Having a cup holder on your kayak is a practicality not to be overlooked. Not only does having one offer you the option to have your favorite drink close to hand while you are enjoying some time on the water, but it also gives you some additional storage space on your kayak for things like small tackle boxes and other useful gear.
When out on the water, repeatedly heading back to shore for a drink or for extra gear can put a real downer on your day, so a kayak cup holder can keep you on the water for longer, making the most of your kayaking adventure.
In this article, we look at some of the best kayak cup holders and give you a rundown of why we like them so much.
The Best Kayak Cup Holder – Top Picks
To cut straight to the chase, these are our top three choices when it comes to what we consider to be the best kayak cup holder overall, the best value cup holder, and probably most importantly – the best kayak cup holder for fishing.
If you want to know more about these awesome cup holders, then more detailed reviews are just a little further down the page, so make sure you keep reading.
This Scotty cup holder is versatile in its ability to hold drink containers of various shapes. It’s also quick to install and remove so it gives you plenty of options to customize your kayak setup.
Being out in a kayak usually involves quite a bit of movement in all planes of direction. This can cause spilled drinks, lost coffee cups, etc, but the Ram Mount Self-Leveling Cup Holder keeps itself level and your drink in place while you focus on catching your next big fish.
The second Scotty cup holder in our top three! The Scotty #310 Kayak Cup Holder offers the best value of the cup holders on this list as it’s durable, easily installed, and it has no problems holding an insulated cup.
Kayak Cup Holder Reviews
The Yakattack MultiMount Cup Holder is as versatile as it is durable. Its enclosed base means storing small bits of gear as well as a range of drink containers is easily achieved. This cup holder holds up well in harsh marine environments thanks to the premium materials used in its construction.
- Quick and easy to install
- Can comfortably hold a can with a beer koozie
- Extremely lightweight at 0.16 ounces
This is a tough kayak cup holder. Using friction to fit and stay in place means there are no moving parts to break or malfunction on the SkiffDaddy Kayak Cup Holder. It can hold a range of drinks from cups, to cans, to water bottles, and more.
- No assembly required
- No moving parts that could break or go wrong
- Tough and long-lasting
If you are looking for a cup holder that can be used to hang lures as well as hold your drink, the Scotty #310 Kayak cup holder is a good choice for you. It’s easy to install thanks to the gunnel mount and it has been built to last. Removing it from your kayak is nice and quick too!
- Quick and easy to install
- Long-wearing nylon guide for added protection
- Downrigger fairlead
The Scotty 311 Kayak Cup holder is an accessory rack as well as a cup holder. It brings an increased level of practicality and convenience as it can be used to hang lures and small tools, and it also has a rod holder post mount and gunnel mount to keep installation a smooth process. If you have Scotty gearhead track adaptors, you can even mount them to gear tracks.
- Quick and easy to install
- No-fuss removal from your kayak
- Able to hang lures and tools
If you want one of the most versatile cup holders then this is one to look at. The SunChaser Kayak Cup Holder can be used on canoes, hot tubs, and RVs as well as on your kayak. 3 interchangeable attachments are included and the suction base has three suction cups to make sure this cup holder is staying put whatever the conditions.
- Highly versatile
- Compact enough to fit in your pocket
- Made from high-density rubber skid
Cup holders that can adjust to a wide range of angles and heights can be hard to come by. The Shoreline Marine Propel Kayak Cup holder is as adaptable as they come. Quickly and easily installed and removed, this is a good choice if you want to use it across multiple kayaks.
- Strong hold - it won’t fall off
- Holds hooks and lures to keep them within easy reach
- Highly adjustable to a large range of angles and heights
The Brocraft Kayak Cup Holder has been designed to fit most watercraft track systems. You can remove it easily from your kayak and it can hold different types of containers such as cans, insulated sleeves, and coffee mugs. It may look like a simple design but it holds firmly in place keeping your drink safe and secure.
- Easy to remove
- Has a very firm hold
- Suitable for use with a range of track systems
This cup holder can be attached to different surface types without having to worry that it’s not going to hold. The GoPro-style mount and polyurethane gel suction cup mean once the Amphibian Outdoor Kayak Cup Holder is attached, it’s not going anywhere! If it does somehow find itself in the water (most likely due to you dropping it than its suction failing), it floats so you can easily retrieve it again.
- It floats, making sure you never lose it if it does fall into the water
- Durable, so it can take a bit of a beating
- GoPro - style mount
The Can-Panion Kayak Cup Holder can hold containers up to 3.5 inches in diameter. It attaches to a range of surfaces using its coil which can stretch about two inches to provide a strong attachment. This is another of the cup holders on this list that floats if it ends up in the water which is a great feature.
- Holds firmly to multiple surface types
- It floats
- Holds a range of containers
The Ram Mount Self-Levelling Cup Holder for Kayak pivots with the movement of your kayak to ensure your drink is kept upright. It’s tough and can be installed quickly. It holds a variety of beverage containers and has a firm hold to prevent any accidental spilling.
- Keeps your drink upright even with movement in the water
- Easy to install
- Long-lasting due to its durability and build quality
The Yakuzzi Kayak Cup holder quickly and easily attaches to your kayak with its built-in clips. It can comfortably hold a small water bottle or a can of your favorite beverage. It has a firm grip to keep your drink secure even in more lively conditions.
- Quick to install
- Strong and firm hold
- No drilling required
How to Choose a Kayak Cup Holder – Buying Guide
With so many kayak cup holders available, it can be a bit daunting knowing which one is best for you. If you are feeling a little confused, here are some of the things you need to consider.
Ease of Mounting
Mounting your cup holder to your kayak shouldn’t be a stressful experience. You should be able to easily attach your cup holder to your kayak and be on your way to the water without any issues.
Ease of Use
A cup holder shouldn’t need a huge instruction manual to tell you how to use it. Ideally, your kayak cup holder should have no moving parts, need no assembly, and can attach to your kayak without any drilling.
Stability
When out on the water, it’s not always as calm as you’d like it to be. Your cup holder should be able to keep your drinks secure and stable so you can simply focus on enjoying your outdoor adventure time.
Durability
Having to constantly repair or replace cup holders is not fun. Durable cup holders are a more affordable and sensible idea in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged or breaking unexpectedly.
Adjustability
Being able to adjust your cup holder means you can carry whatever drink you like when out on the water. It also means you can attach it to all of your kayaks if you are lucky enough to have more than one.
Final Thoughts on Kayak Cup Holders
A kayak cup holder makes a useful addition to your kayak, particularly if you spend a lot of time out on the water.
It allows you to stay hydrated and carry some extra gear, but it also provides a bit more comfort so you can enjoy yourself even more when out in the wild.
Cup holders come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and attachment styles. Finding the best one for you will ultimately come down to your personal preference and your individual wants and needs.
This article should give you a good starting point for your research into which holder is right for you.
