Top 7 Best Kayak Outriggers For The Money 2023 Reviews

Outriggers are an excellent way to increase the stability of your kayak or canoe. They are like training wheels for novices. The outriggers help you to learn the kayak’s limits while keeping you from flipping over.

Outriggers are also excellent for anglers, both novice and expert alike. They allow you to stand more easily for sighting, casting, or reeling. There are a lot of reasons to add an outrigger to your kayak.

But what are the best kayak outriggers?

We looked over a long list of options and narrowed things down for you. Below you will find reviews of our top choices and a Buying Guide at the bottom. Let us help you determine which of the many options is the best choice for you.

Top 7 Best Kayak Outriggers In 2023 Reviews

1 Hobie Sidekick Ama Kit #72062101 – Best Inflatable Outriggers

The first item on our list of the best outriggers for kayaks and canoes is made by Hobie Sidekick. They make the Ama Kit model #72062101 to help you increase your stability on the water.

Are these the best inflatable kayak outriggers?

These are certainly one of the best options available. They will need to be inflated for use, but they only take a few breaths each to inflate. The initial installation may require the use of a power drill, but all installation hardware is included.

Are they adjustable?

Yes, these outriggers can be adjusted. They attach as a single piece to your kayak, which makes things fast and simple. The bent support bar is easy to adjust by twisting them up or down. This gives you three height positions that can be adjusted on the go as needed.

Is there a downside to these outriggers?

These may not be the best option for anglers. The inflatable nature of the outriggers means that a puncture from a fishing hook could bring an early end to your day. On the other hand, they weigh less than 5 pounds, making them easy to transport.

2 Brocraft Kayak Outriggers/Stabilizers System and Two Power Lock Rod Holder – Best Fishing Kayak Outriggers

The second option on our list is produced by Brocraft. These are some of the best outriggers for fishing. In fact, these were purposefully designed to be used on fishing kayaks.

Does your kayak have fishing rod holders build-in?

If so, then these will be some of the easiest outriggers to mount. They attach directly to the rod holders built-in to your kayak. If you don’t have these attachment points in your kayak, a bit more work will be required for installation.

Are these outriggers easy to adjust?

The mounting arms are 32 inches long and can be adjusted. Their adjustment is at the mounting point. So, if you cannot easily reach your rod holders, then adjusting these on the go will be difficult.

Don’t worry about your fishing hooks catching your outriggers.

These outriggers are made from molded PVC floats. This keeps them above water without any inflation needed. For anglers, this is a big plus. There’s no need to worry about your fishing hooks catching and puncturing an inflatable outrigger.

Do they provide good stability?

Yes, anglers love these outriggers. They allow kayakers to stand with a firm footing. Plus, there is a 2-year limited warranty for quality assurances.

3 YakGear Amas Kayak & Canoe Outriggers (Generation 2) – Best Salt Water Fishing Outriggers

YakGear has released the second generation of their Ama Kayak & Canoe Outriggers. These are designed to make your kayak more stable, which in turn makes the day more enjoyable.

Great for those kayaking in choppy water, angling, or taking the kids out in tow…

The YakGear outriggers are great for anyone looking to be more comfortable when kayaking. They have adjustable arms that are 30 inches long. This means they provide a float base about 22 inches from the side of your kayak. When approaching the dock or an obstruction, you can easily lift them out of the way.

Are they easy to install?

The first installation will require some power tools, but all other parts are supplied. You attach the outriggers via a Railblaza StarPort base, which is first mounted to the boat. We like this system, as it keeps things easy for reattaching in the future.

These are some of the best outriggers for saltwater fishing kayaks…

When you are transporting the kayak, you can easily remove the outriggers. We think this is a pretty good setup, and the floats are pretty good quality as well. Plus, the stainless steel mounting hardware means these outriggers can be used in saltwater.

What else is great about this setup?

The mounting system used for these outriggers is the real selling point here. Once you have mounted the StarPort base, you will be able to use a wide range of kayak accessories. The Railblaza mount can mount cameras, the best fish finders, and a lot more.

The only thing we aren’t huge fans of is the adjustment point. It’s far enough out that you have to be rather stable on the water to make adjustments. With these outriggers, it’s best to adjust things before boarding the kayak.

4 Scotty Kayak Stabilizer System #302 – Best PVC Outriggers

The next entry on our list of the best kayaking outriggers is made by Scotty. They make a kayak stabilizer system they call simply model #302. This is another great option for those looking to increase the stability of their kayak.

Do these require any drilling to mount?

Yes, you will need to pick a spot and drill holes. From there, you can attach the two Scotty rod-holding mounts. Once secured in place, you’ll be good to go.

Is all the mounting hardware supplied?

Perhaps not. Many users have reported that the screws, washers, and nuts are not supplied for the installation. We would recommend making sure you use stainless steel mounting hardware, so corrosion isn’t a problem down the road.

Plus, PVC can withstand almost anything…

These outriggers are some of the best PVC kayak outriggers. They should be able to withstand anything you throw at them. It only takes a few minutes to inflate them, and then you’re on the water.

Yes, these outriggers are susceptible to punctures. They are also not the easiest to adjust while on the water. However, you will be pleased with the level of stability that they add to your watercraft.

5 Spring Creek Manufacturing Hydrodynamic Canoe Stabilizer Float Package – Best Minimum Drag Outriggers

Spring Creek Manufacturing makes the top-end entry on our list of the best kayak outrigger reviews. It’s easily the most expensive option that we looked at. But, is it worth spending so much extra on this model?

Outriggers will increase the drag of your kayak or canoe…

That goes for all makes and models. However, these Hydrodynamic Canoe and Kayak Floats are designed for minimal drag. This is due to their shape, which is far more streamlined than on many of the competition.

What are these outriggers made from?

This set is constructed from lightweight polyethylene plastic. You won’t have to worry about inflating these. Nor are there concerns of leaks caused by sharp twigs in the shallows.

Are the floats adjustable?

Yes, you can extend these in either direction by up to 20 inches. This is done with telescoping arms. Each unit weighs only 5 lbs. and adds 27 lbs. of buoyancy per float.

How big are these outriggers?

That is one of the best parts about this option. You get to choose the size you want. There are sizes as small as 30 inches, and as large as 45 inches. No matter your needs, this should have you covered.

The mounting on these can be a little more tricky. They use a clamp system that is designed to attach to the gunwales of a canoe. It’s easy enough to adjust to a kayak, but depending on your kayak, some skill may be required to mount these.

Are these the best outriggers for stability?

Yes, these are the toughest options that we looked at. If you’re new to kayaking and need extra stability while you learn, this is what you need. They are also ideal for anglers.

6 Brocraft Canoe Outriggers/Canoe Stabilizers System – Best Canoe Outriggers

Brocraft also makes stabilizer systems for canoes. Depending on the model of kayak that you have, this may provide an easier mounting option.

Are you running a kayak, a canoe, or both?

You may have noticed that many of the options on this list mount in different fashions. Here we have one option that mounts using G-clamp. It’s made from marine grade 6061-T6 aluminum with CNC processing.

This means it’s tough. It also means that it’s far more straightforward to mount for a canoe. However, if you are running a kayak, these may also clamp easily there. It will depend on the model of kayak you own.

Are the floats inflatable?

No, as with the other option above from this manufacturer, these outriggers are made from molded PVC. This means you’ll be afloat without being concerned about punctures.

We really like the ease of mounting and demounting these outriggers. There are no tools or drilling required, which keeps your craft in pristine condition. Plus, they are backed by a 2-year limited warranty.

7 Toygogo Inflatable Kayak/Canoe Outrigger Stabilizer – Most Affordable Kayak Outriggers

The final option on our list of the best kayak and canoe outriggers is also the cheapest option we reviewed. These inflatable kayak outriggers will also work well as canoe stabilizers. If you’re new to the sport, then you should take a close look at this option.

These are the best budget kayak outriggers…

That is solely because they are around half the price of the other options we reviewed. But remember, you get what you pay for. These are not the best option for everyone, but if you are new to the sport, we’d highly recommend them.

Are these inflatable?

Yes, this is an inflatable outrigger design. That makes them easy to transport but leaves them open to the risk of punctures. It’s a tradeoff that everyone will have differing opinions on.

The support bar allows for a minimal amount of height adjustment. It’s not a lot, but there is a bit. The system is also easy to install, which is something we all can appreciate.

Best Kayak Outriggers Buying Guide

Outriggers can add a great deal of stability to your kayak, canoe, or other small watercraft. They come in a range of sizes and designs, which can make choosing one a bit tricky. That’s why we have put together this buying guide.

Do You Really Need An Outrigger For Your Kayak?

Well, that will depend on a few things. First off, are you new to kayaking? If so, then a set of outriggers is highly recommended.

Outriggers are a great way to stay upright while you learn how to balance a kayak. Anyone who’s been in a kayak knows, they are rather easy to roll over accidentally. Especially when you’re new to it all.

For anglers, outriggers can be crucial for a couple of reasons…

The first of which is stability with a trolling motor or sails. If you’re headed out to fish some deeper waters, these stabilizers can be hugely beneficial. The more stable you are, the longer you can enjoy yourself without exhausting yourself.

The other reason outriggers are loved by anglers is the ability to stand in the kayak…

It doesn’t matter if it’s for sighting the fish, casting the rod, or reeling in a catch. All of these can be considerably easier if you’re standing rather than sitting in your kayak. However, standing in a kayak and not falling can be difficult without added stability.

Where Should You Mount Your Outriggers?

This is a vital thing to consider before you purchase a set of kayak stabilizers. For one thing, not all options mount in the same manner. Some mount to kayak rod holders, which may or may not exist already on your kayak.

Others will require some drilling, which can put some users off. Others will simply clamp to your canoe or kayak. We suggest verifying that your kayak has a place to mount the outriggers before you purchase a set.

Inflatable vs. Rigid Kayak Outriggers.

Some options above have an inflatable design. This is highly beneficial for transportation to and from the water. It’s also ideal for storage, as these tend to require minimal space in your garage.

Rigid outriggers, on the other hand, have their own benefits. While they do require more storage space, they aren’t susceptible to punctures. As a loss of air can end the day on the spot, this can be extremely important.

Where Are You Using These Outriggers?

If you are in shallow water that has unseen obstacles, then a rigid design is advisable. Similarly, if you’re an angler, you should seriously consider your fishing hooks. They can easily damage an inflatable outrigger.

Price Is Always A Key Consideration.

We know, no one wants to spend more on anything than they absolutely must. On the other end is the time-honored saying: You get what you pay for.

If you’re just starting out and are looking for extra stability on the water, save some money on the outriggers. You won’t need them very long before you’ve mastered kayaking. For anglers, it’s worth spending more on an option that will last you for years rather than months.

Before You Go…

If you’re interested in other comprehensive reviews of brilliant kayaking and canoeing gear, read our Best Kayak Accessories reviews.

If you’re a little confused about the difference between a kayak and a canoe, do read our Canoe vs Kayak article for better clarity.

We also talked a lot about the benefits of certain outriggers for certain types of fishing. If you’re an angler or love catching the odd fish for dinner, head on over to our informative articles about Mudfish, How to Fish the Tides, World Record Catfish, and What is the Best Time to Catch Catfish?

Final Thoughts On The Best Kayak Outriggers

That composes our list of the best kayak stabilizer reviews and our buying guide. There are a lot of options out there, and certainly, something is available for every need and budget. Hopefully, our list has helped you find the best kayak outriggers for you.

If you are still scratching your head, don’t stress. We think the…

Hobie Sidekick Ama Kit #72062101

…is the best option for most people.

Have fun staying afloat. We certainly do.