Looking Beyond the BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Fishing Kayak? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How alternatives differ from BKC Brooklyn

BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Pedal Fishing Kayak

The BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Pedal Fishing Kayak shifts focus from tandem capacity to solo performance. It measures 126 inches long and 34 inches wide, making it shorter and narrower than the 162-inch, 35.5-inch original. You gain a lighter vessel at 65 pounds compared to the 85-pound Brooklyn 13.5, which simplifies transport significantly. This model sacrifices the second seat and dual pedal drive system found in the original. Instead, it offers a single-person platform with a propeller drive option. It is a better choice if you fish alone and need easier handling without the bulk of a tandem kayak. The reduced width may offer slightly less stability for standing, but the weight savings are substantial for solo anglers.

UPWELL 13'6" Inflatable Pedal Kayak

The UPWELL 13'6" Inflatable Pedal Kayak offers a radically different construction method. It uses drop stitch inflatable material rather than a hard hull. This makes it much lighter at 32 pounds, compared to the 85-pound BKC Brooklyn 13.5. It is also wider at 38 inches, providing a stable platform for casual use. However, you lose the specialized fishing features like built-in rod holders and watertight hatches found in the original. The height is lower at 12.5 inches, which may affect tracking in wind. This option is ideal for those who prioritize storage ease and portability over dedicated fishing gear. It fits families or casual paddlers who want high capacity without the weight of a hard-shell kayak.

Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak

The Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak targets solo anglers with versatile propulsion. It supports a trolling motor in addition to pedal drive, offering more options than the original which lacks motor compatibility. It is significantly wider at 48 inches, providing exceptional stability for a single rider. The inflatable construction makes it highly portable, though it is shorter at 132 inches compared to the 162-inch original. You give up tandem capacity and the specific fishing hardware of the BKC Brooklyn 13.5. This kayak is best for those who need a stable, portable platform for solo fishing and want the flexibility of motor assistance. It suits anglers who prioritize durability and seat adjustability over multi-person use.

BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Pro Pedal Kayak

The BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Pro Pedal Kayak is designed for single-person use. It is shorter at 144 inches and narrower at 33.9 inches than the 162-inch, 35.5-inch original. It weighs 80 pounds, slightly less than the 85-pound Brooklyn 13.5. You lose the tandem seating and dual pedal drives, focusing instead on precision steering and removable propulsion for one rider. The hull is optimized for stability and gear storage for a single angler. This model is a better fit if you do not need a second seat. It offers a more manageable size for solo fishing trips while retaining the BKC brand's focus on pedal efficiency and tracking control.

BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Pedal Kayak

The BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Pedal Kayak is a single-person vessel with a focus on stability. It measures 156 inches long and 33.2 inches wide, making it shorter and narrower than the 162-inch, 35.5-inch original. It weighs 80 pounds, which is lighter than the 85-pound Brooklyn 13.5. You give up the tandem capacity and dual pedal system, gaining a more agile platform for solo fishing. The model includes a rudder system for precise tracking, similar to the original. It is suited for anglers who prioritize stability and pedal drive over the ability to carry a second person. This kayak offers a balance of performance and portability for individual fishing expeditions.

POIOKLJRE 2-Person Pedal Inflatable Boat

The POIOKLJRE 2-Person Pedal Inflatable Boat is built for calm water leisure. It uses inflatable construction, making it portable and easy to store. It lacks the specialized fishing features of the BKC Brooklyn 13.5, such as dedicated rod holders and watertight hatches. The boat is designed for manual propulsion and pedal drive, but it is not optimized for serious fishing expeditions. It is lighter and easier to transport than the 85-pound hard-shell original. This option is best for casual paddlers who want a tandem boat for lakes and rivers. It suits those who value ease of setup and transport over the durability and fishing-specific design of a hard-shell kayak.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Fishing Kayak

Best for: tandem fishing with high gear capacity

Seating Style

sit-on-top

Length

13.5-foot

Capacity

680 lb

Person Capacity

2 Person

Propulsion

Dual flipper pedal drives

Fishing Features

three built-in rod holders

View on Amazon: BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Fishing Kayak Affiliate link

This 13.5-foot tandem kayak seats two people and supports up to 680 pounds. It features dual flipper-style pedal drives for hands-free propulsion and a hand-operated rudder for precise steering. The wide 35.5-inch hull offers stability for fishing or gear transport. Weighing 85 pounds, it includes carry handles and multiple storage options. It suits anglers needing a stable, high-capacity platform for shared trips.

Pros

• Dual pedal drive systems allow two riders to propel the boat efficiently
• 680-pound weight capacity supports heavy gear and two adults
• 35.5-inch width provides exceptional stability for casting and standing
• Hand-operated rudder system maintains straight tracking in wind or current
• Includes three rod holders and watertight storage hatches

Cons

• Requires two people to operate the dual pedal drives effectively
• 85-pound weight may be difficult for a single person to lift alone
• Paddle is not included with the kayak

Good fit if

• You need a stable platform for tandem fishing trips
• You want hands-free propulsion for long-distance paddling
• You require high weight capacity for gear and coolers

Skip if

• You prefer a lightweight boat for solo transport
• You need a single-person kayak for personal use
• You want a paddle included in the package

Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Kayak is a high-capacity, stable vessel ideal for two anglers seeking efficient pedal propulsion. It fits pairs who prioritize stability and gear space over solo portability.

2 Best aluminum

BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Pedal Fishing Kayak

Best for: Solo anglers seeking lightweight pedal propulsion

Construction

UV-protected HDPE

Length

10.5 ft

Capacity

440 lb

Person Capacity

Solo

Propulsion

Propeller pedal drive, motor-ready

Seat Type

Ergonomic aluminum frame seat

View on Amazon: BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Pedal Fishing Kayak Affiliate link

The BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro is a 10.5-foot single-person kayak weighing 65 lbs. It features a propeller pedal drive for hands-free movement and a 440 lb capacity. The UV-protected HDPE hull offers stability in calm waters. You get precise rudder steering and an ergonomic aluminum seat. This model suits anglers who want lightweight transport and efficient pedal propulsion.

Pros

• Propeller pedal drive system for hands-free propulsion
• Lightweight 65 lb weight for easy transport
• 440 lb total weight capacity
• Precise hand-operated rear rudder steering
• Ergonomic aluminum frame seat

Cons

• Single-person design limits tandem use
• Shorter 10.5 ft length reduces tracking compared to longer models
• Propeller drive may tangle in weeds more than fin drives

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight kayak under 70 lbs
• You prefer pedal propulsion over paddling
• You fish in calm lakes or slow rivers

Skip if

• You require a tandem kayak for two anglers
• You need a high-speed racing kayak
• You prefer fin drive propulsion systems

Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Pedal Fishing Kayak is a stable, lightweight option for solo anglers who value easy transport and hands-free pedaling. It fits those who prioritize stability and capacity over long-distance tracking speed.

3 Best budget

UPWELL 13'6" Inflatable Pedal Kayak

Best for: casual paddlers needing high capacity and portability

Construction

0.55mm PVC, 1000D ripstop nylon cover

Length

13 ft 6 in

Capacity

650 lb

Person Capacity

2 person

Propulsion

Paddle

Inflatable

Inflatable

View on Amazon: UPWELL 13'6" Inflatable Pedal Kayak Affiliate link

The UPWELL 13'6" inflatable kayak offers a 650 lb capacity in a 38-inch wide hull. It weighs 32 lbs and features a drop stitch floor with 0.55mm PVC construction. This model suits solo paddlers who need occasional tandem space or adults with children. It includes a padded seat, aluminum paddles, and a hand pump. The design prioritizes portability and ease of setup for recreational use.

Pros

• High 650 lb weight capacity
• Lightweight 32 lb build
• Includes aluminum paddles and hand pump
• Durable 0.55mm PVC and 1000D nylon cover
• Wide 38-inch hull for stability

Cons

• No integrated pedal drive system
• Requires manual inflation
• Lacks rigid hull tracking compared to hard kayaks

Good fit if

• You need a high-capacity boat for adults and children
• You lack storage space for a hard-shell kayak
• You want a lightweight option for car transport

Skip if

• You require a built-in pedal drive for hands-free paddling
• You prefer the speed and tracking of a rigid hull
• You need a dedicated single-person fishing kayak

Verdict: UPWELL 13'6" Inflatable Tandem Kayak fits those who prioritize storage and transport ease over specialized fishing features. It is a practical choice for families or casual paddlers who value high weight capacity and quick setup.

4 Best premium

Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak

Best for: Solo anglers needing portable pedal or motor options

Seating Style

Sit-on-top

Construction

Double-layer PVC brushed material

Length

11 ft

Person Capacity

1 person

Propulsion

Pedal drive, motorized fin option

Inflatable

Inflatable

View on Amazon: Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak Affiliate link

This 11-foot inflatable kayak offers a sit-on-top design for single anglers. It features a pedal drive system and a 360° rotatable seat on an 80 cm rail. The hull uses double-layer PVC for durability. You can swap the pedal setup for a motorized fin option. Its 48-inch width provides stability for lake or river fishing trips.

Pros

• 11-foot length with 48-inch width for stability
• 360° rotatable seat with 80 cm forward/backward rail
• Dual propulsion: pedal drive or motorized fin option
• Double-layer PVC brushed material hull
• Built-in camera mount and fish measurement scale

Cons

• Single-person capacity limits tandem fishing
• Requires inflation to 7-12 PSI for structure
• Motorized fin option is sold separately

Good fit if

• You need a portable inflatable for solo fishing
• You want pedal or electric propulsion flexibility
• You value a rotatable seat for casting

Skip if

• You require a tandem kayak for two people
• You prefer a rigid hull over inflatable
• You need a motor included in the base price

Verdict: Spatium 11ft Inflatable Fishing Kayak fits solo anglers who need a stable, portable platform with versatile propulsion options. It suits those who prioritize seat adjustability and durability over multi-person capacity.

5 Best 12 ft

BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Pro Pedal Kayak

Best for: single-person fishing with precision steering

Construction

UV-protected HDPE

Length

12 ft

Person Capacity

Solo

Propulsion

Propeller pedal drive

Seat Type

Aluminum-frame seat

Use

Fishing

View on Amazon: BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Pro Pedal Kayak Affiliate link

This 12-foot single-person kayak features a 33.9-inch wide HDPE hull and a removable propeller pedal drive. It includes an ergonomic aluminum-frame seat, a hand-operated rudder, and dual watertight hatches. The design prioritizes stability and hands-free cruising for fishing. You get a lightweight platform that balances performance with easy transport. It suits anglers who want precision steering and gear storage without the bulk of a tandem model.

Pros

• Removable propeller pedal drive for hands-free propulsion
• 33.9-inch wide HDPE hull for high stability
• Hand-operated rudder for precise steering control
• Dual watertight hatches with dry bag inserts
• Lightweight 80-pound construction with integrated handles

Cons

• Single-person capacity limits tandem use
• Pedal drive is not included in the base propeller set
• 80-pound weight is heavier than inflatable alternatives

Good fit if

• You want a stable single-person kayak for fishing
• You prefer precision steering with a hand rudder
• You need removable pedal drive for versatility

Skip if

• You require a tandem kayak for two anglers
• You need a lightweight inflatable for easy transport
• You want a pedal drive included in the base price

Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Pro Pedal Kayak is a stable, single-person platform for anglers who value precision steering and removable propulsion. It fits those who prioritize hull stability and gear storage over tandem capacity.

6 Best 12.5 ft

BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Pedal Kayak

Best for: Solo anglers needing stability and pedal drive

Seating Style

Sit-on-top

Length

12.5 ft

Capacity

550 lb

Propulsion

Pedal propeller drive, paddle

Seat Type

Adjustable aluminum-frame seat

Fishing Features

3 flush-mounted rod holders

View on Amazon: BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Pedal Kayak Affiliate link

This 12.5-foot sit-on-top kayak uses a pedal propeller drive for hands-free movement. It supports up to 550 pounds with a 33.2-inch width. The aluminum-frame seat adjusts for comfort. You get three flush-mounted rod holders and watertight hatches. It weighs 80 pounds and measures 156 inches long. This model suits anglers needing speed and stability.

Pros

• Pedal propeller drive system for efficient propulsion
• 550 lb weight capacity for heavy gear
• Adjustable aluminum-frame seat for support
• Hand-controlled rudder for precise steering
• Three flush-mounted rod holders included

Cons

• 80-pound weight makes transport difficult
• Single-person seating limits tandem use
• No mention of a motor mount option

Good fit if

• You need a stable platform for long fishing trips
• You want pedal propulsion for hands-free fishing
• You require high weight capacity for gear

Skip if

• You need a kayak for two people
• You prefer lightweight gear for easy carrying
• You want a motor-ready hull

Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Pedal Kayak fits anglers who prioritize stability and pedal drive over tandem capacity. Its high weight limit and rudder system support serious fishing expeditions.

7 Best travel

POIOKLJRE 2-Person Pedal Inflatable Boat

Best for: Calm water leisure and travel

Construction

High-strength puncture-resistant

Person Capacity

2 person

Propulsion

Pedal

Hull Type

Multi-pontoon design

Inflatable

Inflatable

Use

Boats, Travel, Lake, River

View on Amazon: POIOKLJRE 2-Person Pedal Inflatable Boat Affiliate link

This POIOKLJRE inflatable pedal boat features a multi-pontoon design for enhanced stability. It is built for two people with a pedal drive system. The high-strength puncture-resistant material allows for durable use on lakes and rivers. A hand pump is included for inflation. Its foldable structure makes it portable for travel and storage.

Pros

• Multi-pontoon design for stability
• Pedal drive propulsion
• Folds for compact storage
• Includes hand pump

Cons

• No motor mount included
• Limited to calm waters
• No rod holders listed

Good fit if

• You need a portable boat
• You want pedal power
• You prioritize stability

Skip if

• You need high speed
• You require motor compatibility
• You fish in rough water

Verdict: POIOKLJRE 2 Person Inflatable Pedal Boat is a stable, portable option for calm lakes. It suits riders who value easy transport and manual propulsion over speed.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• serta perfect sleeper enhanced 13 5 alternatives
• frigidaire 5 alternatives