Ocean Kayak Caper Review
Bottom Line:
Experts agree that the Caper is one of the best sit on top recreational kayaks of 2023. The Ocean Kayak Caper is a well-built, lightweight kayak that’s ideal for beginners looking to start with sit-on-top boats. There’s ample storage, including a paddle holder and cup holder, which is reasonably easy to access, but the hatch onboard isn’t great for dry bags.
The stability of this boat is also impressive, giving a lot of confidence to novices while still offering pros a lot of secondary stability if hitting choppier waters. This is a kayak built for gentler journeys, but it will take on heavier rides if you’re willing to put some effort in.
Price Comparison:
Specs:
Brand | Ocean Kayak |
Size (length x width) | 11' x 31" |
Weight | 45 lbs |
Capacity | 325 lbs |
Material | Polyethylene (medium density) |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
Ocean Kayak Caper | Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 | Eddyline Caribbean 14FS | Perception Hi-Life | Feelfree Nomad | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Expert Rating | 7.2 | 8.2 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.6 |
Size | 11' x 31" | 9'5" x 33" | 14' x 29" | 11' x 34" | 9'6 x 29.25" |
Weight | 45 lbs | 54 lbs | 50 lbs | 55 lbs | 46.2 lbs |
Handling | |||||
Stability | |||||
Comfort | |||||
Onboard Storage | |||||
Portability | |||||
Durability | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Ocean Kayak Caper Review
- Very stable regardless of how you sit
- Highly customizable
- Nice and easy to carry
- Lots of room on board
- Tracks great in calm weather
- Not ideal for choppy waters
- Some onboard storage is likely to let in water
Performance of the Ocean Kayak Caper
Reviewers agree that the Caper’s strong points lie in its ease of tracking–thanks to its tri-form hull–providing you keep this boat to calm lakes or slow moving rivers. Experts say it never takes much of an effort to turn or move in any direction, but it’ll need a lot of encouragement if taking to the sea.
The boat earns a lot of high marks for storage space and options, plus it has an impressive weight capacity of 325 pounds. However, experts are unanimous in the fact the main storage hatch is always going to get items waterlogged.
The bungee storage on the rear of the boat coupled with this hatch should, reportedly, give you ample room for overnight trips. It has paddle keepers to free your hands when you’re using it as a fishing kayak and a cup holder for your drinks.
The Caper sit-on-top kayak also seems to grade well on portability. It’s notably light for its size, and experts love the handles and ease of over-shoulder carrying.
Reviewers reassure newbies that the Caper – for all it’s built for performance and secondary stability – really won’t tip over unless you absolutely force it. Experts state this boat will stay completely still when you first get in, and you can sit in the boat however you wish.
Overall, the Caper seems to score well on general handling, but it’s made exceptionally clear that it won’t really cut it on deeper waves and faster currents.