BEST KAYAK CUP HOLDERS 2023

Boasting as the toughest and most easily installed kayak cup holders on the market, SkiffDaddy’s SwirlyGig drink holders for kayaks are sure to impress.  With no screws or moving parts, this kayak drink holder kit is easily transferable to lawn chairs, deck railings, or any 1¼ inch square horizontal tubing. Big enough to hold a can and koozie, the SwirlyGig also serves as an excellent canoe beer holder.

BRAND: SwirlyGig
COLOR: Metalic Grey
CAPACITY: 8 ounces
DIMENSIONS: 7.0 x 4.0 x 6.0 inches
MOUNT: Hangs on any 1.25 inch horizontal tubing
MATERIALS: Metal coated in PVC
GREAT FEATURES: Hassel-free installation

Notable for their enhanced and customized paddle sports accessories, Shoreline Marine’s kayak cup holder suits all your beverage needs.  Attached by an above bezel, this universal cup holder is easily installed with only four screws. The Propel Paddle Drink Mount is made of high-quality plastic and will not corrode like metal.

BRAND: Propel Paddle
COLOR: Black
CAPACITY: 8 ounces
DIMENSIONS: 15.2 x 4.5 x 6.5 inches
MOUNT: Holder mounted by screws
MATERIALS: High-quality plastic
GREAT FEATURES: Will not corrode

The Scotty #310 Drink Kayak Cup Holder is ideal for cans, coffee mugs, or insulated sleeves.  Easily attached or removed to kayak tracks, this cup holder for kayaks also helps to store loose lures, hooks, or tools and is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. Available in both black and white, the Scotty #310 Drink Holder is sure to please any kayaker.

BRAND: Scotty
COLOR: Black
CAPACITY: 8 ounces
DIMENSIONS: 7.0 x 5.0 x 5.0 inches
MOUNT: Bulkhead/Gunnel
MATERIALS: Durable plastic
GREAT FEATURES: Includes bulkhead/gunnel mount

Not only does it come with a witty name, Can-Coction’s Can-Panion is one of the best kayak cup holders available at this price point. With its stiff but adjustable coil clip, this cup holder for kayaks can also be attached to lawn chairs or 4-wheelers which makes for an awesome canoe cup holder.  Adjustable for various container sizes, the Can-Panion is sure to free up your hands and keep your beverage where it belongs.

BRAND: Scotty
COLOR: Black or white
CAPACITY: 8 ounces
DIMENSIONS: 7.0 x 5.0 x 5.0 inches
MOUNT: Bulkhead/Gunnel or rod holder post
MATERIALS: Durable plastic
GREAT FEATURES: Comes with rod holder post

With its soft but durable mesh and adjustable drawstring, Kemimoto’s Marine Kayak Cup Holder reliably holds all types of beverage containers. Outfitted with a 360° adjustable high-quality mounting clamp, this canoe beverage holder clamps firmly to rails or sides of any kayak.  When this clip-on cup holder for kayaks needs a little love, you can toss it right into the washer which makes it cool and convenient.

Made of plush koozie material, Yakuzzi is guaranteed to keep your beverages cool and secure during any paddle. It is taller than a typical cup holder and equipped with an adjustable tightening strap, specifically designed to hold water or beer holders. To install, simply clip the insulated drink holder to the lip of any kayak cockpit. The Yakuzzi also comes with a mesh bag, allowing you to store snacks or other belongings in the cup holder too.

With a three-prong suction cup, the SunChaser Bevi Pro makes an ideal kayak bottle holder or cup holder. Not only will this drink holder work on the water, it also comes with several attachments to secure drinks onto a golf cart, ATV, patio, lawn chair, or even the lawn itself. Considering it is exceptionally versatile and easy to install, the SunChaser Bevi Pro is perfect for any thirsty kayaker.

Due to its size and versatility, our best kayak cup holder of 2023 is the MightyMount.  As the name implies, YakAttack’s MightyMount can hold large and small beverage containers.  Big enough to carry a Nalgene or even a beer can with a koozie, the MightyMount is guaranteed to help quench your thirst.  MightyMount is suited for most kayak tracks and is bound to become a necessity item for any pack of kayak accessories.

When searching for the best kayak drink holder, there is plenty to consider. But before you go making a purchase, think about the type of kayak you own, your main purpose for paddling, and the type of beverage you prefer to consume.

Type of Kayak

The two major types of kayaks are commonly found, these are sit-on-tops and recreational.  A sit-on-top kayak does not have an enclosed cockpit, allowing for easy entrance and exit. They are wide and stable and ideal for fishing due to the accessibility of fishing gear. In contrast, recreational kayaks have a lip that surrounds a wide opening to an inner, protected cockpit. So, depending on the type of kayak you own, the best kayak cup holders for you may differ.

Attachment methods for canoe cup holders and best kayak cupholders differ between watercrafts.  Recreational kayaks have a broad lip, perfect for attaching clip-able cupholders like the Kemimoto Marine Cup Holder or the Yakattack MultiMount. However, of the best kayak cup holders those by Propel Paddle must be attached by a mount that needs to be screwed into the kayak itself. Due to their large inner cockpit, recreational kayaks also offer plenty space for a suction-cup or Go-Pro style cup holder such as the SunChaser. Suction-mounted and clip-able kayak cup holders are easily moved or transferred, while those attached with hardware will permanently alter the kayak and may be more difficult to install or remove.

Since sit-on-top kayaks are open and popular for fishing they can easily be fitted with kayak tracks and gunnels to support all types of accessories – from fishing rod holders to a kayak water bottle holder. For Sit-on-tops, a cup holder for kayaks can attach to the track itself or sit inside the fishing rod holder.  Surface-mount cup holders are also ideal for sit-on-top kayaks, which provide the space and accessibility for the attachment in various locations.

When selecting the best kayak cup holders, it is important to remember that sit-in-top kayaks are open, and often lead to a wet ride.  Due to this factor, select a cup-holder that will hold a bottle with a re-usable lid.

Purpose of Paddle

Your purpose of paddle will have a significant impact on your selection of the best kayak drink holder. If you prefer a leisurely paddle or use a slow trolling motor, select a cup holder whose contents can be easily removed (such as Scotty brand).  If you plan on kayaking for speed, or doing any type of whitewater kayaking, it is best to select a cup holder that will keep your drink snug and secure.

The reason for your paddle will also affect the placement of your kayak cup holder. If you plan on taking your time or sitting still while casting a line, your cup holder should be close and within reach. For more serious paddlers and speedsters, it is vital that your cupholder can be placed out of the way, where it will not impact your paddle or the aero and hydrodynamic features of your kayak.

Type of Beverage

While it may sound trivial, the type of drink you plan to consume on the water should be taken into strong consideration when determining the best kayak cup holders for you. If you plan on mostly drinking water from a Nalgene bottle, perhaps the YakAttack’s MightyMount (noted for its large size) is the best choice for you. For those hoping to sip coffee from a warm ceramic mug on a cool relaxing paddle, be sure to look for a cup holder with slots for a mug. But maybe drinking coffee from a reusable aluminum mug is more your style? In that case, search for a kayak or canoe cup holder that is sturdy and stable, like the Amphibian Outdoor Kayak Cup Holder.  For beer lovers out there, it is most important to think about the type of container you will be consuming from. The taller cup holders such as the Yakuzzi, which also offers an adjustable tightening strap, are guaranteed to keep your entire bottle safe and chilled. Alternatively, beer cans will be secure in the Can-Coctions Can-Panion Drink Holder – freeing up your hands do the rest.

1. Do I really need a cup holder?

Weather you are enjoying a nice, leisurely paddle or reeling in the first catch of the day, few things are more critical than staying hydrated. With a kayak cup holder, you will always know where your beverage is when you need it. Many cupholders also offer the added benefit of insulation – keeping your drink cooler for longer. For fishers, numerous cupholders (such as the Shoreline Marine Propel Paddle Gear Universal Drink Mount) provide an accessory rack for hooks and lures. Likewise, mesh cup holders such as the Kemimoto offer additional pockets for keys, sunglasses, etc. No matter your reason to paddle or your beverage of choice, a kayak cup holder is bound to make for a more enjoyable and convenient kayaking experience.

2. How to mount a cup holder on a kayak?

Kayak cup holders are mounted in various ways depending on the type of kayak and cup holder you purchase. Some kayak cup holders have a mount, which attaches to the metal tracking system of the kayak. YacAttack, GearTrac, Scotty, and FishUSA are all companies that produce kayak tracks and track accessories. If you plan to mount a kayak cup holder to a kayak track first check that the mount is compatible with the track. For kayaks without a track, cup holders can be easily secured with suction cups or adjustable clips. Whatever your preference – always measure the width of the ledge you want to clip to and consider the diameter of the clip before making your selection. For those who are truly committed, some cup holders may also be screwed directly into the kayak itself for permanent attachment.

3. Do I require any special tools or preparation to mount a kayak cup holder?

The answer will vary depending on the type of cup holder you select. Clip-on or suction-cup type cup holders are typically the easiest to install and do not require any special tools or hardware. Track accessories typically come with the equipment to attach them to a track, but always read the fine print on a product to ensure that it is compatible with the tracking of your kayak. On occasion, an adaptor may be required for track accessories, including a kayak cup holder. Lastly, mounted cup holders may require screws – again, always carefully read the product details to determine if hardware is included or not.

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!