What's the benefit of a sit-on-top kayak?

Question

I'm just wondering what the benefit of a sit-on-top kayak is. It seems like regular kayak's would be more beneficial. Sit-on-top kayaks just seem like a cross between kayaking and canoeing to me.

Answer 1

so if you tip you will just slip out instead of mabey getting stuck in the kayak

Answer 2

Benefits:

More stable (about 30" instead of 24" wide)

Easy to go for a swim (in warm water).

Can be used as a solo "dive boat" and often have a recessed spot for a SCUBA tank.

Can be manufactured quickly in a mold (are cheaper).

They are self-bailing by virtue of the holes in the seat and foot wells.

If surfing in one you can easily and quickly roll off.

As mentioned by someone else, there are no adjustments - one seat back and multiple foot rest holes suffice.

Downsides (compared to closed top kayaks): slower, wetter ride, horrid in cold water, very little storage volume and no dry storage space, heavier than a FG or wood touring boat.

All our boats are closed-top touring boats (duh - we can have ice floating by in the summer).  If I lived in Hawaii, a sit-on-top would make more sense.

Answer 3

They are a bit easier to handle and are far less expensive than regular kayaks.  With a regular kayak, in addition to the boat you will also need a spray skirt, flotation for the boat, hip and leg pads to make the boat fit you as well as stirrups for your feet.  Expect to spend several hours getting everything right, and while it is a one-time thing it must still be done.  With a S-O-T you may want to add knee straps but other than that it is get on and go.

Answer 4

Because it beats the h**l out of the sit-on-the-bottom ones