR Kayak Outrigger Stabilizers, 2 PCS, PVC Inflatable Outrigger Float with Sidekick Arms Rod, Standing Float Stabilizer System Kit for Kayaks, Canoes, Fishing Boats
  • Float don’t Sink: Get ready to set sail! Our kayak outrigger stabilizer provides more stability and makes you feel safe. Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing, boating, or fishing, it is here to let you enjoy more stability and freedom during all water sports.
  • Foldable & Portable: This stabilizer is made of PVC with sealed seams, providing air-tightness and preventing air leakage. It is easy to inflate and deflate in seconds with the dual-valve system. Just fold it and put it into the bag, and you can take it everywhere.
  • Adjust to Fit Your Needs: 2 Sidekick arms and 1 connecting rod are provided for a stable platform. Connecting the rod with sidekick arms allows for a total length of 94 inches. With the pre-drilled holes on the rod, you can easily adjust the length. Adjustable length: 81.5 inches to 94 inches. Get ready to sail out in style.
  • Easy to Install: The outrigger stabilizers can be easily installed on any type of vessel. Inflate the outrigger stabilizers, connect the rod with the sidekick arm, fix the pole holder through the sidekick arm, and then lock the ferrule. Set it up in seconds and start sailing around the world.
  • Apply & Sail Anywhere: Our kayak outrigger stabilizer is a must-have for all water enthusiasts. Let it become a necessity for kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, etc. Take your passions on the water and see what you have been missing out on! Wave hello to new fun and new adventures.
Bestseller No. 3
2 White PVC Kayak Canoe Boat Fishing Outrigger Stabilizer & AMA Kit US Ship
  • ● Secure locking ferrule at the end.
  • ● Aluminum alloy rod, strong and durable.
  • ● Dual valves for easy inflation and deflation.
  • ● Great addition to your kayak, providing added safety.
  • ● This side kick can work well with your kayak outrigger.
Bestseller No. 4
Taruor Kayak PVC Inflatable Outrigger Float,with Sidekick Arms Rod Kayak Boat Fishing Standing Float Stabilizer System Kit
  • Provides added stability for your kayak and make you feel safe.
  • Easy to inflate and deflate in seconds.
  • Secure locking ferrule at the end of the sidekick arms.
  • Includes repair patches and other mounting hardware.
  • Great addition to any kayak for sailing, fishing, paddling.
Bestseller No. 5
Brocraft Kayak Outriggers System / Stabilizers System
  • 32″ long aluminum Outrigger arms attach to your kayak
  • Tough, Durable Molded PVC Floats – COLOR: Yellow
  • All mounting hardware is Stainless Steel
  • Brocraft Two Years Limited Warranty
Bestseller No. 6
Spring Creek Manufacturing Hydrodynamic Canoe Stabilizer Float Package (Gray, 36)
  • Spring Creek Manufacturing’s float stabilizer packages are the safety and comfort you are looking for while on the water. Made from durable, lightweight Polyethylene plastic, these floats are designed to be easy to use, universal, and keep your canoe stable and upright.
  • Extendible up to 20″ in each direction, you’ll get the width that you need, and you’ll be pleased with the ease of use and simple design that all comes together to make the best canoe stabilizer on the market. The floats weigh 4lbs each and have a 27lb per float buoyancy. The universal receiver crossbar weighs between 7 and 8.5lbs depending on the size. Each Canoe Stabilizer Package comes with 1 Universal Receiver Crossbar, 2 Canoe Stabilizer Floats, 2 Telescoping Arms, and 1 set of Clamps.
  • Hydrodynamic Design for minimal drag through the water and excellent stability. Easily adjustable with locking cam lever arms. Color options: Gray, Red and Yellow. Floats measure 37″ long from tip to tip
  • UNIVERSAL RECEIVER SIZING (LISTED AS “DISPLAY LENGTH”): The Universal Receiver Crossbar is made in different lengths to fit all canoes. Standard sizes are 30″, 36″, 40″ and 45″. To size your canoe for a Universal Receiver Crossbar, first, measure your canoe at it’s widest point. Measuring the widest point gives you the option to place the Universal Receiver Crossbar anywhere on your canoe that is comfortable.
  • Most canoe gunwales have inside lips for clamping, meaning your clamps will be on the inside of the canoe. However, some canoe gunwales have outside lips, and in this case your clamps will clamp to the outside of your canoe. If this is your circumstance, please go up one Universal Receiver Crossbar size when ordering.
Bestseller No. 7
Kayak Outrigger Stabilizer,Portable PVC Higher Stability Kayak Outrigger Kit,Three Colours To Choose Inflatable Kayak Stabilizer,Easy To Install,for Floating Balancing Boat
  • SCOPE OF APPLICATION:Kayak Stabilizer suitable for canoeing, kayaking, rowing, fishing, standing and beginners.The inflatable kayak outrigger stabilizer is specially designed and manufactured for outdoor water sports enthusiasts.Whether you are standing to sight cast at fish, traversing through choppy waters, or paddling with the kids.
  • PRODUCT ADVANTAGES:Inflatable Kayak Stabilizer lightweight and portable, easy to install and remove, convenient to use.The outriggers can be removed at any time making your watercraft easy to transport.
  • SAFE TO USE:Kayak Outrigger stabilizer, can provide higher stability for any container, safe to use.
  • FINE WORKMANSHIP:Kayak Outrigger Stabilizer fine workmanship, inflatable kayak stabilizer for easy blowing.
  • HAPPY SHOPPING:Happy Shopping And Happy Life!If you have any questions or suggestions,tell us, and we will try our best to solve them.
Bestseller No. 8
METER STAR 2Pcs Kayak Inflatable Outrigger Stabilizer Water Kayak Floats Buoy,Produced with PVC Raw Materials, Reliable Quality
  • Exclusive Offer,Free Comes with 4 repair patches,Designed and manufactured specifically for outdoor water sports enthusiasts
  • This Float Great for kayak, canoe, boat, paddling, fishing, standing and beginners.
  • Inflatable and Lightweight design; durable and portable to carry; very easy to install and use.Inflatable is very convenient to breathe a few times can easily complete the inflatable, turn on the knob switch to complete the release within a few seconds.
  • MAX PSI 4PSI/0.3BAR.Lightweight, durable and portable to carry, 2 floats weighing 2.6 lbs.Length: Approx. 90 cm/35.4 inch,Width: Approx. 28 cm/11 inch; Adjustable float height with simple twist and click.
  • This outrigger stabilizers are to provide a stable platform to make you feel more safe when kayaking, boating, canoeing.Two pieces hold one paddle, NO DRING, NO PAD EYE, universal fit any size paddle shafts
Bestseller No. 9
Brocraft Canoe Outriggers/Canoe Stabilizers System
  • 32″ long aluminum Outrigger arms attach to your kayak
  • Tough, Durable Molded PVC Floats – COLOR: Yellow
  • All mounting hardware is Stainless Steel
  • G Clamp made by marine grade 6061-T6 aluminum with CNC processing
  • Brocraft Two Years Limited Warranty
Bestseller No. 10
Spring Creek Manufacturing Hydrodynamic Kayak Stabilizer Float Package (Gray, 40)
  • Spring Creek Manufacturing’s Kayak float stabilizer packages are the safety and comfort you are looking for while on the water. Made from durable, lightweight Polyethylene plastic, these floats are designed to be easy to use, universal, and keep your canoe stable and upright.
  • Extendible up to 20″ in each direction, you get the width you need, and you’ll be pleased with the ease of use and simple design that all comes together to make the best kayak stabilizer on the market. Each float weighs 4lbs and has a 27lb per float buoyancy. The universal receiver bar weighs between 7 and 8.5lbs depending on the size. Each Stabilizer Package comes with 1 Universal Receiver Bar, 2 Stabilizer Floats, 2 Telescoping Arms, and 1 set of Kayak Adapter Mounts.
  • Hydrodynamic Design for minimal drag through the water and excellent stability. Easily adjustable with locking cam lever arms. Color options: Gray, Red and Yellow. Each float measures 37″ from tip to tip.
  • UNIVERSAL RECEIVER SIZING (LISTED AS “DISPLAY LENGTH”): The Universal Receiver Crossbar is made in different lengths to fit all canoes and kayaks. Standard sizes are 30″, 36″, 40″ and 45″. To size your kayak for a Unversal Receiver Crossbar, first, measure your kayak at the desired mounting point. We reccomend that you have them mounted far enough away from the sitting position so they are not in the way of the paddle stroke.
  • Once measured, order the size that is one bigger then the measured distance. (Example: Measurement=34″ Order the 36″ Universal Receiver Crossbar.)

Chris Chamberlain Administrator
I am an outdoor nut and love researching and testing new gear. For me its about finding that diamond in the rough…not just shelling out $$ for the sake of it. Its tough to decide between the mountains and the ocean so I try and travel alot and bring my Australian Cattle dog where I can (but he does not like boats).

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