Brooklyn Kayak Company Reviews – Advanced Features and Value Priced

Last updated on August 22nd, 2024 at 10:34 pm

Kayaks, kayaks everywhere it seems and Brooklyn Kayak Company is just one of the more recent entries into the fishing Kayak arena. But what is Brooklyn Kayak Company? I mean Kayaks are the last thing that comes to my mind when some mentions Brooklyn.

I’ve spent a lot of time fishing and paddling in kayaks from companies like Ocean Kayak, Jackson Kayaks, Wilderness Systems, and Hobie just to name a few. So I know a little something about kayaks, particularly fishing kayaks. But, until recently, I had not heard much about Brooklyn Kayak Company.

Quick Look

Brooklyn Kayak Company (BKC) is a US company that designs sit on top kayaks that are then manufactured in China. Their kayaks come with advanced features, seats, paddles and rudders included at no extra cost. BKC kayaks are about 33% lighter than their US made competitors which indicates a thinner hull design that may be less durable long-term.

Value priced when compared to other brands and could be a good option for those with budget concerns. But they do seem to have a high number of customer complaints (76) and low (2.44 out of 5) rating from the Better Business Bureau. I recommend you do your own due diligence as only you know what would work best for you, your budget and your fishing situations.

Young Lady wade fishing with her kayak - Brooklyn Kayak Company Reviews

They have started popping up everywhere it seems as they are advertising heavily and offering some substantial discounts. Their prices are considerably lower than some of the major brand competitors and they appear to have similar advanced features including pedal drives and electric trolling motor models.

Continue reading and we will take a closer look at Brooklyn Kayak Company and, in particular, their fishing kayak models. Are they worth a look? How do they compare with more established brands? And, are they a good value priced alternative for you and your fishing needs.

Best Brooklyn Kayak Fishing Models

FeatureBKC RA220BKC PK12BKC TK122BKC PK14
ImageBrooklyn Kayak Company solo Kayak model RA220Brooklyn Kayak Company model PK12 solo fishing kayakBrooklyn Kayak Company BKC model TK122 tandem fishing kayakBrooklyn Kayak Company BKC model PK14 Tandem fishing kayak
PersonsSolo KayakSolo KayakTandem KayakTandem Kayak
PropulsionPaddleTrolling MotorPaddlePedal Power
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$

The Brooklyn Kayak Company Story


Brooklyn Kayak Company Logo

“At Brooklyn kayak co. our mission is to help you be pro-active about enjoying fitness, sport, and life’s simple pleasures. The founders of Brooklyn Kayak Company grew up on the waters of New York, fishing, exploring, enjoying. And if there’s one thing we know for sure — one thing that’s as true in New York as it is anywhere around the world — it’s that life is better out on the water.”

Brooklyn Kayak Company Reviews - Isaac Ashkenazie founder of Brooklyn Kayak Company
Isaac Ashkenazie – Founder
Young lady with a nice smallmouth bass caught fishing from her kayak - Brooklyn Kayak Company Reviews

But when the founders of Brooklyn Kayak Company (BKC) started looking around for the best possible kayaks to use when enjoying life on the water, they were always left wanting something more.

Wanting a kayak that came with features like a rod holder and paddle park standard, not as an aftermarket accessory.

Wanting a kayak that was sturdy enough for tandem use but steady enough for solo paddlers. Wanting a kayak that was rugged enough to last for years but priced to fit an everyday budget.

There were no such kayaks around, so they took the American approach and started building them themselves.

BKC kayaks are designed with the end user in mind. These are the ideal personal watercraft for the fisherman, the outdoorsman, the family set on aquatic adventure.

From built-in waterproof storage compartments to paddles and seats included with every purchase, they tried to think of everything they would want in a kayak themselves and then build it into the kayak they offer you.

Sounds great, so Let’s take a look at some of the fishing kayak models from Brooklyn Kayak Company and see if they are a good option for your fishing situations. And, we’ll compare them to their American Made competitor, Wilderness Systems Kayaks.

Brooklyn Kayak Company Solo Fishing Kayaks


Brooklyn Kayak Company has a large selection of both solo and tandem kayaks for both fishing and general kayaking. First up Let’s take a look at some of their most popular solo fishing kayak models. These come with seats, paddles and, in some cases rudder systems, included at no extra cost.

PK11 Angler 10.5-foot Solo Fishing Kayak

A good moderate length fishing kayak that is maneuverable and very fishable. The Brooklyn Kayak BKC PK11 comes with a ton of features the experienced kayak fisherman or distance traveler will love while remaining compact, lightweight, and agile.

The core of the BKC PK11 sit-on-top kayak is a streamlined roto-molded UV-protected HDPE hull measuring 10.5-feet long and 34 inches wide.

It rides currents, slices through the chop, and glides over still water with effortless grace.

The craft weighs only 60 pounds, so carrying it overland is easy thanks to built-in handles at the bow and stern and on either side of the hull. With the kayak pedal drive system, you can tuck your paddle into the kayak’s paddle keeper and go hands-free.

The kayak pedals have adjustable straps to keep your feet secure, and the entire system can be removed for traditional paddling if you prefer or upgraded with a trolling motor for greater power and speed. The PK11 can be controlled via its included hand-operated rudder, which allows for sharp, precise turns or slow, wide arcs as conditions merit.

Brooklyn Kayak Company model PK11 solo fishing kayak

This Kayak also features a large water-resistant hatch set into the bow and an additional compartment tucked behind the seats, both of which feature dry bag inserts and that can safely stow items such as a wallet, keys, and snacks.

The PK11 pedal kayak also has a large rear cargo area with bungee tie-down straps; this area is ideal for bulky items such as a tackle box, dry bag, or the matching 20L cooler. Scupper holes allow water to drain out of the kayak and can be sealed with included scupper plugs.

As Fishermen, will appreciate the trio of flush-mounted rod holders that can keep rods out of the way during travel or keep lines in the water during trolling, and all paddlers will enjoy the comfortable, ergonomic aluminum frame seat that comes with the kayak.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 10 feet 6 inches
    • Width: 34 inches
    • Height: 14.75 inches
    • Dry weight: 60 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 420 pounds
    • Seating capacity: one person
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts 2 year pedal
    • Includes: 1 Instant Reverse Pedal Drive, 1 seats, 1 paddle, 4 handles, 2 hatches, 3 rod holders, 2 accessory plates, 8 scupper plugs, 1 bungee tie down, 1 drain plug, 1 paddle park, pedal cover with cup holder

 

RA220 11.5-foot Solo Fishing Kayak

A traditional paddle kayak, the Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC RA220 Angler is like the Swiss Army Knife of solo / single fishing kayaks: it has everything an angler needs for the ultimate aquatic adventure.

This BKC RA220 sit-on-top fishing kayak features four storage areas: three are water-resistant and perfect for a phone, keys, wallet, and your lunch; the fourth is an open cargo area with a bungee tie-down system for keeping larger gear secure.

This sit-on-top single kayak is stable enough for standing, so if you prefer to cast and reel while on your feet.

Brooklyn Kayak Company solo Kayak model RA220

The RA220 includes a pair of flush-mount rod holders can hold your poles when you’re paddling or taking it easy.

This is an ideal solo kayak for the fisherman who wants to cover plenty of distance over open water or downriver and who demands plenty of control over the kayak.

The vessel features a foot-operated rudder that helps you deftly steer around obstacles or through chop, and its 11.5-foot hull and 34-inch wide beam provide unparalleled stability in a solo sit-on-top kayak.

The 68-pound kayak has a 550-pound capacity, Multiple drain ports, and a trio of carrying handles that make overland transport easy. It also comes with a two-piece 86″ aluminum paddle, a deluxe upright kayak seats, and a five-year warranty.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 11 feet 6 inches
    • Width: 34 inches
    • Height: 14.25 inches
    • Dry weight: 68 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 550 pounds
    • Seating capacity: one person
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
    • Includes: 1 seats, 1 paddle, foot powered rudder system, 4 handles, 3 hatches, 3 rod holders, 8 scupper plugs, 1 drain plug, 1 bungee tie down

PK12 Angler 12-foot Solo Fishing Kayak

The Brooklyn Kayak Company’s BKC PK12 Single Kayak with Trolling Motor has a 12-foot hull, is a trim 32.75-inches wide at its thickest, that means its sleek and maneuverable but still creates a platform suitable for standing casting and that resists tipping even in rougher waters. And because it features a built-in trolling motor, you will be cruising along with more speed and less effort than ever.

Brooklyn Kayak Company model PK12 solo fishing kayak

The PK12 kayak includes generous storage capacity including dual sealed hatches and a large cargo area, a convenient cup holder, scuppers to drain any water that splashes in, a precise hand-operated rudder system, and an anchor trolley that can keep you secured in place when you find the perfect fishing spot.

The hull has two built-in rod holders and the tolling motor can be set to slow speeds for smooth zero-wake trolling.

The hull is stable enough for standing casting and reeling, and the PK12 comes with an ergonomic and adjustable aluminum seat. The PK12 weighs 78 pounds and accommodate a total combined user and gear weight of 460 pounds.

Note: If you want the combination pedal-drive system with the trolling motor, you can purchase the BKC PK12 Angler 12-foot Sit-On-Top Solo Fishing Kayak and add the trolling motor separately.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 12 feet
    • Width: 32.75 inches
    • Height: 12.75 inches
    • Dry weight: 78 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 460 pounds
    • Seating capacity: one
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
    • Includes: Built-in trolling motor, 2 rod holders, seats, paddle, 4 handles, 2 hatches, scupper plugs, bungee tie down, drain plug, paddle park, anchor trolley, cup holder

 

FK13 13-foot Solo Fishing Kayak

At just a hair under 13 feet in length and nearly three feet across, the Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC FK13 Angler Single Fisherman’s Kayak is one of the most reliable solo sit-on-top kayaks anywhere on the water. This kayak offers superior stability and control and can manage a total combined paddler and cargo weight of 550 pounds.

Brooklyn Kayak Company model FK!3 solo fishing kayak

Yet at just 77 pounds empty, it will still be easy for you to move this yak around on land, get it up on top of the car, or onto the rack back at home.

The BKC FK13 single kayak offers excellent comfort thanks to the adjustable seat and ample leg room and it has excellent storage capacity, both in watertight hatches and a large rear area with elastic tie-downs.

The heart of the BKC FK13 kayak is its sturdy roto-molded UV-protected HDPE hull measuring 12-feet, 11.5-inches long, and 33.5-inches wide.

And while you’re paddling, you’ll appreciate the twin built-in rod holders to store your fishing poles out of the way for convenience.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 12 feet, 11.5 inches
    • Width: 33.5 inches
    • Height: 14.8 inches
    • Dry weight: 77 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 550 pounds
    • Seating capacity: 1 person
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
    • Includes: 1 seats, 1 paddle, 4 handles, 2 hatches, 8 scupper plugs, 1 bungee tie down, 1 drain plug, paddle park

Brooklyn Kayak Company Tandem Fishing Kayaks


Now, I have fished out of a tandem kayak, and I still have one that we use to run trot lines and sail lines. But I have never been too comfortable fishing out of a tandem kayak. By the time you get two people, their rods, tackle and themselves loaded into a kayak, there’s not much room for fishing.

I can see, however, that for a couple or family that can’t justify the expense of multiple solo kayaks, a tandem model could be a better option. Brooklyn Kayak features several models in paddle, peddle and trolling motor versions.

TK219 12.5-foot Tandem Kayak

The Brooklyn Kayak TK219 tandem kayak includes plenty of storage space for gear and equipment. There are two articulating rod mounts situated directly in front of the front and rear seats. In addition, rod mounts can be found throughout the vessel for a total of 6 hands-free options.

Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC model TK219 tandem kayak

Two round hatches provide access to dry-bag storage that can also be used as pass-thru storage for excess equipment, snacks, and gear. The carry handles on the front and rear assist in transport, while the side handle bungees also help to secure the paddles to the kayak. The 8 scupper plugs and 1 drain plug help keep you high and dry.

It’s 68 pound weight makes it portable enough to get it where you need to go and its 12.5 foot length, 34 inch width, and 595 pound weight capacity makes it strong enough to take on glassy or choppy seas. It can comfortably seat up to 3 paddlers, but it is also maneuverable enough for one.

The included Upright Aluminum frame seats, created exclusively for the TK219, make a day on the water a breeze. The mesh seat has upper and lower back support for hours of casting and cruising.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 12 feet 6 inches
    • Width: 34 inches
    • Height: 14.25 inches
    • Dry weight: 68 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 595 pounds
    • Seating capacity: 1 to 3 People
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
    • Includes: 2 upright seats, 2 paddles, 4 handles, 2 hatches, 6 rod holders, 8 scupper plugs, 1 drain plug, 1 bungee tie down, 2 paddle parks

TK122 Angler 12-foot, 8 inch Tandem Kayak

The BKC TK122 tandem kayak is the perfect size for two adults and one child, and given its impressive 770-pound weight capacity, you could even bring along plenty of extra gear without overloading it.

That said, this vessel was still created with portability in mind: the BKC TK122’s 74-pound weight means it’s easily carried overland by a pair of adults using its built-in handles or by a single paddler with a kayak cart.

This kayak will remain steady and stable in a variety of different water conditions, from choppy to glassy.

Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC model TK122 tandem fishing kayak

Thanks to the 12-foot, 8-inch length, and 34-inch width of the kayak paired with a flat-bottomed hull design it creates a reliable platform for casting, trolling, paddling.

Features include dual water-resistant storage hatches that can secure snacks, phones, cameras, built-in rod mounts, rear cargo area, and comfortable upright foam padded kayak seats with supportive backrests.

The Upright Aluminum Frame Kayak Seat, from Brooklyn Kayak, is the most comfortable seat for anglers the aluminum frame construction offers ergonomic support and comfort from its mesh cushioned back and bottom. It is fast drying and weather-resistant to handle whatever you throw at it.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 12 feet 8 inches
    • Width: 34 inches
    • Height: 17 inches
    • Dry weight: 74 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 770 pounds
    • Seating capacity: 1,2 or 3 People
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
    • Includes: 2 seats, 2 paddles, 4 handles, 2 hatches, 4 rod holders, 8 scupper plugs, 1 drain plug, 1 bungee tie down, 2 paddle parks, 4 accessory rails

PK14 Angler 14-foot Tandem Pedal Kayak

The BKC PK14 was designed for speed, stability, and includes hand-operated rudder controls that are positioned next to the rear seat.

The solo kayaker can get the PK14 moving at quite a clip, especially when pairing pedal and paddle power together. (Or with an upgrade to an electric trolling motor.)

Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC model PK14 Tandem fishing kayak

The BKC PK14 Tandem Kayak features a large watertight storage hatch in the bow and a recessed cargo area behind the rear seat. It has three flush-mounted rod holders that can be used to secure fishing rods, scupper holes with optional plugs to allow for drainage, and four built-in handles that make carrying the kayak or loading it onto a trailer or vehicle easy.

The BKC PK14 tandem kayak measures 14 feet long and 34 inches wide. It weighs 95 pounds, and provides excellent stability in a variety of water and weather conditions, and for stand up fishing.

  • SPECIFICATIONS
    • Length: 14 feet
    • Width: 34 inches
    • Height: 19.5 inches
    • Dry weight: 95 pounds
    • Weight capacity: 670 pounds
    • Seating capacity: one or two people
    • Construction Type/Hull Material: Roto Molded single piece/High Density Polyethylene HDPE
    • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts 2 year pedal
    • Includes: 2 Instant Reverse Pedal Drive systems, 2 seats, 2 paddles, 4 handles, 3 hatches, 3 rod holders, 4 accessory plates, 12 scupper plugs, 1 drain plug, 2 pedal covers with cup holder

Brooklyn Kayak Company Drive Accessories


The BKC Tracker Trolling Motor

Is the Brooklyn Kayak Company Tracker Kayak Trolling Motor by Neralls is specifically designed to work with the Brooklyn Kayak PK11, PK12,PK13, and PK14 kayak models. This motor has a 36 pound thrust rating and is able to power watercraft vessels weighing in excess of 1,450 pounds. It has five forward and three reverse speeds and, with its responsive steering, puts precision control literally in your hands.

The Tracker Kayak Trolling Motor includes a bright LED control panel that Let’s you keep track of your speed day and night, quiet 9-inch propeller, 24.8-inch shaft and long handle to allow for easy positioning of the motor on BKC PK Series yaks.

KEY FEATURES FOR THIS KAYAK TROLLING MOTOR:

  • Smooth and Steady: Quiet and smooth even when operating at full power, this kayak trolling motor won’t scare off the fish but it will keep your BKC PK Series yak on the move
  • Lightweight Construction: This kayak motor weighs just 14.3 lbs, so your overall vessel weight barely goes up
  • Precision Control: Five forward and three reverse speeds paired with responsive steering make this motor a precision control machine
  • Easy to Mount: Connects to our BKC PK (PK11/PK13/PK14) series kayaks in a matter of minutes and is just as easily removed
  • Thrust to Spare: 36 lbs. thrust motor has plenty of power for the BKC PK Series kayaks
  • Recommended Battery size 50-75 amp hour battery
  • 12V Lithium or Lead Battery
Brooklyn Kayak Company kayak trolling motor

UH-PKDRIVE KAYAK PEDAL DRIVE

Brooklyn Kayak Company kayak pedal drive

The Brooklyn Kayak Company PKDRIVE Kayak Pedal Drive, is one of the latest innovations in Pedal Drive technology.

BKC PKDRIVE pedal drive has a pedal system that allows you to pedal your kayak like a bicycle to glide through the water!

Allowing you hands-free propulsion, now you’ve got both hands available to fish. Available for PK11, PK12, PK13, OR PK14 kayaks.

Brooklyn Kayak Warranty and Return Policy


The following is the Brooklyn Kayak Company Warranty and Refund Policy.

Refund Policy

At Brooklyn Kayak Company, If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return items for a full refund within 14 days of your receipt date subject to the conditions below.

Return Conditions:
Returned merchandise must be in original unused condition. Please contact us at Help@bkkayaks.com to receive your Return Authorization number which should be prominently displayed on the outside of your product. You will be subject to return shipping costs and may incur stocking fees.

Cartoon of man with a magnifying glass looking for a refund

Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) Kayaks are built of superior materials and in accordance to stringent quality standards. With adequate maintenance, it will give you years of reliable use. But as with most products, it is subject to wear and tear.

If you eventually need replacement parts, technical assistance or product / service information, please contact our Customer Service Department having ready at hand the product’s model name and serial number, as well as the date and place of purchase.

Brooklyn Kayak Company Warranty

The present warranty is only valid if the original buyer registered the warranty within the thirty (30) day period immediately following the date of purchase. Registration can be done either electronically via our website or by completing and returning the registration card found in your owner’s manual.

5 year warranty stamp

Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) warranty is valid only if the product is used for its intended purposes and for which it was designed.

Hull and deck warranty:

The hull and deck, of the Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) Kayaks, are only warranted against defects in workmanship and/or materials for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. This warranty is extended to the original owner only and is not transferable.

Parts and accessories warranty:

Parts and accessories are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials.

This warranty does not cover:

  • Products used for rental or other commercial use.
  • Products that have been damaged by negligence, misuse or accident, or wear due to owner’s failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance.
  • Products which have been modified or repaired by unauthorized persons. Change in appearance of products due to wear, exposure or any other environmental condition.
  • Normal wear and tear due to the normal use of the product.

During the warranty period Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) is obliged only to repair or replace, at its discretion, the above-mentioned parts, at either its manufacturing plant, or at an authorized dealer store or service center, as decided by Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company)

Transportation costs to and from the appointed place of repair or replacement are at the expense of the consumer. Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) is not responsible 1) for any damages incurred in transport 2) for storing or transportation fees 3) nor for inconvenience or loss of time or money while repairs are being made.

Any return and/or repair of products must be accompanied by a Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) authorization number obtained by your dealer and which can only be issued by calling Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) Customer Service Department between 10 am and 5 pm Eastern Standard Time Monday-Friday (except Holidays) at 1(800)457-1283.

The return of any Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) product will not be accepted by Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) without this authorization number.

This warranty is the sole and exclusive warranty by Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) in connection with its above-mentioned products and Brooklyn Kayak LLC (Brooklyn Kayak Company) makes no warranties or representations, expressed or implied (including warranties of merchantability and of fitness for a particular purpose) in such connection except as specifically set in this warranty.

All incidental and/or consequential damages are excluded from this warranty. Implied warranties are limited to the life of this warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you special legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights which may vary from state to state.

Brooklyn Kayak Frequently Asked Questions


Where are Brooklyn kayaks made?

BKC designs our products in the USA and manufactures our products in China. The quality used, Hull Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and contains UV Protection.

Can BKC kayaks be used in saltwater?

Yes they can. Thanks to their corrosion-resistant materials. Be sure to rinse the kayaks down with fresh water after salt-water excursions to minimize the build-up of mineral deposits.

frequently asked questions sign

Do BKC kayaks come with paddles and seats?

Yes, all BKC kayaks come with high quality paddles and seats. A solo kayak comes with one paddle and a single seat insert, while tandem kayak options come with two paddles and seats.

Can you remove the pedal systems and use propeller- driven kayaks as paddle only vessels?

Yes, the pedal/propeller system can be removed from the hull completely, but it can also be quickly raised out of the water on a temporary basis during beach launches or to avoid shallow obstacles.

Can tandem/two-person kayaks be used by a solo paddler?

Yes, this is a possible option! This model is extremely lightweight and will allow for one-person use very easily and comfortably. If riding alone, sit in the second seat for optimal control. You can also add some weight to the front of the kayak to distribute the weight as much as possible.

Are BKC kayaks compatible with trolling motors? And with fish finders?

Many models can be outfitted with motors and/or hull mounted fish finders. When applicable, we have specifically noted these capabilities on our product pages, so please read through the information posted about any vessel that interests you.

Can I safely stand up in this kayak?

Our fishing kayaks are designed to be stable enough for you to stand up for casting and reeling, though other vessels we carry are narrower and will be harder to balance.

How stable are Brooklyn kayaks?

This kayak is amazing. Tracks well in the water; the rudder is great well to assist in the wind. Very stable, I can stand up and cast with my fly rod (lots of body motion). Brooklyn Kayak Company is amazing as well.

Brooklyn Kayaks vs Wilderness Systems Kayaks


As a point of reference, Let’s do a quick comparison between the Brooklyn Kayak RA220 11.5′ Angler and the Wilderness Systems Radar 115 fishing kayak. Both are 11.5′ fishing kayaks loaded with features and available accessories. Wilderness Systems Kayaks are manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina USA. Brooklyn Kayak Company Kayaks are, designed in the US, but manufactured in China.

Brooklyn Kayak Company solo Kayak model RA220
Wilerness Systems Kayak Radar 115

Brooklyn Kayak Company RA220

  • Length: 11 feet 6 inches
  • Width: 34 inches
  • Height: 14.25 inches
  • Dry weight: 68 pounds
  • Weight capacity: 550 pounds
  • Warranty: 5 Year Hull 1 Year parts
  • Includes: 1 seats, 1 paddle, foot powered rudder system
  • 05/22 Price: $997.60

Wilderness Systems Radar 115

  • LENGTH: 11′ 8″ / 356 CM
  • WIDTH: 34.5″ / 88 CM
  • BOAT WEIGHT: 85 LBS. / 38.5 KG
  • DECK HEIGHT: 15″ / 38 CM
  • MAX CAPACITY: 450 LBS. / 204 KG
  • 5 Year Hull Warranty, 1 Year parts
  • 05/22 Price: $1559.00

The Wilderness Systems Kayak is wider, taller and heavier than the Brooklyn Kayak. The extra weight is from the wilderness having a thicker hull design which makes it more durable. The Brooklyn Kayak does come with paddle and a rudder system as standard equipment where that is an extra cost with the Wilderness.

Brooklyn Kayak Company: Final Thoughts


Brooklyn Kayaks offer a “value priced” alternative to some of the more popular Kayak brands. They come with advanced features and paddle, peddle or trolling motor options. Designed in the US but manufactured in China, Brooklyn Kayaks will sometimes be out of stock due to shipping and supply chain issues.

Being on average, 33% lighter than most US Kayak brands, Brooklyn Kayaks are constructed with thinner (less) plastic. This will likely make them less durable for applications where you may encounter rocks, reefs or other underwater obstructions.

They are also considerably less expensive that their US made competitors, so if price is an issue and long term durability is not, then Brooklyn Kayak Company kayaks could be a good option for you.

I am concerned with the number of complaints registered with the Better Business Bureau and their low over all rating (2.44 out of 5). They only list three employees so it appears they are simply ordering Kayaks from China to deliver to their customers.

There are numerous complaints about shipping and refunds. Seventy six complaints to only 17 actual reviews tells me there is something wrong.

Young lady blowing a bubble and holding a nice slot redfish caught while kayak fishing

Do your own due diligence, only you know what is best for you and your fishing situations. But, since they are made overseas, are made of a lighter material, have numerous complaints and a low BBB rating, I do not recommend Brooklyn Kayaks.

As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.

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