Best kayak outriggers offer an additional degree of stability for kayaks and can also be helpful for a fishing kayak. They’re not simply helpful for novices or hesitant paddlers, they’re also helpful for those who want to stay upright on the water. There are several top-of-the-range options now available so you can be certain to remain upright at all times while kayaking.
Best Kayak Outriggers – Quick Comparison
| Product image | Product name | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | YakGea | 4.9 | See pricing details |
  | MeTer Star | 4.8 | See pricing details |
  | Brocraft | 4.8 | See pricing details |
  | Spring Creek | 4.7 | See pricing details |
  | Scotty | 4.7 | See pricing details |
Review The Top 5 Best Kayak Outriggers
5. Spring Creek Kayak Stabilizer
Specs:
- 30-pound additional buoyancy
- Aluminum arms with anodizing
- Robust inflatable floats made of PVC
Pros:
- Durable and portable
- Simple to inflate
- dependable mounting hardware
- Two holders for fishing rods
- Very buoyant weight
- Very steady
Cons:
- Difficult to inflate
- On the sea, adjustment is difficult.
- Outriggers may get pierced.
- Installs using power tools
- Does not include the required hardware.
Review:
Scotty’s #302 Kayak Stabilizer Mechanism has a superior mounting system and overall quality compared to its rivals. Scotty’s outrigger kit includes two inflatable pontoons, two 28-inch anodized metal mounting arms, and a pair of baitcasting rod holders. The mounting bars are supposed to be attached to the kayak using two Scotty rod-holding attachments, which may seem unusual.
You’ll need your own screws and nuts to install the pontoons, so a trip to Lowe’s or your local hardware store is necessary. You can also adjust the outriggers’ position to suit your needs for stability while avoiding your paddle strokes by adjusting the rod holders. To install those rod holders, you’ll need to provide your own screwdrivers and nuts, so an expert will be needed.
The pontoons themselves are composed of tough, high-grade PVC with good valves and tightly sealed seams, meaning that in the actual world, leakage is quite unlikely because of how durable these stabilizers are. I don’t think anything other than a sharp knife or arrow could penetrate them, including sharp rocks, sticks, jagged stumps, and blowdowns. Outriggers from Scotty are strong, dependable, and reasonably simple to install.
The number of outriggers and stabilizers available to fishermen is dwindling. Although you’ll need to drill some holes in the ‘yak and provide your own screws, it’s really not as difficult as it may seem. Because of the way the valve is made, filling the bladder may be challenging. Even if the cost could be a turn off, there is no doubt that this is the best paddling stabilizer right now.
4. Brocraft Kayak Outrigger
Specs:
- 27 pounds more buoyancy is needed for low drag.
- Steel stability arms in twos
- Clamps for mounting in stainless steel
- A pair of steel floaties
- A variety of hues including red, yellow, and gray are available.
Review:
The Spring Creek Hydrodynamic Kayak and Canoe Float Stabilizer Kit are one of the best available, built for maximum hydrodynamic stability and performance. It has a relatively low additional drag and improves your vessel with up to 27 pounds of buoyancy per float, extending up to 20 inches on each side.
This outrigger is what you seek out when your kayak or canoe needs stability and comfort. It comes in three different colors: pure red, steel gray, or sunshine yellow. And for models, you may choose from 36′′, 40′′, or 45′′. Additionally, it is produced in the United States.
One of the most durable outrigger system designs available, with easy installation and setup, it is also one of the fastest and easiest to use in the industry. With twin steel stability arms, one stainless steel mounting hardware set, two steel floaties, and quick installation, this is a true all-rounder for surfers and surfers on the water.
This stabilizer is one of the best all-around stabilizers now available. You may relax knowing that you can fish all day while standing to throw your lures if you use this device on your boat. It may be a little difficult to travel due to the product’s weight, but it is still an excellent overall angling stabilizer.
3. Brocraft Kayak Outrigger
Specs:
- 32″ outrigger arms
- Construction using molded PVC and aluminum
- Hardware for installation in stainless steel
- Two-year limited warranty for Brocraft
Pros:
- There are many methods to attach your kayak.
- Adjustable
- Simple to remove
- Under $200
- The aluminum structure that is lightweight
- Made to last
- Hardware made of stainless steel
Cons:
- Expensive
- just one hue, a vivid yellow
- No adjusting, just coarse adjustments
- Some people may find the height adjusting method to be a bit challenging.
- There are complaints that the provided rivets and bolts are not very great.
Review:
A two-year guarantee and two mounting options for the outriggers on your kayak are both appealing features. The first mounting solution is simple to install, but it does need drilling holes, which I don’t really like. The second method of attachment makes use of the mounting rails that are often present on fishing kayaks.
This technique makes it simple and fast to attach and detach the outsriggers, which is great for carrying your boat. Yamaha outriggers’ adjustability has drawn criticism due to their very wide increments of adjustment. Even if you can adjust them to the depth you desire, this isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but it is something to think about.
The Brocraft kayak outrigger system is a great solution for kayak fishermen who dislike drilling holes in their kayaks. It uses four yellow floats attached to 32-inch metal poles and comes complete with a yellow pontoon. If you don’t mind having pontoons that are a strong shade of yellow, you could always paint them.
To increase kayak stability, the floats themselves are composed of sturdy PVC, and all the necessary stainless steel mounting gear is included. To navigate obstacles or for storage, the arms may be lifted and lowered independently of one another. They are well regarded and useful in addition to the majority of hardshell fishing and pleasure kayaks.
2. MeTer Star Stabilizing Rods
Specs:
- System of mounting: 32mm arms
- Type of outrigger: inflatable
Pros:
- Hypothetically equivalent to kayaks and canoes.
- Effectively provides stability
Cons:
- Arms for attachment must be bought separately.
- Issues with quality control might arise.
- The installation will be challenging.
- Portable Kayak Stabilizer by Bicaquu
Review:
Meter Star Water Kayak Outrigger is an inflatable, portable, and simple to set up. You can inflate this product with only your tongue and no inflator or pump. The outrigger has a length of 35.5 inches and weighs just approximately 2.6 pounds. They are composed of sturdy, heavy-duty PVC plastic, but can be quickly inflated with little effort.
When installed and adjusted correctly, these outriggers make it easy to stand in a kayak or canoe. Meter Star supplies the hardware needed to attach these paddles to kayaks and canoes. The adjustable arms and floats for this device must be purchased separately. Though generally speaking, most users agree that the product is effective.
Meter Star’s stabilizers can be tricky to work with, so I’d blow them up before using them. Some consumers report that leaking was serious and quick, and seam quality is fair. They are made of durable PVC and produce roughly 80 pounds of buoyancy when inflated using Boston valves.
They can withstand blows from jagged rocks and sticks, so don’t stress too much about an unexpected situation. Although the manufacturer says that this kit is genuinely universal, it’s not exactly obvious if this is true, and I’m not sure if your DIY abilities won’t need to be somewhat advanced to make this work for your particular ‘yak or canoe.
1. YakGear Kayak Outriggers
Specs:
- Outrigger floats in two
- 30 inches long are the outrigger arms.
- construction using plastic and aluminum
- Stainless steel fittings
Pros:
- Adjustable
- transportable removal is simple
- Great for beginners and children
Cons:
- Expensive
- Drilling holes is necessary for your kayak.
Review:
YakGear Kayak & Canoe Outriggers Generation 2 are simple to install and don’t require an expert’s help. YakGear is renowned for producing inexpensive, high-quality kayak accessories. You won’t need to take your kayak to an expert to have them installed since they are easy to DIY.
With these outriggers, children and adults with poor balance may peacefully enjoy paddling without having to worry about toppling over. It is a good idea to get a tiny tube of silicone to seal the holes as I don’t like that you will need to drill your kayak.
They will let you stand up in your kayak and fish if you’re at ease. I like how simple it is to take the YakGear Kayak & Canoe Outriggers off, which makes moving your kayak so much easier. Anyone who wants to stabilize their kayak and has the financial means to spend a fair amount of money on high-quality items should consider them.
Considerations for choosing the best kayak outriggers
We recognize that deciding which Outrigger system is best for you might be a full-time job. Outriggers might seem to be quite difficult to operate. But it’s not as complicated as it first seems. All you need to know is the specific components and elements that make it function. Some of these variables are listed below:
Buoyancy Styles
There are now two main flotation methods for kayak outriggers – inflatable pontoons and solid polyvinyl chloride floaties. The PVC-made floaties provide the boat with more strength in addition to stability. After usage, moving these floaties might be a bit challenging.
We advise choosing a float that can hold both your weight and the weight of your kayak. The inflatable ones have two floaties inside—a soft inner bladder that works as a floatie for added stability and an outer covering to protect against puncture. Make sure that the inflatable floaty you choose has more than enough air capacity to keep it from tipping over.
Construction Materials
Similar materials, including aluminum, PVC, stainless steel hardware, and polyethylene/plastic, are used to build the majority of kayak outriggers. Since the quality of these materials varies from business to business, I advise sticking with well-known firms. Never keep your kayak or outriggers in direct sunlight since the sun is known to degrade plastic and make it brittle.
Setup and Compatibility
Some kayaks come equipped with mounting hardware, pre-drilled holes, or deck mounts that can support such additions. You must first determine if a kayak stabilizer system will work with the kayak you already possess before making a purchase.
Although installing an outrigger system on the majority of kayaks will need some basic DIY skills, not everyone like the idea of drilling holes in a kayak’s hull. Watch the YakAttack product video below for a fantastic example of how to install alternative kayak outriggers.
Price of kayak stabilizer
It’s challenging to get a good stabilizer at a reasonable cost. High-quality goods are often expensive, but certain goods continue to provide premium quality at affordable prices. This prevents you from having to spend more money attempting to repair a new outrigger that you just purchased. The best stabilizer is the one that won’t cause you problems after purchase.
Size
The majority of outriggers kits have lengths between 30 and 36 inches. The more stable your stabilizer is and the less probable it is that you would crash into the water, the bigger its size should be. You should also consider the pontoons’ ability to support the overall setup’s buoyancy.
The length of the outriggers from the hull to the float for the majority of kayaks should be between 30-36 inches. Most stabilizers with independent arms come with universal mounting hardware and are fastened independently on each gunwale. However, I strongly advise measuring or double-checking your kayak’s width to make sure it will be suitable if you’re using a universal receiver arm that spans the top of the deck.
Features for Adjustability
Some kayak stabilizers are made to fit a variety of different kinds of kayaks, and some have adjustable arms so they can fit any kind of kayak. While on the water, you may easily change these arms to meet your requirements. Although stabilizers exist in various sizes, as we both now understand, some of them are made specifically for this purpose.
The arms are a great addition since they let you raise the float out of the water while you paddle. Make sure to verify the adaptation features before purchasing your preferred model so you can learn how to properly set it up before heading out on the lake.
Resilience
PVC is a resilient material that can withstand significant abuse without breaking. But it is dependent on how well it was made, including the thickness, material, seam, and valve quality. I have no concerns about punctures from sharp pebbles or sticks, and if I could afford them, this is the product I’d choose.
Hydrodynamics
It’s crucial to keep the form of the pontoon, or kayak, in mind when choosing a suitable design for paddling. Because hydrodynamics and aerodynamics are related, a pontoon that resembles your kayak in shape will perform far better than one with a blunt nose. It doesn’t need to be tuned up like Nascar racing, but it shouldn’t produce so much drag that paddling becomes difficult.
Attachment was simple
That raises a crucial point that is simple to miss. On one end, there is the very simple-to-install Scotty #302, and on the other, there is the enigmatic Meter Star, which claims to be universally compatible but seems to take some serious do-it-yourself to get it to function correctly.
The Bicaquu can be put together quickly and easily since it is considerably closer to the Scotty. That is crucial because if the outriggers can’t be linked correctly, their quality, performance, and durability are all for nothing. The Scotty is thus likely the best of the lot in this regard.
Placement
Typically, you want to place them far away from the back of your paddle stroke and rearward of the cockpit of your ‘yak. This is crucial for paddling, and placing yourself incorrectly will be a problem you really don’t want to deal with.
Weight
Stabilizers have the advantage of increasing your overall capacity by a lot more than your weight. Adding a five to ten-pound kayak stabilizer system will contribute around 60 pounds of buoyancy. Even though your buoyancy may have risen, you will still need to paddle because of the additional weight. Hydrodynamics becomes relevant in this situation.
Drag
Outriggers are hydrodynamic and have the same impact as lead weight on your kayak’s speed and handling as well as increase its sensitivity to wind and currents. The drag will rise significantly with your outriggers added, regardless of positioning. Even though they seem to be hydrodynamically equivalent to lead weight, they do not affect the speed or handling of a kayak the same way.
Stabilizers are usually preferable for short paddles to popular fishing sites and calm water environments like ponds and lakes. You will need to weigh this straightforward reality as a trade-off for the steadiness you will receive.
Ability to be transported
Kayaks are difficult to move about; you must put them into a trailer, vehicle, or SUV. So it’s not ideal to add extra bulk and discomfort. Because of this, I concentrated on kayak stabilizer systems that were simple to remove and make shipping kayaks much simpler.
Inflatable pontoons will enable you to make the most of the little space you have during transit. You will need room for the outrigger arms, however, and given how long some of them are, that would be intriguing.
Stability
Outriggers provide the support you need to take advantage of more than just a mild wind. Long, heavy blades that protrude from a sailboat’s hull are known as keels. Their main function is to balance off the wind’s power on the sail. Your ‘yak doesn’t have a keel, so anything stronger than a gentle push will knock it over.
Direct casting is the best method for catching many different fish species. You can lead your victim into a strike if you see them before you cast. Standing makes casting much simpler if you wish to attempt fly fishing. A set of outriggers is a simple solution. You’ll be standing on your recreational boat in no time!
Outriggers are a great way to stand tall so you can concentrate on catching fish. For the tall, heavier fisherman, stability may be a challenge even in kayaks designed for sight fishing. If this describes you, you are likely to need extra support from an outrigger.
Systems for Installation and Mounting
Outriggers are a vital component of any boat’s hull and must be placed in the correct position to prevent them from getting in the way of your fishing line or paddle strokes. To determine how much clearance you will have, you need to locate an open area that is the correct size.
To drill holes in your kayak, you’ll need a drill and some practice. The best method to guarantee accuracy with a bigger bit is to pilot-drill a hole. Just be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and keep an eye on the brand you’re using.
Positive aspects of kayak stabilizers
Outriggers’ main advantage is that they guarantee the stability of the kayak and keep it from capsizing. They are primarily required by women and fishermen so that they can stand straight while fishing. Others choose to go on choppy, fast-moving seas with outriggers connected to their kayaks, while other individuals use their kayaks with outriggers for fishing in still waters. Outriggers let you focus on the beauty of nature rather than worrying about capsizing.
Negative aspects of kayak stabilizers
Kayak outriggers are helpful to stabilize your side-to-side movement if you’re sailing. Outriggers’ biggest drawback is that they move slowly, preventing you from immediately launching yourself into the water. Speed wouldn’t be a major concern for you if you bought your outrigger to increase stability rather than speed on the water – but it worries those who use them for quick dives.
As you can see from our list of the top kayak outriggers, their primary functions are to support any additional weight that may be placed on the kayak while also adding stability to keep it from tipping over in the event of severe winds or currents. You also discovered that stabilizers are mainly made with fishermen and women in mind, allowing them to stay upright securely when casting their nets and bait into the sea or reeling in large catches.
A kayak outrigger will increase breadth in addition to boosting resistance. The extra buoyancy they provide may more than makeup for their weight, but they may nevertheless slow a boat down. This might be an issue when putting in or taking out, as well as with transportation and storage. In the spirit of being fair, here is a list of their “cons”.
A kayak outrigger that is improperly installed may restrict your paddle stroke. Kayak anglers already have enough equipment on board, and stabilizers can increase the deck’s profile and clutter. An inflatable cannot be drilled through, therefore putting a stabilizer on this kind of ship will need some ingenuity. Installation might be a little challenging. Many kayaks are hesitant to drill holes since there is a danger that something might go wrong.
For lovers of kayaking, managing the movement and safekeeping of outriggers is often a challenge. Mastering the art of safely conveying and storing these essential kayak accessories not only elevates your experience on the water but extends the longevity of the gear.
In this part, we’ll explore a variety of approaches, offering guidance and advice on how to handle your outriggers with care. We’ll connect the dots between selecting the perfect outriggers and keeping them in prime shape. Furthermore, we’ll provide insights into the complementary tools, like best kayak trailers, that make transportation a breeze.
When may I use your Outrigger system?
Kayak Fishing
Holes that are challenging to get on foot are perhaps the best places to be fishing for fish. What’s under you may be a recreational kayak, and if you decide to use it for fishing in order to have even more fun, you’ll need a stabilizer for your kayak. You can easily maneuver in areas that bigger vessels like boats cannot.
Outriggers are made so that you don’t have to stand up when casting your net or when feeling a large fish enter your kayak. They are also designed to provide stability so that it’s easier to toss your net and bait and reel in fish. Recreational kayaks are notorious for being unsteady when you stand in them, so outriggers improve their stability.
Sail-boat
Sailing is a pleasant activity that may be done on the water. You put sail to your boat so that the wind may steer it for you. However, if you add a sail, you’ll also require stability. Kayak outriggers help you maintain balance when paddling and prevent your kayak from tipping over.
Kayaks lack a keel, which sailboats have and which serves as a lateral force counterbalance to the wind’s lateral force. Because of this, outriggers are your best choice. Once you get the hang of it, hanging some ‘canvas’ over your head may lead to longer, more thrilling excursions than a paddle alone.
FAQs Regarding Kayak Outriggers
What Are Kayak Outriggers, Exactly?
Outriggers are a group of floaties that are attached to an arm, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. The arm is then connected to the side or deck of a water vessel and extended into the water. Outriggers increase the weight capacity of the vessel and provide higher stability for an angler. Many of these inflatable stabilizers are simple to inflate for use and deflate when not needed. Retraction is also possible with this functionality, making transit and storage simpler.
Many of the kayak outrigger types available today, although some are permanent, are adjustable and may be mounted to and utilized on either one or both sides of the vessel. They are quite versatile and may even be utilized on the ship’s deck. By looking through our list of the top models on the market, you can select which model best meets your demand for enough stability for your craft.
An outrigger is a structure that is attached to the vessel and has a variety of meanings. It describes the float rigging that extends from the gunwales (sides) of a boat to increase buoyancy and stability in kayaking and sailing. When additional stability is needed, outriggers can be very helpful in preventing the boat from toppling over and/or capsizing.
Solid PVC or inflatable is the best?
Outriggers are designed to be easily stored while deflated and may be inflated by mouth when you’re prepared to enter the water. Even though the outer membrane is durable, it can still be penetrated. If you fish or launch and land on beaches where debris may be an issue, you should consider that.
Solid floats are used in PVC outriggers to provide buoyancy – and their strength is a benefit. On the water, you won’t have to worry about their durability since skilled watermen utilize this sort of material for their nets and traps. But unlike inflatable designs, they are not quite as simple to store.
Why is a kayak outrigger necessary?
Outriggers are designed to provide kayaks with more stability because of their narrow shapes, which render them prone to swaying and eventually toppling. Even while their narrow shape makes them easy to navigate the water, there are occasions when more stability is all you need. The main use of outriggers is for fishing, particularly when you have to reel in a large catch into your kayak.
Stabilizers are particularly helpful for novice kayakers who are just starting out with fishing or leisure paddling since the first trip on the water might be frightening without them. You will need to stand up and keep your balance while doing this, therefore your kayak needs to have a wider base than it does, which calls for more stability from outriggers.
You may purchase an outrigger to act as training wheels for your watercraft, much like on a bicycle, to give yourself balance on the water. My heart was racing out of my chest when I first got into a kayak. I suppose being thrown in at the deep end is often the best way to learn, but I’d prefer not to have been!
How is a kayak outrigger mounted?
You must have been curious about the installation of outriggers on kayaks, boats, and canoes. Some readily fit into kayaks that have already had holes for outrigger kits drilled into them by the manufacturer. While some stabilizer kits on the market don’t, others do often demand you to get your hands filthy by drilling holes in your vessel. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.
Some kayakers prefer to mount the stabilizer at the back of the kayak to prevent it from getting in the way of proper paddling, while others prefer to have theirs mounted around the curve. If drilling holes into their kayaks is necessary, both options have their advantages. Make sure the outrigger you buy is perfectly aligned with the holes if you want to place it into already-installed threaded holes.
How are outriggers installed on kayaks?
Most kayak outriggers are fitted similarly: first, a mounting bracket is attached to the gunwales, followed by the outrigger arms. The system must be carefully positioned to be perpendicular to the kayak and level over the width of the hull. If you still need help, there are a ton of YouTube videos and guides available.
What Amount of Stability Does It Add?
You purchase a kayak stabilizer kit to increase the stability of your kayak. You waste your money if it doesn’t do a good job of doing this and you shouldn’t squander your money, in my opinion. I looked into each of these different stabilizer systems for this reason and found them all to be inferior to each other.
You need both pontoons to rest on the water’s surface for maximum stability – you will still tremble if either is set too high. These five items are specifically chosen by me because I think they will give your kayak enough stability so you can stand in it to fish or safely paddle.
Do outriggers have to be used for kayak fishing?
An outrigger on a fishing boat is a pole that enables the crew to cast more fishing lines without the worry of entanglements. Outriggers have a different meaning when used in reference to kayak fishing. Like this collection of the best stand-up fishing kayaks, these are made specifically for anglers to enjoy standing casts and reels.
Fishing and kayaking are two very different sports, and stabilizers are not required to participate in either. But if you’ve ever tipped or capsized a kayak, you can appreciate how useful these gadgets can be. If you had been using a stabilizer, there’s a good chance that your kayak wouldn’t have tipped.
Do outriggers slow a kayak down?
Outriggers are a great way to speed up a kayak, but they can also make it drag more – especially if it has two arms and floats sticking out from the hull. Speed is not as vital in this sport as comfort, security, and stability on the water. You won’t care about winning races if you’re kayak fishing, however.
Is the outrigger rigid PVC or inflatable?
Inflatable and solid PVC outriggers are the two main flotation methods. You may occasionally have to choose between the two, but what are their specs and intended uses’ similarities and differences? An inflatable outrigger shaped like a raft is a better solution to overturning than a permanently air-filled stabilizer, or vice versa.
Inflatable kayaks are more convenient to transport and store than rigid ones due to their reasonable strength. Permanently air-filled stabilizers, which are often composed of plastic or metal, will be significantly more durable against puncture in the event of unexpected strikes with rocks. However, you must be prepared to pay for both their higher costs and their heavier weights.
Due to their portability and compactness, inflatable stabilizers are preferred by many fishermen and women. They are more lightweight and less expensive than rigid outriggers. The drawback of these stabilizers is that puncture damages, which cost more money, are common. Due to their limited durability, they may also sustain permanent damage, particularly if you paddle across rocky terrain.
An overview
I hope this post has given you a better understanding of what a kayak stabilizer system can do. No matter what kind of paddling you like, the best kayak outriggers can really aid with stability and balance. Tell us which one you choose and why in the comments.
