Brooklyn Kayak Company, Fishing Kayaks, Review

Brooklyn Kayak UH RA220 Review

Brooklyn Kayak UH RA220

5/5

high performance great features

  • Price = 5/5
  • Design = 5/5
  • Stability = 5/5
  • Features = 5/5
  • Quality = 5/5
When you’re getting a new kayak, there are plenty that will “get the job done” if you need them for a day of fishing. However, serious anglers who know what they want need something that addresses their specific needs.

The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-RA220 is one such thing. It’s made to be the “Swiss Army knife of fishing kayaks”, according to BKC. And yes, it’s an excellent kayak, as you’ll see in our BKC UH-RA220 review below. We’ll discuss a few things about it, from the build quality and storage, to the comfort and ride qualities.

The short version is that the UH-RA220 actually has almost everything an angler could want. From plenty of features, to an impressive array of storage options, it has it all. It’s also very stable, given it’s 11’5” length, as well as 34” width. In case you were wondering, yes, you can stand on it while fishing. Without wasting any more time, let’s get into the details. (See our best fishing kayak here)

The Build Quality Is Stellar

The UH-RA220 is made from high quality polyethylene. It’s the material of choice for plenty of kayaks nowadays. That’s because it is lightweight, very durable, and fairly affordable. The capacity of the kayak is 440 pounds, which is, honestly, more than enough for most anglers.

However, this also results in a total weight of 70 pounds, which might be a bit tricky for maneuvering if you fish by yourself. You don’t have to worry about carrying it to and from the water, as you’ll get side-mounted carrying handles. There’s also a carved handle on the bow, making it easy to launch or land if you’re a solo angler. Nothing missing here.

It Has Plenty Of Storage

It’s pretty obvious that this is a single-person kayak. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have plenty of storage. You can safely store all your gear, regardless of what you’re carrying. To begin with, you have three different watertight compartments. They’re all in front of the seat, so you can access them easily.

There’s also a large cargo area at the stern, where you could store larger things you’re carrying. That one has elastic bands that keep anything you might have inside from slipping into the water. One potential bummer is that there are no flush-mounted rod holders. That’s the reason for the “almost” back in the introduction. You do, however, have a single articulating rod holder – and that one is in front of the seat as well.

How’s the comfort?

ra 220 on the water

When you’re out fishing in a kayak, you’ll most likely be spending a couple of hours in it. Therefore, you want to be comfortable, and you want to be sure that you won’t be more fatigued than you’d want to. The best way to ensure this is to have a good, comfortable seat, and the one on the UH-RA220 is easily among the best. Factor in the price, and it gets even better.

To be honest, the adjustable, high-backed seat is amazing. And it’s not like that for one type of person, but it fits just about anyone. The only potential downside is that you might need to stretch out once or twice when you’re on a really long trip. But, what kayak doesn’t require that?

As we said, most of the storage is up front. This means that all of your essentials are conveniently placed, so you can easily access any part of your gear, without the risk of flipping over with your kayak. The cockpit is surprisingly roomy, and gives you quite a lot of leg room. Even if you do need to stretch out once in a while, you absolutely have the room to do so.


Let’s Discuss The Paddling Capabilities

ra 220 specifications

The first thing you’ll want to consider with a fishing kayak is the stability. And, at 34” wide, there’s plenty of it. It is extremely unlikely that the UH-RA220 will flip over and throw you and all your gear in the water. To improve a bit of stability, there are molded channels on the hull.

We have yet to find someone who didn’t feel confident while standing up during fishing. This is partly thanks to the included standing platform. Most anglers actually find it very easy to both get in, and get out of the craft. Last but not least, it is absolutely stable enough if you want to fish standing up.

Those molded, long, deep channels in the hull, as well as the angular design of the bow, ensure that you have the maneuverability required for you to perfectly position yourself near one of your favorite fishing spots. If you want to have pinpoint control, there’s a foot-operated rudder, which also allows for you to be able to negotiate almost any kind of water condition that’s coming your way.

There’s one thing we do need to mention, though. At 11 ½ feet long, and 70 pounds empty, this isn’t the easiest kayak of them all when it comes to maneuverability. On the other hand, it’s maneuverable enough for you to be able to focus on your fishing, and not the location.


Wrapping Things Up – Is It Good?

When you’re in need of a kayak that’s specifically made for fishing, you’re bound to love the UH-RA220. It has almost everything, from a sturdy, durable construction, to decent performance in the water. Factor in the price, and it becomes an even more attractive kayak. Even though it isn’t the lightest, or the nimblest kayak available, it absolutely does the job.

It’s definitely not for everyone, however. If you need flush rod holders, or if you want something that’s lightweight and very easy to maneuver, you might want to try your luck elsewhere. However, if you can afford to compromise on those two, and get much more in return, the UH-RA220 might be an excellent option for you.

You may want to read a few reviews of other kays too. See below;


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About Julian Thompson

cb787c59d2808e1f609076e790ca977e?s=90&d=mm&r=gCertifications: Certified Kayaking Instructor (AKA)
Education: American Kayak Association
Lives In: Denver Colorado

I am a kayaking expert/instructor who has been fishing for over 15 years. Fishing is my passion, but kayaking keeps me on the water. I love to share my knowledge of techniques and tips with others. I live in Colorado with my wife and two kids and own a small kayak rental business On Grand Lake where I rent and instruct.

3 thoughts on “Brooklyn Kayak UH RA220 Review”

  1. My son and I bought two of the 11-5 foot BK 220s and we go fishing all the time.
    The comfort and stability of the craft is just unbelievable. We fish for hours on over and over and can’t believe how the seating can be so unbelievably comfortable all that time.
    All the storage is perfect suited to our needs we carry all our tackle and our life jackets in our storage compartments and it makes it so convenient.
    The tracking is so nice because of the rudder system.
    I mean these yaks have three different rod holders including one so accessible it is located directly in front of your seat just love it for trolling.Isaac is great he took care of any problem that came up which was very minor the boats in my sons opinion and mine are definitely a 5 plus thanks again BKC and Isaac.

  2. My kids got the ra 120 for my 70 birthday. My first kayak and I love it. I’ve caught many bass,catfish and crappie from it. I’ve made an assist rope to help stand up but I don’t feel stable enough for fishing. I’m making outriggers soon but I’m in no hurry because I enjoy sitting and fishing and have been out each time for four hours or more. I wished you had accessories for this kayak I’m not the guy who wants to drill new holes and it would also be good to have some screws that are threaded for this kyak

  3. Love it and have caught a lot of bass,crappie and catfish. The seat straps have broken and for me it’s not stable enough when standing. I will probably make outriggers next year. This is my first kayak and I’m 70 years old . I have to be careful but like anything else there is a learning curve and each time out I’ve gotten better and can’t wait to do it somemore

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