Inflatable Kayak?

[sevenseas]

Does anyone have one of these? Are they any good? Looking at kayak hire costs on Middle Harbour we are thinking of getting our own double kayak to take out (one adult/one child at a time) and the inflatable option could be a good way to make it easier to transport. Not too expensive either (for a fairly basic version).

[Johndoe]

Had a few but eventually gave up on them. For the cost of them you could be well on your way to a decent 2nd hand rigid on gumtree or ebay. All of them eventually punctured and if you're out on the water, it ain't much fun getting back with only half a kayak inflated. The sevylor colorado has excellent reviews, but all in cold climes. Mine didn't actually "puncture" as the sevylors are fairly tough, but they split at the seams due to the heat here expanding the air in the bladders. I tried under-inflating to allow for expansion, but then the kayaks don't carry the rated load and are pigs to handle (steer/paddle) on the water. The sevylors are considered amongst the best so anything cheaper would be even worse.

 

Look at the malibu mini X, it's a single but you can easily fit two on a roof rack. They're one of the most stable (my lad stands up in his when he wants a pee), will last you and give good resale value. Forget the price of 699 for just the yak, I got ours for 600 with a seat and paddle thrown in from BCF or look for 2nd hand.......... If you really want a double then you would likely need two pairs of hands or a kayak loader. The initial setup may be a bit exxy, but if you're serious, they will give you good service and be a lot more safer.

 

Feel free to ask more questions.

 

 

 

kev

[sevenseas]

Hi Kev, thank you for your reply. Will look into getting two single kayaks second hand. Sounds like a much better idea.

Btw how old is your son? We have two girls, 8 and 10. 10 year-old should be fine in her own kayak, not so sure about 8 year-old but we needn't go too far to start with.