It’s often tough to find a fishing kayak that does what you want it to do all the while being affordable. Often times kayaks that are well made and have everything a fisherman would need exceed over the $600 price range and can travel well into the thousands of dollars. The ones that are thousands of dollars are often very heavy, long and have all sorts of do-dads that you may not necessarily need.
Even yet, a lot of these kayaks are designed with certain environments in mind but don’t have one that can ampley handle a wide variety of different conditions. A lot of those bigger bulkier fishing kayaks also have trouble maneuvering the way you want them to to get into smaller fishing spaces that are ideal for fish but not ideal for bigger kayaks.
Thankfully Vibe listened and came out with the Vibe Skipjack 90, we liked it so much that we put it in First Place in the Best Fishing Kayaks Under $600 kayak reviews.
Table of Contents
What is the Vibe Skipjack 90 used for?
The Vibe Skipjack is used primarily for kayak fishing but can be used as a recreational boat as well. It is 9 feet long and 32” Wide making it a very stable kayak. The pronounced edges on the side of the kayak further compliment the stability to allow you to even stand while casting. It’s shorter Length makes it one of the more manoeuvrable kayaks out there that exceeds in tighter waterways like windy rivers.
The tracking ability of this kayak is actually quite impressive for a 9’ boat! It is designed with a razor like keel that extends from the bow to the stern giving it better tracking ability than most 9’ boats. While the tracking is pretty good you will be down on speed due to the length and width of the kayak. Then again If you are looking at this kayak I doubt you are looking for speed to begin with.
This kayak can handle a variety of different conditions including Coastal Oceans, Lakes and bays but I would not use this kayak for touring purposes as it will take more effort on your part to paddle with speed just because of the kayaks limited size. If you stick to its intended use of kayak fishing and a bit of day paddling you will be perfectly happy with what this model includes.
One of it’s biggest strengths is the fact that it is very portable. While this kayak does not fold up or deflate at 9 feet you can put it in the back of an SUV. At 46 Lbs in weight it is relatively light weight meaning that you do not need a partner to haul this kayak to the water.
Vibe Skipjack 90 Features
- Adjustable Deluxe Seat with Rear Pouch
- Two Sealed Hatches
- Four Carrying Handles
- Rear Cargo Storage with Bungees
- Mounting Point for Scotty, RAM, Vibe or Railblaza Accessories
- Paddle
- Bungee Side Paddle Parks
Feature Analysis
Some of the included features are..
Included Features
Adjustable Deluxe Kayak Seat with Rear Pouch
The Deluxe kayak seat found in the Vibe Skipjack 90 includes more than what many other kayak manufacturers are willing to provide. It is fitted with multi adjustable front and rear UV protection straps and is secured with marine grade solid brass connector snaps.
There is a small backpack that can actually connect to the back of the seat that allows you some storage for necessities like lunch, tackle or other personal items that you would like to bring on a day trip. The seat is pretty comfortable for a day fishing trip and can be used as a universal seat for most Sit on Top Kayaks.
Lots of Room for Customisation and Cargo
The Vibe Skipjack 90 features ample amount of room for cargo which is one of its best features in my mind. For a “Budget” Kayak it also allows a lot of room for customisation. It features a mounting point for Accessory manufacturers such as Scotty, RAM, Vibe or Railblaza for things such as optional rod holders, GPS Navigation Holders as well as other accessories provided by these manufacturers.
The Vibe Skipjack 90 provides ample space for cargo for such a small boat! It features two sealed cargo hatches on the bow and middle of the boat for easy accessibility for fishing or day paddling related items. These hatches also come with bag inserts that allow your cargo to stay dry and easily accessible. It features a rear day well for bigger items that you would like to take on a fishing/ paddling trip such as a back pack.
On top of all this it comes with 4 Flush mounted rod holders to allow you to put multiple lines in the water while you are paddling.
Additional Accessories that can be added
The folks at Vibe have really done a good job in making this boat extremely customizable as mentioned in the paragraph before. Truth is there are lots of other different accessories that you can equip this boat with including some of the following
- Deluxe Anchor Trolly System
- Kayak Angler gear Crate
- Swivel Rod Holders
- Lots of Accessories for Gear Track Systems
- Rudder systems
- Cooler
Pros:
- Lots of Cargo room
- Lots of Customisation available on this model
- Very Affordable Model
- Supreme Manoeuvrability
- Excellent Stability
- Comes with everything needed to go into the water
- Great boat for a wide range of water conditions
- One of the better looking kayaks out there
Cons:
- Tracking is a bit compromised compared to longer kayaks but that’s to be expected
- Limited to seating one person. Maximum Capacity is 300 Lbs.
- Not the fastest Kayak around
Bodies of Water
As stated in the beginning of the article this kayak exceeds in tighter waterways thanks to its maneuverability. It’s light weight is also ideal for getting to more difficult spots if there is no boat launch. As seen in this video
The Vibe Skipjack 90 can be used on a variety of different waters and conditions thanks to its stability. You can use this kayak on the rougher waters of the Ocean Coasts, or simply use it in calmer water ways such as gently flowing rivers, lakes and calmer coastal bays. The Vive Skipjack 90 is a good all around fishing kayak that is able to tackle a variety of conditions . The Vibe Skipjack 90 is Rated for up to Class II rapids.
Customer Feedback
>>Check Out What Verified Purchasers thought of the Vibe Skipjack Kayak Here<<
The Positive
Some of the most common positives that customers have praised this kayak for are its maneuverability and the value you get for what you pay. Some other Customer notes include:
- Great kayak to own for first time Kayakers
- Compliments on the Dry Cargo Storage Hatches and how it keeps out water
- Better construction than many other kayaks you get in a similar price range
- The Kayak is well made
- Excellent Customer Service
- Standing on the kayak is no problem at all
- Great Kayak at an amazing price
The Negative
After Scouring the internet and listening to what customers told me about this boat there really was not much wrong with it. The most common issue with this kayak was the Deluxe seat that comes with this kayak. This is understandable because this is not a fully adjustable seat. People come in many different shapes and sized and this is no different with people’s backs. If you have a kayak that has a fully adjustable backrest more people will be happy because it can be adjusted to fit their size. Some other minor Complaints Included
- The Quality of the straps, some of them broke after extended periods of useeview
Best Kayak Under $600 Complete Rankings
Durability: Single Layer Polyethylene
7/10
Speed/ Tracking: Speed is pretty good for a 9′ Kayak, Tracks surprisingly Well
8/10
Stability: Pretty Stable for, would not recommend standing on it though
8/10
Features: Some Features available on this boat such as storage hatches
9/10
Value: Excellent Value for a Kayak of it’s Price.
9/10
Total Score: 8.2/10
Lifetime Muskie Angler Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle, Tan, 120″
Durability: Lifetime always provides durable products that can withstand the weather
8/10
Speed/Tracking: Speed and Tracking Ability are pretty Good
7/10
Stability: Provides Good Stability
8/10
Features: Has Swivel Rod Mount Holder as well as storage hatches. Looses Points for Seat Comfort
8/10
Value: Good Overall Value for the Price
8/10
Total Score: 7.9/10
Sun Dolphin Excursion Sit-In Fishing Kayak, Sand, 10-Feet
Durability: Some Questionability about the construction of this kayak
6/10
Speed/Tracking: Speed and Tracking are alright in calmer waters.
8/10
Stability: This Kayak has good stability for a sit inside kayak
8/10
Features: Besides the Rod Holder the features are pretty basic.
7/10
Value: Kayak is at a good price but there are things that could be done better.
8/10
Total Score: 7.7/10
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks Vapor 10 Angler Fishing Kayak
Durability: This Kayak is very solid in terms of durability.
9/10
Speed/Tracking: This kayak is not very fats whatsoever and questions about tracking ability arised
5/10
Stability: Kayak has good stability
8/10
Features: Has a anchor that comes with it
7/10
Value: It’s a Wall Crafted kayak for the Price that you pay
8/10
Total Score: 7.7/10
Analysis
The Vibe Skipjack 90 is an impressive little kayak for a variety of different reasons.Affordability is one. The Skipjack 90 is smartly designed from bow to stern with a variety of cool features that you would mostly find in kayaks that are 2 X the Skipjacks price.
The Kayaks on water performance is very much appreciated by the fishing and casual paddler alike. The areas it excels in are manoeuvrability and stability. What allows this little kayak to outperform many in its class in these areas is the design of the hull. The Bow and Hull of the kayak have a pronounced Keel that allows it to track better than most 9 footers. The Edging on the sides of the kayak along with the kayaks width allows it to be a very stable boat for people of different shapes and sizes. This is especially ideal for fisherman who like to spot fish by standing up and casting.
The Skipjack 90 Comes with pretty much everything you need to go paddling including a paddle, seat, scupper plugs, flush mount fishing rod holders as well as ample cargo space. The combination of all of these features is rare especially for a kayak in its price range. It is ideal for fisherman/recreational paddlers alike who are looking for a high quality kayak at an affordable price.
3 thoughts on “The Vibe Skipjack 90 Review”
Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more
from this site, and your views are nice in support of new visitors.
I purchased a Skipjack 90 as my first Kayak. Your review is spot on in describing it’s many attributes. Vibe is a first class company to work with. I have added an anchor, trolley system, net and a few hardware pieces so I can put in a few things I would like.
I have found that four poles are not great on the boat. I only bring three now and will be adding a forward mount for the center “console” for another rod. With two in the back and the center-mounted holder, I will be much more comfortable and able to paddle easier. There is nothing wrong with the four holders, just my preference.
A big reason for my purchase was the 46-pound weight. I could never lift 80lbs on to my SUV. This was in many ways the determining factor in my purchase. I am in love with my SJ90 and next year will upgrade to a Sea Ghost and keep my current boat.
One thing that I have noticed that tells you of the quality and user contentment for Vibe Kayaks: There is only ONE available as a used boat in any of my internet searches!!! Owners love their Vibes!!!
Thank you for your kind words, yes Vibe really seems to be one of the best fishing kayaks within that $1000 and under range, it also helps that they are truly beautifully designed boats 🙂