BKC RA220

Size and Weight 

The BKC RA220 measures 11 feet 6 inches / 350 cm in length, 34 inches / 86 cm across, and stands 14.25 inches / 36 cm in height.

It weighs 68 lbs / 31 kg, which is heavier than other fishing kayaks of similar size like the Pelican Covert which weighs 55 lbs / 25 kg. However, it holds its own against other similar kayaks like the Native Manta Ray at 70 lbs / 32 kg, or the Perception Outlaw at 77 lbs / 35 kg.

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Capacity 

The impressive thing about the RA220 is despite its small size and relatively light weight, the maximum payload is a whopping 550 lbs / 250 kg, which is significantly more than other kayaks of similar size and features like the Perception Outlaw that can only take 425 lbs / 193 kg.

This allows for plenty of room for a large paddler in addition to loads of gear. However, remember to only load the kayak up to 80% of its capacity. That means the RA220 should be loaded to about 440 lbs / 200 kg, after which, the performance of the kayak will significantly be decreased. 

Features

Like other BKC kayaks, the hull is a rotomolded single-piece High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) that is built to last. However, it is still recommended that you coat the kayak with a UV protectant and use silicone sealant on the hardware at the start and end of each season. 

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At the bow of the yak, there’s a built-in handle molded into the kayak itself for easy carrying and a drain plug to get the water out. 

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Right behind it is a waterproof oval hatch with an included dry bag. This is a through-hull hatch, so if you remove the bag, you can access way more storage space in the kayak. 

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It can be challenging to reach the bow storage from the seat, so be sure to only stash things you won’t need frequently like sleeping bags and tents. 

Further down the kayak, there’s a transducer mount where you can secure your transducer and run the wiring. On each side of the mount, there are accessory rails where you can install your electronics, rod holders, and other stuff.

Moving along, there’s a rectangle through-hull hatch in the middle of the deck with another dry bag. On the hatch cover, there is an articulating rod holder that can swivel 360 degrees.

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On each side of the hatch are adjustable footrests that easily slide fore and aft to accommodate paddlers of all sizes and heights. The footrests also double up as a foot-controlled rudder control system. 

There are a total of 8 scupper holes for self-bailing all around the RA220, and some D-ring inserts in front of the seat for you to secure additional items.  

Like most BKC kayaks, the RA220 has two side carry handles for you to lift side by side, instead of the usual front and back. 

On the handles are also a bungee-corded paddle park system for you to stash your paddle when not in use. There are also grooved paddle rests on the gunnels for you to place your paddle for a short time without having it roll to the bow of the boat. 

The comfortable, aluminum-framed seat is adjustable fore and aft for paddlers of all heights to comfortably move their position around the kayak. The straps also allow you to adjust the angle of the backrest so you can lean forwards or backward as you prefer. Right in front of the seat is another through-hull round hatch with another dry bag insert.

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As you move back from the seat, there are two flush-mounted rod holders with covers to keep the water out. Towards the stern, there’s a roomy rear storage area that can accommodate a 20-liter cooler, a milk crate, or a 6-gallon bucket. You can secure the area with the removable bungee tie-down system. 

Right at the back, there’s the rudder system that comes preinstalled. The RA220 comes with a two-piece, 86-inch / 218 cm aluminum paddle. 

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Performance 

Stable and maneuverable, the RA220 can cover plenty of distance over choppy water and light winds. With a relatively small turning radius, you can maneuver around obstacles yet the 11.5-foot / 350 cm length makes this kayak extremely stable.

The RA220 isn’t the lightest kayak at this size, and paddling can be awkward. However, the capacity is relatively accurate and even if loaded up to 400 lbs, there is no significant decrease in speed and performance. 

Overall, the RA220 will make a good beginner kayak at this price point. It will also suit someone looking to upgrade from a cheap plastic kayak to a more serious craft.