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Brooklyn Kayak Company kayaks can offer great value with usable features that you often find on high end vessels. But you might be wondering a little more about the brand and if it’s any good.
We’ve put together some information on the company and its products so you can see for yourself if BKC kayaks are what you’re looking for.
The Story Of Brooklyn Kayak Company (BKC)
Brooklyn Kayak Company is an online-only retailer that was born in Brooklyn, NY.
The founders formed the company after discovering that what they wanted from a kayak didn’t exist. They wanted fishing features as standard, as well as a combination of durability and stability, but without the high price tag.
The founders wanted to create kayaks that would suit family adventures as well as fishing trips.
Brooklyn Kayak Company vessels come with paddle holders, seats and waterproof storage. They also come with paddles included (one for single yaks and two for tandems).
BKC kayaks are made from durable high density polyethylene (HDPE) and benefit from having a coating to protect against UV damage.
The 4 Best BKC Kayaks Available To Buy Today
1: BKC UH-RA220 SOT Kayak
- Length: 11 foot 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 68 pounds (empty)
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
The BKC UH-RA220 is a single sit-on-top fishing kayak that is built for stability. It comes with a rudder, seat and a paddle.
This Kayak Is Aimed At:
The RA220 is designed for anglers. It comes with just about everything you need to get out on the water straight away, so it can be a great boat for beginners.
It’s not particularly lightweight, especially once your seat is installed, so getting it from A to B may require additional accessories or an extra person to help you.
Top Features Of The UH-RA220
Ready To Fish
This yak comes with plenty of fishing features that are designed to make your day on the water a lot simpler. There are two flush mounted rod holders, as well as a cutout in the hull for your fish finder.
There are three watertight storage hatches that can be ideal for fishing gear, snacks or even your valuables. There’s a spacious rear cargo deck that can be great for holding your cooler or crate, and you shouldn’t need to worry about maxing out your weight capacity, as this yak can hold up to 450 pounds.
Stand Up Casting
This is a stable vessel with a 34 inch wide hull that is designed so that you can stand up on it. However, you may find you need to have good balance for this, especially if you’re tall.
Video: Brooklyn Kayak Company BKC UH-RA220 in Action
All Day Paddling
The yak is built to be comfortable enough for all day paddling. There is an aluminum frame seat with mesh fabric that’s quick to dry and breathable. It can also offer lumbar support and give you a good vantage point for fishing.
Another handy feature is the built-in rudder system. This can give you more control over your kayak in open water or when you’re navigating river currents.
2: BKC UH-TK219 Tandem
- Length: 12 foot 2 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 68 pounds (empty)
- Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
This BKC UH-TK219 is a tandem fishing kayak that even has room for a third person. It comes with two padded seats, two paddles and two swivel mounted rod holders.
This Kayak Is Aimed At:
This TK219 is a fishing kayak that is designed for two paddlers so it can be a great craft for fishing with a buddy. It can also be a good option for families, as there are three molded seats.
This tandem yak is built more for stability than speed, with a wide hull that can be great for a variety of waters.
Top Features Of The BKC UH-TK219
Family Fishing Trip
This 12 foot 2 inch craft has the benefit of having space for three people (or two plus your dog), so it can be ideal if you’re planning on heading out with your family. However, there are only two padded seats, so the third person may require a little extra cushion or seat pad.
With the 440 pound capacity, you should be able to load up your gear for a day’s fishing, and if you travel light, you could even manage an overnight camping trip.
Waterproof Storage
The BKC UH-TK219 features two watertight hatches, one in front of each paddler. These hatches can let you keep your phone, keys and fishing tackle safe and dry inside the bag inserts.
The bag inserts can also be lifted out so that you have additional storage in the hull for larger items and extra fishing rods.
Versatile
This durable tandem sit-on-top yak can be a great option for a range of water conditions. Its wide hull improves stability so that you can safely paddle on the ocean, rivers and lakes.
This vessel is not just built for fishing, it can be great for recreational paddling and exploring your local waterways.
3: BKC UH-TK181 Tandem
- Length: 12 foot 5 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 68 pounds (empty)
- Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
The BKC UH-TK181 is a two person sit-on-top fishing kayak. It comes with seven rod holders, two padded seats and two paddles.
This Kayak Is Aimed At:
This is a tandem kayak that is built to offer both stability on a range of waters. With its spacious hull and large capacity, it can be great for fishing adventures with a partner. But it can also be paddled solo if you choose.
If rod holders are not important to you then this vessel might not be the right one for you. But it does offer good storage space if you’re looking for a yak for casual camping trips.
Top Features Of The BKC UH-TK181
Ready To Fish
One of the main features on this craft is the seven rod holders. There are four flush mounted rod holders, all with covers for when they’re not in use. The other three are adjustable swivel mounted rod holders, with two conveniently placed for the rear paddler and one for the front seat paddler.
Gear Storage
This yak has a large 440 pound capacity, giving you and your buddy room for all of your fishing gear.
Both you and your buddy have access to your own storage hatch in front of your seat, where you can keep valuables and small items that you want to keep dry. You can also remove the inserts in these hatches to access more storage inside the hull.
Additionally, there is a spacious rear cargo deck for a crate or cooler, and it also has the benefit of bungee rigging so you can keep your gear from taking a swim.
Stable Hull
This 34 inch wide hull is built to be stable enough for standing, which could make casting easier. As well as stability, this yak is designed for improved tracking, which could come in handy when you’re paddling in open water to reach your next fishing hole.
4: BKC UH-PK11 Pedal
- Length: 10 foot 6 inches
- Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds (empty)
- Weight Capacity: 420 pounds
The BKC UH-PK11 is a single person sit-on-top pedal kayak with a propeller drive system. It comes complete with a pedal drive system, rudder system, seat and a paddle.
This Kayak Is Aimed At:
This vessel is designed with a pedal drive system so that you can move across the water hands free. This can be ideal if you plan to fish or take photos, as you can place the paddle in the paddle holder and still maintain control of your boat.
It can be great for beginners and if you’re looking for kayak that’s stable and easy to use.
Top Features Of The BKC UH-PK11
Hands Free Paddling
One of the most important features of this yak is the pedal drive system, which can also reverse. This lets you control the boat with your feet instead of your arms and can let you cover water more quickly with less effort.
The rotational pedals also mean that you can power your kayak without any prior kayaking experience, making it ideal for beginners. You can free up your hands for fishing or photography, or simply eating a snack.
Read more about pedal powered kayaks
Fish Anywhere
The BKC UH-PKC11 has a wide, stable hull that is built to handle a variety of waters, meaning you can explore and fish just about anywhere. The hand controlled rudder system can give you additional control over your boat in wind and current.
This yak also comes with a paddle, letting you turn more easily and move over water that might be too shallow for your propeller.
Final Words
A Brooklyn Kayak Company boat can be a great choice if you’re looking for good value, as they can offer high end features at a more affordable price.
If you’re a beginner looking for a stable craft that comes complete everything you need to get out on the water, then BKC could be ideal.
Have you used a BKC boat before? Tell us about your experience in the comments. And if you think your buddies could use this guide, share it with them.
I got my kayak Within the 10 week lead time. Now spending Months trying to get the pedal drive that was left off the order and a hatch that is waterproof. I talked to Nick the customer service rep. I asked him about the pedal drive not being replaced and he told me that’s how the owners run the company. Check the BKC Facebook page. Some people do get their order with no problem. But so many don’t.
I like them so much I bought three of them. So much fun for the family. Grandkids love them. Everything has worked perfectly. Great products. 5 star.
You sound like a very satisfied customer! 🙂
Bought a pedal kayak in 2020. Used it 10 times in 4 months. Notified them of a pedal unit issue. Took them over a year to send me parts. To this day 1/30/2023 I still do not have the correct parts and they will not send me a new pedal unit. Buyer be aware, if you have issues be prepared to beg to get help.