Best Outrigger and Stabilizer For Kayaks | Review and Guide


An outrigger for kayaks offers a lot more benefits than just helping the beginner from tipping the kayak over. An outrigger system can be easily installed and removed when not needed, making it a nice add-on for different kayaking trips as needed. Going fishing? An outrigger for a kayak is essential if you don’t have a kayak exclusive to fishing only. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all system though. There are factors that you should consider depending on your specific use and needs. Below, we’ll cover different options for kayak outriggers that will keep you stable and worry-free on the water.

Quick Overview | Best Outrigger and Stabilizer For Kayaks

ImageKayak OutriggerFloat Material
yakgear outrigger for kayaksYakGear Kayak OutriggerPlastic
lixada outrigger for kayaksLixada Kayak Stabilization SystemInflatable PVC
pactrade marine outrigger for kayaksPactrade Marine Kayak Stabilizer SystemInflatable PVC
spring creek outrigger for kayaksSpring Creek HD Kayak Stabilizer Float PackagePlastic
pactrade marine outrigger for kayaksPactrade Marine Stabilizer SystemMolded PVC
scotty outrigger for kayaksScotty 302 Kayak Stabilizer SystemInflatable PVC
boatcraft outrigger for kayaksBoatcraft Kayak Outrigger/Stabilizer SystemInflatable PVC

What is a Kayak Outrigger?

A kayak outrigger’s main purpose in life is to add overall stability to the kayak. Depending on the purpose and design of your kayak an outrigger may or may not be necessary. Typically fishing kayaks or recreational sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks are built to provide more stability.

The shape of the kayaks hull and the width of the kayak can go a long way toward determining how stable a kayak is. A paddler might actually prefer a kayak that is more “tippy” for better control when navigating rough waters. These types of kayaks will be much more responsive and faster in the water.

Four general hull styles can determine how stable a kayak is:

  • Flat Bottom
  • Round Bottom
  • V-Bottom
  • Pontoon

The flat and the pontoon bottom hull will have more stability, but less speed and responsiveness. The round bottom and the V-bottom will have less stability but have better tracking and responsiveness in the water.

What the kayak outrigger does is essentially widen the kayak in the water and keep it from having that “tippy” feeling. Kayak outriggers can take any kayak and make it more stable for beginners or anglers. If you’re looking for more balance when using your kayak, then an outrigger can go a long way and is an easy solution to adding stabilization in the water.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outrigger For Kayaks

1. Size

The size of the outrigger will determine how much stability is added. If you want a lot of stability, you’ll want a larger stabilizer on both sides of the kayak. Most outrigger stabilizers are between 30 and 36 inches long. However, other designs inflate wider or have long, pontoon-style stabilizers.

2. Material for Floatation

Most of the time, an outrigger for a kayak will use one of two designs for their floats: PVC or molded plastic. PVC will be used more for entry-level and less expensive outrigger systems. As you move up in design and quality, a molded plastic is used for extra durability and buoyancy. The PVC float is offered one of two ways: inflatable or molded PVC. The molded PVC looks more like a floatation device. Anglers prefer this molded PVC because their hooks can pierce the inflatable PVC more easily and damage them.

3. Installation

You will want to take a look over your own kayak first, to see if it already includes a space to add an outrigger stabilizer kit without customized installation. Otherwise, the kit you purchase will need to come with small mounts that require holes to be drilled into the kayak deck.

Best Outrigger and Stabilizer For Kayaks

YakGear Kayak Outrigger

Features

  • Outriggers can be removed from installed base when needed
  • (2) 30″ adjustable outrigger arms
  • Stainless steel installation hardware
  • Outrigger arms can be raised to avoid obstructions
  • Float mount can adapt to accept accessories

The defining feature of the YakGear Generation 2 kayak outrigger would be the adjustable arms that lift up and down as needed. Some concerns lifting one arm at a time while on the water can create stability issues, but we haven’t seen that to be the case. The adjustable arms are especially handy when approaching a dock or other obstruction that requires the outrigger arm to be out of the way.

Another notable feature is the floats themselves are molded plastic that is very durable. These floats can also accept some other YakGear accessories, like the RAILBLAZA Miniport base that can hold a camera or rod holder.

Despite the plastic floats and long arms, the kit itself only weighs in at 9 lbs. total. Weight capacity using the YakGear Generation 2 kayak outrigger is at 350 lbs. total.

Finally, the convenient RAILBLAZA mounts make it possible to mount the kit either behind the seat or in front. See the video YakGear made below to show exactly how to install the mounts on the kayak.


Lixada Kayak Stabilization System

Features

  • Includes repair patches for inflatable floats
  • Floats deflate quickly for easy transportation
  • Dual valves for inflation/deflation
  • Locking ferrule on end of outrigger arm

The Lixada Kayak Stabilization System is an entry-level kayak outrigger kit using two PVC inflatable floats. These floats come in multiple color choices (White, Blue, and Yellow). Another bonus here is that the kit does come with four repair patches in case there is damage to the inflatable floats.

If you like the idea of a beginner outrigger system and don’t want to break the bank, the Lixada Kayak Stabilization System will work just fine for most recreational kayakers looking for a little more stability or fishing on calm waters.


Pactrade Marine Kayak Stabilizer System

Features

  • Length adjustable outrigger bar
  • Dual valve inflation/deflation
  • Quick inflation and deflation
  • Included repair patches

The Pactrade Marine Kayak Stabilizer System is another entry-level outrigger kit that comes with few frills but can get the job done for the beginner kayak, angler, or recreational kayaker. The floats are slightly smaller than most at 32″ long but are easy enough to quickly inflate.

Installation is fairly straightforward with the 27.5″ flat mounting bar that can attach to either the stern or bow side of a sit-in kayak deck. The 39″ outrigger arms will then attach to the flat mounting bar using supplied bolts and wingnuts. Using the wingnuts, it’s easy to remove and install the outrigger arms whenever needed.


Spring Creek HD Kayak Stabilizer Float Package

Features

  • Made from durable polyethylene plastic
  • Extendable 20″ in each direction
  • Adjustable using locking cam lever arms
  • Each float has 27 lbs. of buoyancy

The Spring Creek manufacturing HD Kayak Stabilizer kit is a heavy-duty durable outrigger kit featuring two lightweight polyethylene plastic floats that measure 37″ total, making it one of the longer floats on the market. The floats themselves are great because their hydrodynamic design allows them to cut through the water easier than a standard PVC float, creating less drag.

Each side uses an extendable outrigger arm that can reach 20″ in either direction. The floats connect to a telescoping arm that can be adjusted up or down with the locking cam lever arms. The crossbar is made in 4 different lengths to accommodate different kayak sizes (30″, 36″, 40″, and 45″).


Pactrade Marine Stabilizer System

Features

  • Stainless steel mounting hardware
  • Outrigger set weighs only 5 lbs.
  • Floats use a quick release button to detach from mount
  • Easily detachable arms when outrigger is not in use

Pactrade Marine also makes another kayak stabilizer kit that does not use the inflatable PVC floats and includes additional features that the inflatable system does not. The floats themselves are a non-inflatable PVC float material, increasing durability.

The included mounting hardware ditches the flat mounting bar for an independent arm mount. The mount uses a quick-release button to unlock the arm so adjustments can be made when in use. When not in use the locknuts can be loosened and arms removed.


Scotty 302 Kayak Stabilizer System

Features

  • Large pontoon style inflatable bladders
  • Inflatable bladders have 30 lbs. buoyancy
  • Thick outer shell for float durability
  • Kit includes (2) baitcaster spinning rod holders

The Scotty 302 Kayak Stabilizer System ensures great stability on the water with the extra-large inflatable bladders that give over 30 pounds of buoyancy. The Scott 302 is ideal for kayak anglers who plan to stand and cast or otherwise need stability for fishing. With that in mind, the Scotty kit includes two baitcaster spinning rod holders to add when needed.

The inflatable PVC with internal bladder material is similar to what is found on rigid inflatable kayaks, so they can take a beating in the water and stay intact without tearing. However, a patch kit is included in case of emergencies.

The outrigger arms easily release from the mount and the inflatable floats are able to be deflated quickly for easy storage when not in use.


Boatcraft Kayak Outrigger/Stabilizer System

Features

  • Molded PVC floats
  • All stainless steel mounting hardware
  • 32″ aluminum outrigger arms
  • Easy installation

The Boatcraft Kayak Outrigger/Stabilization System kit is a great option for kayak anglers who need a little more stability for standing and casting on the water. The outrigger mounts pretty much anywhere on the kayak and installation is fairly straightforward using the individual mounts and arm locking system.

Another nice feature is the molded PVC floats. Fishermen who worry about snagging an inflatable float with their hook won’t have to worry about trying to patch an inflatable outrigger float in the middle of the trip.


Actively Outdoor Choice: Best Outrigger For Kayaks

best outrigger for kayaks

The YakGear Generation 2 Kayak Outrigger was chosen as the Actively Outdoor top choice for its durable design, easy installation, and unique features.

The independently adjustable outrigger arms can be very convenient when needed for approaching obstructions, docks, shorelines, etc. The plastic molded floats are lightweight, cut through the water easily, and are generally more durable than inflatable floats. The RAILBLAZA mount system creates an easy installation and disassembly situation.

All of these factors combined with a reasonable purchase price make the YakGear outrigger for kayaks a great choice for both experienced kayakers needing a high-quality outrigger system and a beginner kayak looking for a little more stability.

Advantages of Using Outriggers for Stabilization

1. Stability

First and foremost, an outrigger for kayaks adds stability. This is the main purpose of the outrigger. Usually, you’ll be sacrificing speed for more stability, simply because the outriggers will create drag in the water.

2. Beginner Friendly

Beginner kayakers mostly fear capsizing their kayak. Depending on the skill level of the paddler and the type of kayak they are using, this can become a real possibility. Adding an outrigger for stability can give peace of mind to the beginner. This way they can practice and learn other necessary skills first without the worry of capsizing.

3. Universal Fit and Install

Outriggers for a kayak will use parts that will universally fit on kayaks and canoes. This is an advantage because this means you won’t have to have a specialty kayak to install the outrigger on your kayak. All kayak outriggers have the same basic design and purpose, so installation is fairly easy.

4. Great for Fishing

Kayak anglers especially, like a good outrigger for kayaks because of the stability. imagine having a large fish on the end of your line that’s testing your strength. You’re going to need some stability to haul in the trophy. Using a kayak outrigger system will afford you the extra stability to reel in the prize.

Marty

Hi, my name is Marty. Actively Outdoor is dedicated to delivering actionable tips and information when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. Whether it's kayaking, hiking, camping or even rock climbing, I want to help anyone get outside and actively pursue their passion.

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