Popular farm equipment and rural living retailer TSC also sells cheap recreational kayaks. Tractor Supply kayaks are best for paddlers who intend to make occasional outings on flat and sheltered water. Look at a TSC kayak if you want to experience paddling but have no specific aspirations to paddle in anything more than quiet water and beginner conditions.
TSC kayaks are a good option for families, including kids kayaks and other designs perfect for taking to the cottage, cabin or beach. Several TSC kayak models are meant for anglers.
Though the selection of kayaks at TSC is limited compared to some of the larger, sports-focused box stores, you’ll still find a good variety of sit-on-top kayaks (with open decks for easy entry and exit), sit-inside kayaks (featuring an enclosed cockpit and deck to protect the paddler from the elements), inflatable kayaks (which are fun to paddle and easy to store in smaller places) and fishing kayaks (with features like rod holders and live wells, specific to anglers).
Tractor Supply kayak brands include Lifetime and Sevylor, both of which specialize in budget kayaks. Prices range from $150 for a plastic kids’ kayak to $430 for a well-equipped fishing kayak and $700 for a two-person sit-on-top kayak. Two-packs are available for several of the most popular kayaks at TSC, ranging from $1,000 to $1,200.
Don’t expect a Tractor Supply kayak to be high-performance. The kayaks at TSC are meant for beginner use on calm, sheltered water. These boats have serious safety limitations for use in exposed, open water. Tractor Supply kayaks are also less refined in terms of paddling speed, maneuverability, handling and comfort. Furthermore, don’t expect Tractor Supply Company kayak sales associates to have the same breadth of knowledge as a dedicated paddling store.
Know The Local Hazards
- Check navigation charts before you launch.
- Check with those who have local knowledge of man-made and natural hazards, e.g. low-head dams; sweepers, strainers and undercuts; tides and currents; and rocks and shoals.
You get what you pay for in a kayak. But with all this in mind, a box store kayak from Tractor Supply might be ideal for your needs. Our review of TSC kayaks will provide you with the knowledge you need to determine if this is the right shopping destination for you.
Top picks: Best Tractor Supply kayaks for 2024
The following TSC kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all Tractor Supply kayaks here.
Best Tractor Supply Kayaks
Laxo 320
Steam 312
Wave 60
Tamarack 100
Laxo 285
Hydros 85 Angler
Stealth Pro Angler 118
Shop for Tractor Supply kayaks
Tractor Supply sells kayaks from three main manufacturers: Lifetime, Sevylor and Pelican. All TSC kayaks are meant for recreational paddlers, especially casual anglers, families and beach enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly boats to use occasionally in sheltered water locations, such as inland lakes, ponds and quiet rivers.
The majority of kayaks at Tractor Supply are “hardshell” models (constructed of durable plastic), along with a few inflatables, which can be deflated and stored in smaller spaces but often lag behind hardshells in terms of paddling speed.
Most kayaks at TSC are described as sit-on-top kayaks, which have open decks that are easy to enter and exit for paddlers of all sizes and skill levels. Sit-on-top kayaks are ideal for sunny days and warm water, and this style of open-deck kayak is also the most common for fishing kayaks. By comparison, the smaller range of sit-inside kayaks at Tractor Supply are decked (or partially decked), providing shelter from the environment—though sometimes more challenging to enter and exit due to the enclosed cockpit seating area.
The selection of TSC kayaks will vary between locations and over the months of the year. Expect to find the best selection in the spring; late summer and fall is the best time to find kayaks on sale at Tractor Supply.
The links below will take you to our comprehensive Paddling Buyer’s Guide, where you’ll find all the best kayaks at Tractor Supply, including specs, prices and reviews, offering an unbiased view on what’s available from this retailer.
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Shopping for a used Tractor Supply kayak?
Searching for a used kayak on buy-and-sell websites like Craigslist, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, odds are you’ll find some second-hand Tractor Supply Company kayaks listed. TSC kayaks offer great value in beginner kayaks for family fun—and many options are available in different styles and from a variety of manufacturers.
Taking the time to research the specific attributes of the make and model of TSC kayak you’re considering is your first step in making a wise purchase; our Paddling Buyer’s Guide is the ideal place to start. Once you’ve found a contender, consider the following advice:
Overall condition
Examine the overall condition of the kayak. Sun damage and soft spots on the hull (apply firm pressure to all parts of the kayak to test for stiffness—it shouldn’t feel spongy) are good ways to determine a kayak’s condition. After that, examine the deck (top) and hull (bottom) for damage including deep gouges (more than 3 mm or 1/8th of an inch deep); obvious abrasion (especially if the worn areas are a different color from the rest of the kayak); and deformities (which will make the kayak paddle less efficiently).
Kayaks at TSC are made of durable plastic that’s meant to withstand plenty of abuse; some damage is fine, so long as the shape of the kayak remains intact.
Inflatable kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are also common on the used market and several models of budget-priced Sevylor inflatables are sold at TSC. Leaks are the main concern with buying a used inflatable kayak; ensure the kayak holds air—both in the inflatable chambers that make up the hull as well as the valves. Though durable, inflatable kayaks are often cheaper and have a shorter lifespan due to punctures and defective valves.
Outfitting
Inexpensive TSC kayaks from manufacturers like Lifetime often feature bare bones outfitting. Take a close look at comfort features like the seat (is it padded and supportive for your body type?). Foot rests are critical to give you purchase on the kayak to paddle efficiently and are often absent in lower-priced Tractor Supply kayaks; if they’re present, make sure they’re functional and not damaged by grit or sand.
Outfitting is the critical interface between the paddler and kayak, including the seat, back support, thigh rests and foot rests. Often these features lack refinement in budget-priced TSC kayaks. Examine these parts individually and consider how well they work together as a whole—the easiest way to achieve this is by sitting in the boat (and ideally paddling it) to make sure it feels comfortable. Think about how long you’ll be sitting in the kayak. If it’s uncomfortable in a quick test, how will it feel after an hour? Outfitting comes down to personal preference; there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Take a close look and consider investing in a more expensive kayak if you plan on more serious paddling. If you’re handy, outfitting is easily modified with some glue, foam and DIY time; consider any upgrades you could make to save a few bucks and get a custom fit.
Paddle Sober And Smart
- Never mix alcohol and paddling. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and rafts.
On the water
The only way to fully appreciate the comfort and performance of a kayak is to try it before committing to a purchase. Arrange a meeting place with the seller that allows you to take a few moments on the water. Bring your usual paddle and dress in what you plan to wear while paddling. With a sit-inside kayak from TSC, be sure to assess how easy the boat is to enter and exit.
Make a deal
In general (that is, before Covid-19 put a premium on outdoor equipment) the typical starting point for a used kayak in moderate condition was about half its retail price. All that’s changed in the wake of boat shortages brought on by the pandemic, but you can use it as a starting point in haggling a fair price.
Add some accessories
Accessories are key elements of fishing kayaks; if you want to do some kayak angling make sure you examine features like rod holders, gear tracks and live wells.
If you’re offered a PFD as part of a used kayak sale make sure it’s in good shape, fits properly and is Coast Guard-approved for the location you’ll be paddling.
For more tips on what to look for when selecting a used kayak from Tractor Supply, read our article How To Buy A Used Kayak.
Tractor Supply kayak buying guide
As mentioned earlier, it is always advisable to “try before you buy” when purchasing a kayak. Unfortunately, this is pretty much impossible at a box store like Tractor Supply Company. However, there are ways to make shopping for a TSC store kayak feel less like a leap of faith.
Maybe you have friends or family who already own a kayak from TSC that are willing to share for a short outing or two? This sort of experience provides a sense of what’s available in recreational kayaks; paddling also allows you to appreciate how different kayak design elements fit your body and perform.
General consumer box stores like TSC will never offer the same expertise as a specialized paddlesports retailer. If you’re serious about paddling and want to develop your skills and make an investment in a dedicated hobby, you are better off shopping elsewhere. Remember you’re not going to find high-end, performance kayaks at Tractor Supply Company. However, this reality may fall exactly in line with your recreational paddling needs: TSC kayaks make excellent budget-friendly choices for those who plan on paddling occasionally—and only in calm, sheltered conditions.
Check The Weather
- Plan for changing weather conditions. Prepare for the worst case.
- Don’t forget to check tide, currents, or river levels.
Still have questions? Here are expert answers to some of the most common questions about Tractor Supply kayaks.
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Does Tractor Supply sell kayaks?
Are you wondering “Does Tractor Supply have kayaks?” before heading out to shop? Indeed TSC does sell a range of recreational kayaks from a handful of manufacturers, all designed for beginner use in calm, sheltered water conditions. This article summarizes the best uses of Tractor Supply Kayaks and what you can expect to find in stores, with authentic reviews and buyer’s guide information.
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Tractor Supply kayak return policy
TSC’s standard 30-day return for in-store and online purchases applies to kayaks—provided you have not registered your kayak with state transportation authorities (where applicable). A receipt dated within 30 days is required for an exchange, in-store credit or refund. Returns without receipt are subject to verification and require a government-issued identification. To return a kayak the boat must be in new condition with no visible signs of wear, and include all original packaging and accessories.
Tractor Supply kayak reviews
Reading reviews can help you narrow down your options before you even get to the store—and will be even more helpful in cases where you can’t paddle the boat before you buy. Find out expert reviews below to help you find the right kayak from TSC.
- Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Journey 10
- Fishing Kayak Review: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100
- Fishing Kayak Review: Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS
