The BKC UH‑RA220 is an 11.5‑foot, wide‑beam angler kayak that feels stable for standing casts and day trips, and you’ll like the pedal‑rudder for hands‑free steering in wind or chop; check the seat fit, test the pedal smoothness, secure valuables in watertight hatches, and load gear centered under the rear bungee to keep tracking steady. It’s durable and roomy with modest speed, so bring a cart for launches and a spare paddle, and keep going to learn setup tips.
Some Key Points
- Stable 11.5-foot, 34-inch beam hull ideal for standing casts and anglers who need a roomy, steady platform.
- Pedal rudder system enables hands-free steering, improving casting control and tracking in wind or current.
- Generous storage with rear bungee and watertight hatches supports full-day fishing loads and valuables protection.
- Durable roto-molded polyethylene construction and 550-pound capacity offer rugged value for coastal and inland use.
- Trade-offs include modest speed and heavy carry weight; use a cart for solo transports and practice balance in chop.
What the BKC UH-RA220 Is and Who It’s Built For
Think of the BKC UH-RA220 as a workhorse fishing kayak you can count on when you head out to an ocean inlet, a windy lake, or a choppy river, and picture it built for anglers who want stability, storage, and hands-free steering without fuss. You’re a recreational angler or coastal commuter who values freedom to roam, so you’ll like the wide hull that steadies you standing to cast, roomy storage for tackle and dry gear, and a pedal rudder that frees your hands, so first pack essentials, secure hatches, test the rudder, and practice shallow launches before you go farther. The UH-RA220 pairs well with common kayak accessories designed for anglers, like rod holders, tackle storage, and safety gear.
Key Specs and Fishing Features That Matter on the Water
Now that you know who the RA220 suits, let’s look at the specs and fishing features that actually matter when you’re on the water, and what to check before you push off: the 11.5-foot hull with its 34-inch beam gives you a wide, steady platform for standing to cast or moving around to chase a bite, so practice standing and shifting weight in calm water first, and pack a low-profile life vest that won’t catch your legs. Check pedal efficiency for smooth steering without constant paddling, confirm rod accessibility from seat and standing positions, stow gear in hatches, and secure extra rods. Double Kayak Adventures recommends fitting the kayak with accessible storage and safety gear for paddling couples, especially when fishing from a tandem craft with shared space and gear storage and safety.
Real-World Stability, Tracking, and Steering Performance
When you hop in the RA220, pay close attention to how it feels underfoot and how it reacts when you shift weight, because that 34-inch beam gives you a surprisingly steady platform, but standing to cast still needs practice—start in flat water, move slowly, and get a feel for the hull’s roll before you try it in chop. You’ll notice good bow lift when you punch into waves, which helps keep spray down, and the pedal rudder steadies tracking when you point into wind, but practice wake handling by trimming weight aft for softer back wakes, lean into turns, and tweak rudder input gently. Explore Pedal Kayak Adventures for more on pedal drive kayaks and related gear.
Storage, Comfort, and Rigging: Setup for a Day of Fishing
Since you’ve got a feel for how the RA220 handles standing, steering, and chop, shift some attention to how you’ll set the boat up for a full day on the water, because good packing and comfort choices make every cast easier and keep you fishing longer. Lay out gear with cargo organization in mind, stow valuables in the watertight hatches, and use the rear bungee for cooler and tackle bags so weight stays centered, not bow-heavy. Adjust the aluminum-frame seat for proper seat ergonomics, dial in foot position for rudder control, clip rod holders where you want quick grabs, and test balance before launch. Consider how choosing the right tandem kayak can affect load capacity and on-water comfort.
Value Verdict: Strengths, Trade-Offs, and Who Should Buy It
If you’re looking for a kayak that gives you serious bang for your buck, the BKC UH-RA220 will likely check most of your boxes, offering a stable, roomy platform that’s ready for a full day of fishing right out of the box; it’s built tough from roto-molded polyethylene, has a wide 34-inch beam so you can stand and cast confidently, and carries up to 550 pounds so you can load a cooler, tackle, and a friend’s gear without feeling cramped. It’s budget friendly, durable, easy to rig, and gives you long legs for exploring farther, but it’s not super fast, and the hull feels heavy to carry solo, so bring a cart, pack light gear first, lock gear in hatches, learn the rudder, and you’ll get miles of freedom for the price. Many anglers choose kayaks from our shop because they’re designed specifically for fishing kayaks and water adventures.
Some Questions Answered
Does It Come With a Paddle Leash or Should I Buy One Separately?
No, it doesn’t include a paddle leash, so you’ll want paddle retention options before you launch. Get a coiled leash or quick-release tether that won’t tangle with rod holders or the rudder, clip it to the paddle shaft and a secure D-ring or your PFD, and test reach while seated and standing, so you don’t lose gear in waves or current—simple, reliable gear gives you freedom to cast, move, and relax.
Can I Mount an Electric Trolling Motor on This Hull?
Yes, you can, but check transom compatibility first, since this sit-on-top needs a flat, reinforced transom mount or a clamp-on bracket, and you’ll want secure battery placement in the rear cargo well or a strapped crate to keep weight centered. Measure transom thickness, use backing plates or a motor mount plate, carry a small sealed AGM or lithium, strap it down, and test throttle and steering in calm water before pushing speed.
Is Assembly Required for the Rudder and Seat Out of the Box?
Yes, you’ll need to finish a bit of rudder setup and secure the seat positioning out of the box, but it’s straightforward, you’ll bolt the rudder assembly and connect the control cables, then drop in and fasten the aluminum-frame seat, adjusting straps for comfort and leg reach; bring basic tools, check cable routing, test steering and trim on land, then paddle short nearby to confirm feel before heading farther.
Are Spare Parts and Accessories Readily Available From BKC Dealers?
Yes, you’ll usually find spare parts and accessories through local dealers and aftermarket suppliers, so you won’t be stuck if something breaks; check dealer inventories for seats, rudder parts, and rod-holder mounts, call ahead for stock, and scout aftermarket suppliers for cheaper or upgraded options. Carry basic spares like replacement pins, hatch seals, and extra bungee cord, and order specific parts early if you’re planning long trips or remote outings.
What Warranty Coverage and Duration Does BKC Provide for This Kayak?
BKC typically offers a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for a set period, often one year, and they’ll authorize manufacturer repairs if issues qualify, so you should register the kayak and keep your receipt. Check the warranty terms for exclusions like UV or impact damage, photograph problems, contact your dealer promptly, and ask for repair timelines and return shipping rules, so you can get back on the water without delay.
