Kayak Reviews

Tractor Supply Kayaks: 2023 Model Range Reviewed

Paddlingspace

January 10, 2023

With various kayaks on the market, it can be difficult for first-time buyers to select one that fits their exact needs. Often, name and brand win out over quality products, costing buyers an arm and a leg.

Tractor Supply Co. is one of our favorite kayak retailers. The 80-year-old company carries some interesting models at very affordable prices. As the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the continental US, Tractor Supply Co. sells beginner-level kayaks that won’t break the bank.

Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite kayaks from Tractor Supply Co. and why they might be the right fit for you.

Tractor Supply Kayaks At a Glance

• Lifetime Spitfire 10 – Best Overall Kayak
• Lifetime Hydros 85 – Best Budget Kayak
• Lifetime Tioga Angler 100 – Best Budget Fishing Kayak
• Lifetime Kokanee – Best Budget Two-Person Kayak
• Lifetime Stealth 11 – Best Angling Kayak
• Pelican Сatch Power 100 – Best Motorized Kayak
• Lifetime Guster – Best Kayak For Rougher Water
• Lifetime Wave 60 – Best Youth Kayak
• Retrospect Coaster – Best Inflatable Kayak
• Lifetime Tamarack 100 – Best Day Trip Kayak

Comparison Table: Tractor Supply Kayaks

Model	Specs	Where to Buy
Lifetime Spitfire 10	Size: 10′ x 31″ Weight: 50 lbs. Capacity: 275 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Hydros 85	Size: 8’5″ x 29.5″ Weight: 37 lbs. Capacity: 225 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Tioga Angler 100	Size: 10′ x 31″ Weight: 51 lbs. Capacity: 275 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Kokanee	Size: 10’6″ x 36″ Weight: 77 lbs. Capacity: 425 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Stealth 11	Size: 11′ x 30.5″ Weight: 59.3 lbs. Capacity: 300 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Pelican Сatch Power 100	Size: 9’9″ x 39.63″ Weight: 75 lbs. Capacity: 450 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Guster	Size: 10′ x 38″ Weight: 48 lbs. Capacity: 275 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Wave 60	Size: 6′ x 24″ Weight: 18 lbs. Capacity: 130 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Retrospect Coaster	Size: 9’10” x 37″ Weight: 31 lbs. Capacity: 330 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.
Lifetime Tamarack 100	Size: 10′ x 31″ Weight: 50 lbs. Capacity: 275 lbs.	Tractor Supply Co.

Lifetime Spitfire 10 – Best Overall Kayak

Length: 10 ft.
Width: 31 in.
Weight: 50 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.

Made in the USA, the Spitfire is a 10 ft sit-on-top kayak for novice and intermediate kayakers. It combines stability and performance, making it an easy-to-handle platform. With Its hull gauged with deep channels, it’s never been easier to stay on course while learning the nuance of your first kayak. Chine rails provide stability on the water. The simple but comfortable seat and molded footrests are great for short recreational trips. 

The rotomolded hull is made from high-density polyethylene, which is UV stable and impact resistant, meaning it can survive for years of hard use on the water. Equipped with a main compartment for storage and bungee straps in the front and back, kayakers can safely bring along any equipment or snacks needed to have a great time out on the water without feeling cramped. 

The Spitfire has T-shaped handles on both the front and back of the craft, which makes transportation on land simple. A paddle keeper allows you to secure your paddle without fear of losing it. In addition, Lifetime offers a five-year limited warranty, ensuring you stay on the water and not in it.

What we like:

• Sit-on-top design is safer on the water
• Storage tank wells on the bow and stern
• Sharp bow and molded skeg improve tracking

What we don’t:

• The molded seat with no padding can be uncomfortable on longer trips

Lifetime Hydros 85 – Best Budget Kayak

Length: 8 ft. 5 in.
Width: 29.5 in.
Weight: 37 lbs.
Capacity: 225 lbs.

The Hydros 85 provides exceptional stability and safety through its blow-molded high-density polyethylene design. This sit-on-top kayak is lightweight, UV-protected, and impact resistant. This lightweight kayak is very easy to transport with front and back T handles plus a center handle. Overall, this is the most budget-friendly kayak that still has all the necessary features.

The Hydros 85 features molded footrests and a molded seat with an adjustable backrest. These are great for short recreational paddles around a lake but may be less comfortable on longer trips, so be aware of that if you plan to cover some distance.

With tank wells storage secured with bungee cord lacing, this kayak lets you take some gear you might need on the water.

The Hydros 85 also features a tunnel hull design that keeps kayakers on target regardless of their experience on the water.

Perfect for flat or calm water, this single-person, bullet-shaped kayak comes with one paddle and can handle weights up to 225 pounds. Incredibly nimble on the water, this craft provides kayakers with a budget-friendly, highly mobile yet stable platform with a five-year limited warranty.

What we like:

• Very light and easy to handle
• Tunnel hull improves tracking

What we don’t:

• No padding on the seat
• Limited capacity

Lifetime Tioga Angler 100 – Best Budget Fishing Kayak

Length: 10 ft.
Width: 31 in.
Weight: 51 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.

If you want to get away from the daily grind and enjoy a peaceful day on the water with a rod and reel, then the Lifetime Tioga Angler 100 is the kayak for you. Thanks to the cushioned seat and backrest, you can comfortably spend more time on the water on a stable, safe platform.

This flat-bottomed, deep tracking channeled kayak has chine rails for stability, UV-protected materials, and an impact-resistant design making it capable of handling just about anything an angler can throw at it.  

With two carry handles, one on each end for convenient transportation, the Tioga is easy to get to and from the water. With adjustable footrests, a paddle keeper, and three fishing rod holders, this kayak is set up for success no matter the angler’s skill level.

The downsides of this particular model are that it is minimal in storage space. Anglers looking to pack a cooler or a heavy tackle box will be limited by the single storage hatch and weight limit of 275 lbs. 

Additionally, some anglers prefer smaller, lighter crafts that are more agile and easier to portage overground when transitioning from one body of water to the next. At 51 pounds and 120 inches, this craft sacrifices some dexterity for stability and a solid fishing platform on the water.

What we like:

• Stable platform for anglers to cast from
• Comfortable seat for extended time on the water
• 3 rod holders 

What we don’t:

• Minimal storage space

Lifetime Kokanee – Best Budget Two-Person Kayak

Length: 10 ft. 6 in.
Width: 36 in.
Weight: 77 lbs.
Capacity: 425 lbs.

With a unique sit-on-top design that enables tandem or solo paddling, the Lifetime Kokanee Tandem allows you to hit the water with a companion or by yourself. Both seats have adjustable backrests and can be rearranged to have a single configuration where the solo paddler is in the middle. With multiple footrest placements, this tandem kayak allows you to find and lock in a comfort level that’s right for you.

This sturdy polyethylene kayak is the perfect tandem watercraft for you and a significant other or family member. With front and rear shock cables, this kayak is easy to carry to and from the water. The Kokanee comes with scupper holes that are self-bailing to drain the main compartment of any water that may accumulate. The beneath deck storage hatches maximize the space without impeding comfort or mobility.

Lifetime Kokanee is a versatile recreational kayak for one or two paddlers. With plenty of room for storage, easily adjustable seat backs, and a high-density UV-protected polyethylene hull, this kayak almost does it all.

Also important, it comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Capable of handling up to 425 pounds of maximum weight, this kayak may not be able to handle two fully grown adults and their gear. This product weighs 77 pounds but is only 6 inches longer than many of its single-person relatives. Summarized, this kayak is not much longer than the others on this list, only thicker and much heavier.

What we like:

• Affordable two-person Kayak
• One- or two-person configuration
• Easy to adjust seats

What we don’t:

• A little on the heavy side
• 425 lbs capacity is not much for 2 people

Lifetime Stealth 11 – Best Angling Kayak

Length: 11 ft.
Width: 30.5 in.
Weight: 59.3 lbs.
Capacity: 300 lbs.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your next fishing trip, the Lifetime 11-foot Stealth sit-on-top angler kayak was made for you. The designers kept in mind the needs of kayak anglers, loading it up with amenities for a smooth trip on the water while reeling in trophy fish. Providing exceptional stability and a high weight capacity, this kayak will keep you upright and float no matter how big the catch. 

Aided by a built-in skeg wheel, this kayak is easily transportable to and from the water keeping the hull undamaged while getting you to your favorite fishing spot. With a variety of storage options including an oversized tank well with space enough for tackle boxes, bait buckets, and other equipment, this kayak also features a storage hatch for some extra gear.

With two flush-mount rod holders near the seat and a proprietary triple threat rod holder, this kayak is a fisherman’s dream with an affordable price tag. Featuring an adjustable cushioned seat back and a comfortable seat pad, molded footwells for comfort, and self-bailing scupper holes that drain the cockpit and tank well of water, it’s hard to beat what the Stealth has to offer at this price point.

What we like: 

• All the bells and whistles for a fishing kayak
• Four rod holders and plenty of storage

What we don’t:

• More expensive than other Tractor Supply kayaks
• Can be a bit unwieldy for a single person to launch and transport

Pelican Сatch Power 100 – Best Motorized Kayak

Length: 9 ft. 9 in.
Width: 39.63 in.
Weight: 75 lbs.
Capacity: 450 lbs.

One of the newest members of the Pelican family, the Pelican Catch Power 100 appears deceiving and its 9’9″ frame. At 78 pounds, this kayak is no wilting flower, capable of handling up to 450 pounds of paddler and gear. With its ergo 360 swivel seat, adjustable backrest and rails that glide, the seat itself can handle up to 300 pounds and allows the paddler to change their position or point of view comfortably constantly. 

This kayak is designed to take an electric trolling motor or even a small gas outboard (up to 2.5 hp). With wiring pre-installed, it’s a simple fix to hook up the trolling motor to the stern and put a battery in the front. The 12 V prewired outlet has a male connector, and there is plenty of space to store a battery on this kayak.

With features such as individual battery hatches, anti-slip deck padding, bottle holders, adjustable sliding seat, and eyelets to tie equipment down, this kayak does it all. 

The downsides to this particular model are twofold. First, the price tag is quite high for such a small boat, especially if you consider the additional purchase of a battery and motor. The second (minor) one is that this model does not come with a paddle or the necessary features to retain one.

What we like:

• A luxury kayak that you don’t have to paddle
• Incredibly sturdy with a high weight capacity
• 360 swivel seat 

What we don’t:

• Expensive

Lifetime Guster – Best Kayak For Rougher Water

Length: 10 ft.
Width: 38 in.
Weight: 48 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.

The Lifetime Guster kayak is an incredibly adaptable watercraft that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and stability. Made from high-density polyethylene, it has a lightweight, compact hull that is easy to transport to and from the water. 

The design of the Guster’s hull allows it to excel in various water conditions ranging from placid lakes and bays to fast-moving, choppy creeks and rivers.

The kayak comes with an adjustable, cushioned seat, mold-resistant flotation foam blocks, dual carry handles, and shock cords to ensure any extra gear and belongings are safe during transport. The comfortable foot braces are adjustable, while the oval storage hatch beneath the deck and ST performance hull round out this solid kayak.

One of the most popular kayaks on Tractor Supply Co., the only downside of this model is limited storage in the rear. Also, some users occasionally complain that the rear deck feels somewhat flimsy.

What we like: 

• Can handle a variety of water conditions
• Reasonably priced

What we don’t:

• Flimsy rear deck

Lifetime Wave 60 – Best Youth Kayak

Length: 6 ft.
Width: 24 in.
Weight: 18 lbs.
Capacity: 130 lbs.

With a length of 6 feet and a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds, the Lifetime Blue Wave 60 youth kayak is suitable for children as young as five years old. Perfect for a first kayak, any youngster will remain secure with this kayak’s broad stance, which provides a solid foundation for paddling. 

With a swim-up step and slanted rear end, kids can dismount and reenter the kayak on the water with ease. With a variety of footrest positions, scupper holes, and superb stability, this is an excellent kayak for children.

Constructed of high-density polyethylene, this kayak is both durable and long-lasting. Handles molded into either side of the kayak help with transportation, while its molded paddle cradle means you can put the paddle on the kayak without fear of losing it in the water. 

Recommended for children over the age of five, this kayak is designed with learning in mind. The self-bailing scuppers and swim-up deck in the back assume that any first-time kayaker will get a little wet and allow for reentry without fear of sinking or tipping.

With a twin fin-assisted frame that improves tracking, the reverse chine design provides increased stability allowing young paddlers to learn how to move on the water with ease.

The downsides of this particular model include zero storage hatches and no back support.

What we like: 

• Easy re-entry from the water.
• Molded paddle holder.
• Stable and easy-to-use platform.
• Great first kayak for kids

What we don’t: 

• No storage
• No back support

Retrospect Coaster – Best Inflatable Kayak

Length: 9 ft. 10 in.
Width: 37 in.
Weight: 31 lbs.
Capacity: 330 lbs.

The Retrospect Coaster is a hassle-free, inflatable kayak designed to get you to the water rapidly without many of the hiccups that occur with a full-size rigid plastic kayak. Easy to transport, assemble, and disassemble, the Coaster is the next step in the evolution of kayaks.

All you need to do is unroll the kayak, attach the fin, inflate the 3 air chambers, and secure the seat. Once the steps are complete, it’s time to get on the water in your lightweight, nimble kayak.

A complete kayak in every aspect of the word, this package includes a dual-sided aluminum paddle, a replaceable fin, and a carry bag to round it out. Its puncture-resistant ripstop polyester design makes it dog-friendly and highly durable.

Its dual action pump allows for deflation and inflation to occur rapidly without any physical effort from the kayaker. The front and rear bungee cords provide convenient storage for any additional items.

This kayak is great for calm waters with minimal obstacles that could puncture the ripstop polyester design.

What we like:

• Easily transportable
• Pet friendly
• Easy to store/ Inflate/deflate
• Great for road trips

What we don’t:

• Needs to be dried thoroughly after each use

Lifetime Tamarack 100 – Best Day Trip Kayak

Length: 10 ft.
Width: 31 in.
Weight: 50 lbs.
Capacity: 275 lbs.

Equipped with a supportive backrest that ensures comfort throughout extended periods on the water, the Lifetime Tamarack kayak has a flat bottom with solid, deep tracking channels and hard chines for stability. This kayak was designed to provide the highest levels of stability at a very affordable price.

Made of high-density polyethylene, this kayak is impact-resistant, UV-protected, and robust. 

At only 50 lbs, the Tamarack is easy to transport to and from the water with its rear and front carry handles. It offers a no-frills set of features such as molded footrests, a paddle keeper, a tank well in the rear, and four scupper holes that bail any water from the deck. 

Beneath the deck of the kayak, a storage hatch provides additional room for smaller items, while the front and back of the kayak each have shock cables to keep your gear in place. Made in the USA, this kayak comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Of all the features included in this kayak, our favorite is the seat rest. It’s adjustable and quick release, meaning more time on the water doesn’t correlate to more back pain. The aches and pains of conforming to a kayak no longer have to apply to long trips on the river with the Tamarack.

The downsides of this model include its 275-pound weight limit, which really isn’t much if you plan to bring some gear. The other is its molded seat. We would prefer some kind of padding there for added comfort.

What we like:

• Very comfortable, adjustable seat back
• Very stable
• Great for long single-day trips
• Easily portaged

What we don’t:

• 275 lbs capacity is limiting
• Molded seat is less comfortable on longer trips 

Tractor Supply Kayak Brands

There are four major brands of kayaks that tractor supply Co. sells on their online store. Lifetime and Pelican Make up 29 of the 32 kayaks sold by TSC. Retrospec sells a singular high-end kayak, while Uncharted Supply Co. sells two inflatable watercraft that are considered kayaks but ultimately are similar to inflatable canoes. Hence the reason they did not make this list.

Tractor Supply Warranty

Tractor Supply Co. offers a limited warranty that extends two years for private ownership of its products. This is not including the warranty directly from the manufacturer of any products that Tractor Supply Co. sells.

This warranty covers any defects or failures of workmanship from a properly used product. This warranty does not cover any alterations or aftermarket additions that may be added to the product.

TSC will cover any damages or product failures that could be directly attributed to the aforementioned reasons at no cost to the owner of the product. This is an incredible example of quality customer service from one of America’s long-standing outdoor supply companies.

Are Tractor Supply kayaks worth it?

If you’ve reached the end of this article and are still asking yourself whether or not TSC kayaks are worth it, there are two things you should consider.

• Reasonably priced quality products
• A broad selection of products.

With brand names like Pelican and Lifetime at prices that are hard to beat, Tractor Supply Co. lets you buy quality products without breaking the bank. Best of all, TSC almost always has something on sale, so you can get a great deal.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a kayak for angling, family time out on the water, or just to have fun, Tractor Supply Co. has options available to fit your needs.

Does Tractor Supply ship kayaks?

Yes, it does. Tractor Supply Co. has two options available for shipping:

1. A ship-to-store option is available for almost every kayak.
2. A direct-to-customer shipping option is available for many kayaks.

There are a few things everyone should know about the shipping policy before purchasing their first kayak from TSC: 

• The first is that oversized shipping fees may be incurred if the kayak exceeds specific measurements.
• The direct-to-customer, standard delivery may take up to 10 days. 
• If shipped directly to a store, the TSC storefront will wait 45 days before returning the product to supply and refunding the card with which the kayak was bought.
• The return of any online purchases requires proof of purchase in the form of receipt, either physical or electronic, directly to a storefront where the money can be refunded in either in-store credit or a check.