Hello paddling enthusiasts! Ken Whiting here once again with another in-depth, unbiased gear review. I'm testing and reviewing a type of kayak that I have a love-hate relationship with – a sit-on-top kayak.
What I Love About Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Firstly, sit-on-top kayaks are open and comfortable. You can sit cross-legged, stand up in a lot of them, move around without any problem, and even sit sideways with your legs over the side if you want. They're also incredibly stable, making them ideal for activities like fishing, photography, and videography where you need a stable and open platform. These kayaks prioritize stability over performance, which is great for doing more than just paddling.
What I Hate About Sit-On-Top Kayaks
On the flip side, sit-on-top kayaks are generally heavy. They have a lot more plastic in them compared to sit-inside kayaks of the same length, making them 15-25% heavier. They're also harder to carry and move around because they lack a cockpit rim, which means you can't just throw them over your shoulder. You have to carry them suitcase-style from the side grab handle, which is cumbersome, or you need two people, one on each end. This added weight and awkward carrying make them less appealing for solo adventures.
Another downside is that sit-on-top kayaks often sacrifice performance for stability. As someone who loves a fast and responsive kayak, this can be a bit of a letdown.
Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak: Breaking the Mold?
Now, Hurricane thinks they've found a way to change my mind with the Osprey 120 kayak. Let’s dive into the specifics before hitting the water. The Osprey 120 retails for $1,500. It's 12 feet 2 inches long, 31.5 inches wide, and weighs 47 pounds with the seat (43 pounds without). It has a capacity of 325 pounds. The design aims to optimize both performance and stability, featuring a relaxed hull design, a K9 bow pad, gear tracks for mountain accessories, adjustable foot braces, four molded grab handles, a gasketed H-pod for storing small items, and a rear tank well with bungees.
Testing the Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak
It’s time to get this kayak on the water. Despite a gray sky, it's a perfect day to test the Hurricane Osprey 120. Here’s what I found:
Portability
At 47 pounds with the seat, the Hurricane Osprey 120 kayak is a remarkably portable sit-on-top kayak. This weight is a significant advantage, especially for someone tired of lugging around heavier boats. However, carrying it solo remains tricky without the ability to throw it on your shoulder. Carrying it suitcase-style is manageable up to about 100 yards. Still, a kayak cart would be a welcomed addition to your paddling kit.
Performance and Stability
Hurricane claims the Osprey 120 strikes a great balance between performance and stability, and I’d say they’re right. The kayak is 31.5 inches wide, which isn’t super wide but provides plenty of stability. The thermoformed construction makes it rigid, smooth, and offers excellent glide through the water. It tracks well, even when you stop paddling. While it’s not a speed machine, it performs better than expected for a 12-foot sit-on-top kayak.
Comfort
The elevated frame seat is incredibly comfortable, offering good lower back support for paddling and the ability to kick back in full Lazy-Boy mode. For paddlers up to 6'2″, this kayak offers ample space. Taller paddlers might find the cockpit area a bit cramped.
Durability
Thermoformed kayaks like the Osprey 120 are designed for use, not abuse. It can handle scratches and minor bumps, but if you’re planning to paddle in rocky areas or drag your boat around, a rotomolded kayak would be a better choice.
Features
The Hurricane Osprey 120 kayak has practical features without overloading on accessories. The K9 bow pad is great for bringing along a dog, providing grip and comfort. The gear track in front of the cockpit is within easy reach and doesn’t interfere with paddling. The H-pod is perfect for storing small items, although it could be slightly bigger to accommodate larger phones.
Value
At $1,500, the Osprey 120 is about $200-250 more than comparable rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks. The extra cost is justified by the weight savings, improved performance, and overall better glide through the water. For many, the premium will be worth it.
Who is the Hurricane Osprey 120 Kayak for?
The Hurricane Osprey 120 kayak is perfect for anyone who wants a sit-on-top kayak and is willing to pay a little extra for a lighter, better-performing kayak. It’s versatile enough for flat water, some rough water, and mild currents, but not for rapids or heavy surf. It's ideal for paddlers who like to fish or do other activities on their kayak. The Osprey 120 is not for someone who wants a kayak that prioritizes durability. It isn't a kayak to drag around or run into rocks with repeatedly. Unlike the heavier, rotomolded sit-on-top kayaks, some care needs to be taken when paddling any thermoformed kayak.
Interested in a lightweight sit-inside kayak? Check out the Hurricane Tampico 130 kayak review.
If you’ve tried this kayak, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you enjoyed this review, give it a thumbs up and subscribe to Paddle TV for more gear reviews, paddling tips, and adventures. Stay tuned for more exciting content!
Happy paddling!
Ken Whiting
