I am thinking about upgrading but still have to stay under budget. What are some recommendations? My priority list would be stability, elevated seat, easily customizable, and less than 1000.00. I fish smaller creeks and a few lakes. Mostly for crappie. Thanks for any responses.

Check out the Jackson Kilroy. I know it's almost $1500, but .... The Jackson Tripper 12 is a stripped down version and almost $500 cheaper. I really like the wide open layout, yet my gear is secure from being accidentally knocked into the water. I've ordered some yak attack rail sections and when I get those added my Tripper 12 will be very similar to the Kilroy. It's also a great paddling boat, easy to get moving, tracks well, and glides for a long time.

Used hobie if u can find one. I won't go to a paddle.

Vibe SeaGhost 130

With that kind of budget you can build one nice kayak. Send a PM to fishingpreacher or one of us that like to build.

Sea ghost 130 brand new is prob the best deal for the money imo I own a fs12t it was 650 out the door plenty of money for other mods maybe a nice graph or something or the fs128t but I can stand up on my fs12t take a leak, stretch, cast, etc I haven't set a hook on it yet at first it was uneasy but I can paddle around standing up now but if you do wanna spend all the 1000 I'd go with the vibe seaghost 130.

Vibe Sea Ghost. At 13ft long 33in wide and only 77lbs. Comes with a rudder and paddle for $899.

Let me know if you find a Hobie under 1000.

LOLz to these responses.

Under a $1,000 new for a stable kayak with high seat capability there are a couple options:
Bass Pro Ascend FS128T
Heritage Osprey
Perception Striker
Vibe Sea Ghost

The Vibe Sea Ghost would probably feel the least stable of those 4, but if you're not planning on standing and fishing then they should all feel decently stable.

If you go used it opens up the market some to other great, stable kayaks.

BTW, what is your current kayak?

With that budget, I can't see going with anything other than a Vibe Sea Ghost new.

Used, you've pretty much got your pick of non-pedal yaks.

$1000 is a good budget, and you'll end up with something nice. I see a lot of guys that would be better off saving a little longer, but just can't wait to get on the water.

hobie sport $800

Mariner Sails has a demo day coming up. I'd highly suggest checking that out. If you can't make it there are many great options and even more if you look at used kayaks. Some great deals can be found when going used. Jackson Cuda's can be found for under $1000 sometimes. As they are new I don't know much about them and haven't even seem them in person but the Pescador Pro 120 and Pelican Catch 120 are both in your budget.

What's makes you say the Sea Ghost would feel the least stable? From personal experience I feel quite the opposite?