BKC TK122

Size and Weight 

The BKC TK122 measures 12 feet 8 inches / 386 cm in length, 34 inches / 86 cm in width, and stands at 17 inches / 43 cm in height. It weighs 74 lbs / 34 kg, making it easy for two people to load and launch the kayak. Even one person can handle the kayak unloaded! 

While it is significantly lighter than some of the larger tandem fishing kayaks like the Jackson Big Tuna which weighs in at 92 lbs / 42 kg, its weight is comparable to the other tandem fishing kayak in BKC’s TK series, the TK181 which weighs 68 lbs / 31 kg.

Travis Lofthouse

Capacity

The BKC TK122 can accommodate an impressive payload of 770 lbs / 350 kg, which is way more than other tandem fishing kayaks. Coupled with the roomy deck, this kayak can easily fit two paddling adults, a dog, or a small child, and still leave room for plenty of gear. 

In comparison, the much-larger Jackson Big Tuna is over 14 feet / 430 cm long but can only carry a maximum of 500 lbs, while the other tandem fishing kayak in BKC’s TK series, the TK181, can only carry 595 lbs / 270 kg despite being about the same size and weight. 

Features

Like most BKC kayaks, the hull of the TK122 is a single-piece, rotomolded High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). It is designed and built with durability in mind, but you can still prolong its lifespan by using a UV protectant and silicone sealant at the start and end of each paddling season. 

At the front bottom of this kayak is a deep V hull which allows it to slice effortlessly through the water. The water then hits a flat bottom, making the kayak extremely easy to maneuver. 

At the bow of the boat is a built-in front carry handle for easy transportation and launch. Right behind that you have an open area that a small child or a dog can sit in. 

Further back, you have a molded cup holder and foot rests for paddlers of all heights. The TK 122 has four accessory rails to mount your stuff. Two are on the gunnels in front of the first seat and the other two on the sides of the back seat. 

Travis Lofthouse

In front of each seat is a large, waterproof rectangle hatch with an included dry bag. These hatches are through-hull, so if you lift the bag out, you can access the additional storage area in the kayak to store larger items like camping equipment. 

The TK122 has eight scupper holes for self-draining and additional D-ring mounts for you to attach things like anchor cleats. 

On each side of the front seat are two articulating rod holders that can swivel 360 degrees. The included aluminum seat is comfortable and the angle of the backrest can be adjusted to suit your preference whether you are paddling or at rest.

However, unlike other BKC kayaks, these seats cannot be adjusted fore to aft, so if you need more legroom, you’re going to have to do some modifications! 

Note: BKC also offers the TK122 with memory foam padded seats or their standard padded seats at different package prices.

Like on most BKC kayaks, there are two carry handles in the middle of the boat so you can carry left and right instead of just front and back. Built into the carry handles are two paddle park systems where you can stash your paddles when not in use. 

Travis Lofthouse

There is a middle molded seating area where you can have a small child or a dog. The rear passenger seat’s area is identical to the front seat. You’ll find the same rectangular hatch with a dry bag, two accessory rails on the gunnels, a cup holder, and molded footrests. 

Behind the rear passenger seat are two flush-mounted rod holders with lid covers (as mentioned earlier, the front rod holders are articulating). 

Right after that towards the stern is the rear storage area that is secured by a bungee tie-down system. This roomy space can accommodate BKC’s 20-liter cooler box or a standard-sized milk crate.

Travis Lofthouse

Right at the very back is a durable t-handle as well as a drain plug for you to get rid of the excess water that manages to get into the kayak. 

The TK122 has a keel protector on the hull to protect the craft from scrapes and dings as you drag it across the sand or ground. 

This kayak comes with two 2-piece aluminum paddles and two aluminum seats. As mentioned earlier, you can choose between memory foam seats and standard padded seats. 

Performance 

The BKC TK122 is extremely stable, and you’ll have to work really hard to capsize! It paddles pretty well and cuts through chop and rough water fine, but it isn’t the easiest to turn because of its weight.

It tracks well for its size but it takes some getting used to. It also doesn’t come with very many instructions on how to set it up, but it is relatively easy and can be done with some thought.