1. Do you expect to be paddling only when the water is warm and the weather is sunny? A sit on top is a great way to work on your sun tan, but a regular kayak will protect you legs from burning. Errant waves have a way of splashing over a sit on top, so you are more protected from getting soaked in a conventional boat.

2. Sit on tops are typically heavier to load on a car, and more difficult to drag to the water. If you're a big strong guy, it might not matter, but to a small girl, less weight can mean the difference between meeting friends at the lake and staying home because no one's around to help load the boat.

3. Sit on tops are often wider that regular boats, and therefore less maneuverable in the water. You won't be carving any tight turns or shooting rapids in one!

4. You can't learn to roll a sit on top kayak.