5 Best Touring Kayaks with Large Cockpit

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If you are big and looking for a Touring Kayak with Large Cockpit, you came to the right place, in this post we comprehensively cover the best Large Cockpit Touring Kayaks.

With the right touring kayak, you can venture into any water body. With so many options to choose from, picking the right kayak can be challenging especially if you are buying one for the very first time.

To guide you in making the right choice, we have put together the best touring kayaks with large cockpits. Let’s take a look.

 

Best Touring Kayaks with Large Cockpit

 

1) Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 | Sit Inside Touring Kayak

Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 | Sit Inside Touring Kayak

 

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This touring kayak with large cockpit is designed for paddlers of all sizes.

It is known to deliver a signature performance like no other. The seating system is very comfortable with an unmatched capacity to help you travel farther and get more achievements.

Pros

  • Padded Thigh Braces
  • Phase 3 AirPro Seating
  • Phase 3 Air Pro sit-on-top-seat
  • Integrated Bulkheads
  • Bow Compass Recess
  • Features a lower deck, Narrow beam, and slightly shorter length

Specifications

  • Length- 16′ 6″
  • Width -21-1/2″
  • Deck Height -12-1/2″
  • Weight -55 lbs
  • Max Capacity- 300 lbs
  • Perfect for Paddler Size- Medium/Large

 

2) Old Town Loon 126 Recreational Kayak

Old Town Loon 126 Recreational Kayak 

 

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This Old Town’s Loon touring kayak with large cockpit combines a classic design with effortless gliding and comfort for longer paddling. This kayak features a customizable work deck with a sharp keel line and a triple-layer polyethylene hull making it one of the most advanced watercraft.
For comfort, you get an Active Comfort System 2.0 seat and easy-grip thigh pads. Other great features include a Click Seal hatch with bulkhead, bow and stern carry handles, a bow and stern bungee, a paddle clip, a drain plug, and more.

Pros

  • Ultra-comfortable and adjustable ASCII seat
  • Removable work deck equipped with USB port
  • Click Seal stern hatch for ample dry storage
  • Measures 12 feet 6 inches long by 31 inches wide

Specifications

  • 450-pound maximum load capacity
  • Measures 12 feet 6 inches long by 31 inches wide

 

3) Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K 140

Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K 140

 

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Wilderness Systems A.T.A.K 140 is an excellent touring kayak for those in need of a long trip kayak with ample storage and comfortable seats.

With this kayak, you get to easily load and offload touring gear and accessories through the SlideTrax found in the front, back, and mid-section of the kayak. With a large storage design, you get enough space to store all necessary gear.

The kayak also features an open design that can be customized to meet the demands of different kayak anglers.

The patented suspension-style seat provides all-day comfort while the high, low, and recline seat positions provide great visibility and adjustability. The large cockpit area with a padded footrest offers great foot support.

Pros

  • Center easy access storage.
  • Apex angler carbon fiber paddle.
  • Large storage space.
  • Easy to paddle.
  • Customizable open design.
  • Highly walkable and very stable.
  • Different seat positions allow for great visibility and stability.
  • Easy to adjust locking lever.
  • Large, padded footrests.
  • Maximum capacity: 550 lbs.

Specifications

  • Length-12′ 3″
  • Width-35″
  • Deck height-16″
  • Kayak weight-86 lbs.
  • Max capacity-400 lbs.

 

4) Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem

Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem

 

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Kayak touring alone can be very lonely. That’s why you need a high-quality tandem kayak such as the Driftsun Rover 120/220. This versatile two-person kayak performs exceptionally well in both still and rough waters.

The cockpit area is roomy while the adjustable seats provide great comfort. Its durable polyethylene construction ensures that it is tough enough to stay around for years.

Being a sit-in kayak, it is suitable for paddlers with different experience levels. With 3 chamber construction, you are assured of continuous paddling in case one chamber gets punctured.

The removable rear tracking skeg provides superior tracking in flat water and can be removed to eliminate the obstruction. The adjustable footrest accommodates paddles of different heights while the large storage spaces provide adequate space to store all necessary touring gear. This inflatable kayak is also very lightweight which makes it easy to carry around.

Pros

  • Extremely rigid high-pressure drop-ditch floor.
  • Reinforced carry handles.
  • Adjustable footrests.
  • Corrosion-resistant hardware.
  • Removable rear tracking skeg.
  • 3 chamber construction.
  • Lightweight construction.
  • Perfect tandem kayak.
  • High weight limit.

Specifications

  • Inflated: 12.5’ft. x 38”
  • Deflated: 24.5”x 21” x 10”
  • Weight: 28 Lbs.
  • Capacity: 600 Lbs
  • Inflation Time: 9 Mins

 

5) Sun Dolphin Bali SS Kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali SS Kayak

 

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Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS Kayak is perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers. This sit-on-top kayak has an open cockpit for easy entry and exit and holds up to 395 lbs. Other great features include adjustable foot braces, a dry storage compartment, protective thigh pads, and a paddle holder.

Pros

  • Open cockpit for easy entry and exit
  • Adjustable foot braces
  • A dry storage compartment
  • Protective thigh pads
  • Paddle holder

Specifications

  • Holds up to 395 lbs
  • Product Dimensions : 144 x 29.6 x 14 inches; 48 Pounds

 

Touring Kayak with Large Cockpit Choice Criteria

With a touring kayak, you are going to spend many hours on the water. That means that you must buy excellent features which make your touring experience comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some of the important features that should be on your buying checklist.

  1. Comfort

Comfort is the first and most important factor to look out for in any touring kayak. Given that you are going to be spending multiple days in the kayak, your trip won’t be fun if you end up being uncomfortable.

Check how comfortable the seats are and if they are adjustable. Also, check on the cockpit size and see if it’s suitable for you. To ensure that the cockpit is suitable for you, check if you can easily straighten your legs inside the vessel with your whole body being balanced.

Touring kayaks with padded backrest provide great comfort when paddling for long hours.

  1. Material

The material of the kayak plays a key role in determining how long the kayak will last. To ensure great service plus value for money, buy one that’s made of high-quality materials.

High-quality kayaks are either made of plastic or composite. Plastic kayaks withstand bumps and impacts easily and they are cost-friendly and easier to repair as well. In case money isn’t an issue for you, go for a composite kayak as they are lighter and easier to paddle.

  1. Length

With a touring kayak, the longer the kayak, the more efficient it becomes to move through the water. A longer kayak also offers a large and comfortable cockpit area plus a larger storage area.

While longer kayaks are suitable for those who paddle for a long period of time, a shorter kayak will be ideal if you paddle for a short period of time.

  1. Weight

Weight varies significantly between kayaks. A lightweight kayak is easier to carry, easy to load inside a car, and also easy to get up to speed. Furthermore, a lightweight kayak allows you to carry more gear because less of the weight capacity is taken up by the kayak.

However, it is important to note that kayaks become heavier with the addition of more features that are useful after succeeding in moving them to the water. Look for a kayak with carrying handles that allow easy transportation.

  1. Stability

Go for a kayak with a flat bottom hull if you prefer fishing while standing. You also need to ensure that the minimum length of the kayak is at least 30 inches for you to have a pleasant adventure.

Shorter kayaks tend to be tossed by strong water waves. In addition, picking the right width ensures that you get to enjoy stable rides on any water masses.

Touring Kayak with Large Cockpit FAQs

  • What’s the recommended length for a touring kayak?

Generally, the length of touring kayaks ranges from 11-15 feet long. Depending on your height, you should choose any length is between. These kayaks are long enough to offer ample storage space while being easy to control and paddle.

  • Is the color of the kayak important?

Yes. It is important to have a bright-colored kayak especially if you paddle around motorized motorboats. This increases your visibility and thus keeps you safe. Look for a kayak with bright colors such as yellow, green, and orange.

  • Will I get wet?

This will depend on whether the kayak is a sit-in or sit-on-top. Most touring kayaks are sit-in models and with such models, there is no way of escaping getting wet.

Conclusion

Choosing the right touring kayak has a direct impact on how your adventure will run through. It is our hope that after reading through this review, the selection process is now clearer for you. We have listed down the best touring kayaks and with any of the above, your touring experience will never be the same.

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