Best Kayak Outrigger and Stabilizer In 2022 [Top 5 Reviewed]

Most kayaks with a narrow and speed-oriented design are built for racing and recreation activities. Ideally, fishing boats have a wider and less lengthy design. This construction shape improves their stability, increases their capacity, and ensures adequate space for storage of fishing gear and catch.

But some sailors desire to use their kayaks in a variety of ways; fishing in kayaks, racing or leisure. And while doing so, they put themselves at risk of sailing accidents. If you want to start fishing but you only own one of these narrow vessels, all you need is an outrigger or stabilizer for your kayak.

Outriggers and stabilizers are structures that project out the sides of a boat. They are inflated and when afloat, increase the stability level of the vessel. With these devices, people of bigger sizes and weight can now comfortably sight fish and stand up while on a kayak.

Below are reviews of five of the best kayak outrigger and stabilizer options for vessels of any size or functionality. We have also included a buying guide that explains the factors to look out for when buying outriggers and stabilizers for your kayak.  

Why the Outrigger / Stabilizer Is Important to Your Kayak?

The euphoria that comes from sailing a kayak is better experienced than read about. Most kayak owners love speed and easy gliding, but beyond all that they want stability. This is a feature that is sacrificed in the faster sailing vessels. This is because they are designed with longer and narrower hulls to improve tracking.  This design almost eliminates maneuverability, especially in narrow waterways; this greatly reduces stability.

Attaching an outrigger to your kayak boosts the stability of your vessel. It affords you a higher level of liberty in using your kayak. Some of these liberties include the ability to stand up, while on a kayak that is afloat, and the ability to sight fish, which greatly aids anglers when fishing from a kayak.

Fishing is not the only activity that is improved when you install outriggers. They also aid amateur kayakers act like training wheels. They help the novice sailor support the weight of the vessel, so as to prevent unnecessary accidents.

Also, in choppy and turbulent waters, stabilizers give your kayak a higher chance of remaining afloat, while maneuvering through the unstable waters. They can be used by extreme sports sailors as an extra layer of safety precautions.

Top 5 [Table of Comparison]

We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance. 

5 Best Kayak Outriggers and Stabilizer Reviewed

1.Scotty 302 Kayak Stabilizer

The Scott 302 stabilizer comes with a pair of inflatable/deflatable pontoons, a pair of adjustable stabilizing arms and other accessories. This device is on this list of the best kayak outriggers because it gives a great level of stability. 

With this system attached to your kayak, you are just a DJ away from being able to dance on your vessel. The stability achieved from this outrigger, allows you to stand confidently in your vessel. It allows you sight fish and angle better. It also makes getting back into your kayak after a swim, quite easy.

2. Brocraft Kayak Outriggers / Stabilizers System 

Anyone looking to buy an outrigger or a stabilizer for their kayak needs to check out the Brocraft stabilizer. This device has a great reputation for providing stability and balance to your kayak. Its sturdy build enhances its durability, giving you a system that lasts about as long as your kayak itself. 

The pair of kayak pontoons that come with this system are made from the very tough and durable PVC plastic. These are attached to the 32 inch long arms. These aluminum arms are then mounted on the hull of your kayak. These buoyant stabilizers can be extended or retracted to any distance within the full length of the stabilizer arms.

3. Hobie Kayak Sidekick AMA Stabiliser Kit 

Hobie is one company that is not only known for pioneering the pedal kayak technology. They are also known for giving the world the Hobie Sidekick; a good example of what the best outrigger and stabilizer for kayak should look like. 

This device is well known for its great level of stability, its ease of installation, ease of use, ease of disassembling and easy storage. It is great for use when fishing, sailing, standing and sight-fishing, and shooting photographs. Also, this system guarantees the safety of your children, pets, and properties. 

4. Yak Gear Canoe / Kayak Outriggers & Stabilizer

With the Yak Gear Outrigger system, it is quite easy to feel secure and safe in your canoe. This is because of the remarkable stabilizing effects of the system. This stabilizer has a different function for different sailors, but in the end, stability is what it gives you. 

The amateur paddler or pedaller needs an extra layer of buoyancy for confidence; a pet owner needs to be able to secure their pet in the vessel without tipping; an angler in choppy or slightly turbulent water needs to be able to sight fish. Different strokes for different folk, but this canoe outrigger comes through for each of those needs and more. 

5. Mexidi PVC Inflatable Kayak Outrigger Stabilizer Kit 

One of the factors looked out for when buying an Outrigger system is the ease with which it can be inflated. Most people do not want an outrigger that requires an extra pump or an outrigger that is not deflatable, these are hard to store. 

With the Mexidi outrigger, inflating your pontoon is as easy as blowing a few breaths and your kayak pontoons will be fully functional and ready to go. After blowing, it is important to take note that the right size should be able to give in about half an inch. This is because while outside, the hot air further inflates it. Making it at risk of bursting. 

Kayak Outriggers / Stabilizer Buying Guides

Owning a kayak that has an outrigger and stabilizer installed is one of the safest ways to sail. This system comes in handy in different situations, saving you from accidents, stress and even reduces your expenses. But it is imperative that you buy the right system for you and your kayak. With the above list of best kayak stabilizer systems, it becomes easier to make this choice, but your job is yet complete.

It is not that difficult to choose kayak outriggers and stabilizers that are perfect for you in every way. You just need to pay attention to certain details and factors. Some of which include the buoyancy your outrigger system adds to your vessel; the type of construction materials used in constructing the devices that make up this system; the accessories that come with the system and their efficacy; and even the prices offered for these products.

Outlined below are these factors in more detail.

Buoyancy

An ideal kayak floats on its own; it has a level of buoyancy already. However, this buoyancy is strained when the kayak contains heavy load, unstable passengers, or sails in turbulent water.

Installing an outrigger system increases the total buoyancy level of the kayak. This buoyancy added depends on the size and capacity of the vessel, the size of the pontoons, and even the material used to make these pontoons.

And so, since the buoyancy added varies from product to product, it is important that you pay attention to these parts of the system to be purchased.

Construction Material

An outrigger and stabilizer system is only as durable and sturdy as the materials used in its construction. And so the type and quality of these materials are a factor that should not be overlooked when searching for the right outrigger system. The entire system is made up of a pair of pontoons, a pair of stabilizer arms, two mounts for mounting on the hull.

The pontoons are typically made from either PVC plastic or Polyethylene nylon. The PVC pontoons can be inflatable or non-inflatable. The non-inflatable ones are very sturdy and provide a high level of buoyancy, but they are difficult to store after use.

The inflatable PVC pontoons are also quite sturdy and tough. And although they do not offer as much buoyancy, they are easier to deflate and store away. The polyethylene pontoons are always inflatable.

They offer much less buoyancy, but they are very easy to inflate. Deflation and storage are the easiest.

The pair of stabilizer arms are made of metal, but this metal needs to be rust proof. Some systems offer arms made from stainless steel and even marine grade aluminum. These prevent rusting, increasing the lifespan of your device while avoiding marine pollution.

Price

You probably already have a budget you're not willing to compromise on. That is because this is one factor we all pay utmost attention to. It is usually the deal breaker for any purchase and for good reason too. But you should know that the best materials cost more, and this is almost always reflected in the price.

Most differences in the cost of outrigger and stabilizer systems are caused by the difference in design; complementary accessories added; construction materials used. The higher the quality of these, the better the performance and the longer its lifespan. But while you should not be scared to spend well on quality, you should know that there are some products that can serve you well, while saving you costs.

Complementary Accessories

These are one of the factors that are easy to overlook, but they are just as important as the other factors. A lot of outrigger and stabilizer systems come with these accessories like bolts, nuts, rivets, the mounting system, etc. But this is one way to cut costs for you because some of these accessories are of low quality or are even incompatible with your vessel.

So one way to avoid this is to go for outrigger options that do not come with these accessories, then go to a local tool shop and pick up everything you need at a good price and good quality too.