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Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
DW and I have thought about a hard or inflatable 2-person kayak during this last year.  We think we made the decision to look at inflatable kayaks at REI and similar places as a starting point.   When we had a sailboat, our dinghy was an inflatable which is the most common for smaller cruising boats.

I've done some online reading in an attempt to discern which are of better quality.   We'd like to use a kayak to cruise the shore line and look for wildlife.  As with many things, the reviews are all over the place.  If anyone has recommendations for an inflatable, we are all ears.  And thanks in advance for any guidance or suggestions.
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Traxless  - 
DW and I have thought about a hard or inflatable 2-person kayak during this last year.
 If anyone has recommendations for an inflatable, we are all ears.  And thanks in advance for any guidance or suggestions.

Look around for used inflatable kayaks. Most only get used a few times before they are store away for good.
I have several friend who have bought these...and I have towed them back to shore, more than once.
Why? Because they are not efficient boats. Due to the flexibility, much of the padding energy goes into bending the boat and not driving it forward.
They sit high in the water and are very vulnerable to winds. To increase stability, they are wide, which increases the energy need to paddle them.
There are a few exception to this but require buying boats that cost as much as decent used car.
Just read that one of best known producers of these high-end boats has gone out of business, sad.
Feathercraft ».

If you buy an inflatable, keep it on smaller, calm bodies of water. Stay out of the wind and moving water.
When the wind blows over a few MPH, you will not be able to make headway against it unless you are some kind of paddling animal.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #2 –
No inflatable kayak experience here, but we did invest in a 16' Kaboat. (Kayak/boat hybrid. Sorry, no link, I have been trying to pull one up for several minutes, but bandwidth here is slow.  Look on YouTube for some neat videos.) Like a narrow Zodiak, it is rowed. We tried paddling once, but this was awkward.

It was too much trouble for our style of travel- we rarely spend more than a couple of days in one place (Did I mention it is about 70#?), unless we are in the FL Panhandle, where we tend to sit for weeks, the 15-20 minute process of getting it in the water, and the 30-40 minute process of rinsing, drying, deflating and stowing was worthwhile.  Just lazy, I guess.  It would fly when rowed tandem. 

We opted to take the canoe with the LD and the Kaboat when truck camping and hitting lakes. Next trip with it will include a 5HP outboard.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Traxless  - 
DW and I have thought about a hard or inflatable 2-person kayak during this last year. 
I've done some online reading in an attempt to discern which are of better quality.  We'd like to use a kayak to cruise the shore line and look for wildlife.  As with many things, the reviews are all over the place.  If anyone has recommendations for an inflatable, we are all ears.  And thanks in advance for any guidance or suggestions.

We've owned our Sea Eagle 370 inflatable for about 8 years now.  I think we've used it a total of four times.  The quality of the product is excellent, but it's just not as convenient as we thought it would be.  We've used it at the Morro Bay get-together twice, where it confirmed Larry's cautions about tough paddling in any wind and, just as bad, against a moving tide.  It is exhausting, and disheartening to see Larry and his DW smoothly paddling away from us in their regular kayaks.  The best use was in the Okefenokee Swamp, although we were sweating bullets every time a big gator slid off the bank and swam out to inspect us.  Having only canvas between your butt and their jaws is not a comforting feeling.  The last use was in some lake in the Tetons, which was beautiful until the wind came up. 
All the rest of the time it sits in its BIG bag, which weighs about 50 lbs or so.  The real problem is that we have no good place to store it in our TK.  We used to carry it in the overhead bunk, transferring it to the driver's seat at night.  While that built up my shoulder muscles, it wasn't a great solution.  The paddles (which break down into 3 pieces) and pump and related gear go into a second bag which we stored in one of the outside compartments.  But most of our travel has been to keep moving, spending a few days at a time in a site, then going on to something else.  That's why schlepping the bag around became old real fast.  I think if your camping style was to go to a destination and stay put for a couple of weeks, it wouldn't be such a burden.
As for actual performance, it's just fine for poking around shorelines and short excursions.  But serious all-day activity will seriously wear you out.  Even with the built-in skegs, the inflatable wants to wander back and forth.  I understand the newer models have improved on this, but I haven't tried one. Howard and Linda, the good folks at RV-Dreams Journal are big fans of the Sea Eagle line and own several.  But they are "go-and-stay-put" types who also have a big 5th wheel to carry the things in.  If, despite the drawbacks, you decide an inflatable is your only option, I think the Sea Eagle line should be high on your list to consider.
Gosh.  Now I have to decide whether to give it another go at Morro.   :D 
-- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #4 –
My goodness ... wonderful guidance and clearly words of wisdom born from experience.   So now it's time to go back to the year long drawing board.  Please know that I'm grateful.
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #5 –
I have an airhead tandem inflatable kayak that I occasionally used as a dinghy to go to shore if the ocean wasn't to lumpy, there wasn't too much wind, and the dog needed to do his business.  I bought it used in excellent shape for $100.  As has already been shared, inflatable kayaks are heavy and unwieldy when deflated and they make a pretty big bag when folded.  The kayak does not track well and doesn't do well in any surf of choppy seas, and is inefficient to paddle.  It seemed like a good idea when I was thinking about it in the house, but after a few times out I realized that a rotomolded plastic sit-on-top would make a better craft. Sit-on-tops aren't as sleek in the water or stable in rougher seas as a sit-inside, but they are very convenient for landing on beaches and carrying big dogs.  I found two used sit-on-tops with seats and paddles for $275 and we have been very happy with them.  They are nearly indestructible and can be landed on rocky beaches in the surf and dragged over sharp rocks up and down the beach face with no damage other than scratches.  My adventurous son found a similar one with a similar price and used it for his dinghy on an 18 month budget exploration of the east and west coasts of Baja in a $3000 sailboat.  It was thoroughly abused, trouble-free (unlike the sailboat), and he still has it after dumping the sailboat.  We haven't had the Lazy Daze long enough to decide if the kayaks will go on top or not.

One of our travel companions made an interesting discovery about traveling with his kayak on top of his motorhome; you must stop at the quagga mussel check points at state lines and if you forget to stop, the state trooper will chase you down and bring you back and reward you with a very thorough and time consuming inspection.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #6 –
Hi,

You met us while looking at LDs in and around Des Moines IA. We use Advance Elements Inflatable Yaks. We carry them in the back of our Jeep. They paddle nearly as fast as a hard shell. I have the Advanced Frame Expedition, and my wife has the Advanced Frame DS-XLC. We got them at AirKayaks.com

Chuck Myers
Finally back on the forum after being off for a LONG time :)
1997 RB
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck & Carla  - 
You met us while looking at LDs in and around Des Moines IA.

So good to hear from you!! (I'd like to mention that Chuck and Carla showed us their LD while we were visiting friends in Des Moines.  As I recall, their LD was the RB model.  Then he arranged for us to see a MB owned by one of his relatives.  This was during our LD Hunt Period.  They were very kind and answered all of our questions.)

So it's really good to hear from you once again.  And welcome back to the LDO Forum.  Take care and hope to see you again.
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #8 –
We have an inflatable Innova kayak that's light enough to cart if the launch site isn't close. We only use it in small, quiet calm lakes. If wind or wake comes along it turns into real work. We have a rudder which helps  to keep it on track.  It's best in warm weather as the fabric gets too cold otherwise. An old umbrella works great as a downwind sail.  :D

Our other kayak is  a canvas affair, big, heavy, sturdy with room for people, dogs and a Volkswagen. It's used when we're close to a boat ramp or beach. The company is no longer in business but you can pick them up  on Craigs or Ebay. 
We like to watch birds, when you're in a kayaks the wildlife lets you come right up close to them.

Both kayaks fit in bags that travel under the kitchen table.

It's sad about the Feathercraft company closing. They made beautiful boats, expensive but the cream of the crop.

Store | Innova Kayak
Greenland II - Folbot


Langton
2002 27" RB
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Traxless  - 
Just when you might have thought you seen or heard it all!  How about a Jet Powered Kayak.
Jet powered Kayak 2013 new! never used
Oh, please don't let my wife see this.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #11 –
Watch out Larry

There could be several 'leaks' at Morro Bay (pardon the pun).   :D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #12 –
Here's another option for a kayak that fits into a smaller space.

Folding Kayaks That Go Anywhere | Oru Kayak

I've never tried one, but some of the reviews look positive. 

We were given a hard kayak a few years ago at a campground by a lady who carried it top of her toad.  She said she spent more time messing around with the roof rack and attachments than paddling.  We live near a lake and many people have a kayak in their garage that has only been used once or twice.  It seems to be the kind of thing that some jump into after being attracted to the idea of kayaking but the reality doesn't live up to their expectations. 

No doubt that some people do use and enjoy their kayaks quite a bit.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
 
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #13 –
We have a SeaEagle 370 which easily holds two adults.  It is heavy and takes up a lot of space in a storage compartment. 

If I was doing it over again, I'd consider a Packraft.  They are similar to inflatable kayaks, but designed to be lighter and easier to pack.  Check out Alpacka Packrafts - Homepage - Alpacka Raft LLC. They aren't cheap, but probably would do the trick. 
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #14 –
I too have a SeaEagle. It just sits in a storage compartment. And sits, and sits, and sits. If I had a do over I would not buy one. However, your travel style may dictate that it can make sense. We bought it soon after acquiring Ruby without really knowing our travel style. As it turns out we are weekend warriors and when we have more time on a vacation we have hitch itch and don't like sitting in one place too long. Thus, we don't sit in one place long enough to break out a lot of "camp stuff". If we were the type to park in one place next to a lake for 10 days then I think boats and other goodies make more sense.

I am taking the kayak out of Ruby this year and replacing with bench seats called Ventura Seat Portable Recliner Chairs. These things pack flat but are pretty big (10pounds) but satisfy a need of comfortable seating at the picnic table. Here is a link to Target. I think they are cheaper at Amazon but I can't seem to link there.

Problems viewing Target.com?

We will throw the kayak in the car should we be camping by a lake for more than a couple nights.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Matt Phelps  - 
We have a SeaEagle 370 which easily holds two adults.  It is heavy and takes up a lot of space in a storage compartment. 

If I was doing it over again, I'd consider a Packraft.  They are similar to inflatable kayaks, but designed to be lighter and easier to pack.  Check out Alpacka Packrafts - Homepage - Alpacka Raft LLC. They aren't cheap, but probably would do the trick.

As an owner of a Sea Eagle 370, I was intrigued by a Packraft, so I checked out the link (thanks!) and an independent review. These things certainly seem to solve the space & weight storage problems of the inflatable kayaks. Indeed, I'm amazed at the light weights and compact bundles they make. The light weights would give me pause as to durability, but an independent outfitter's review seems to belie that concern. However, these things are rafts, meant mainly to float downstream, not to paddle along on lengthy flat voyages. They have high profiles to catch the wind, and rather wide beams. I'd certainly want to carefully consider my intended use, and with such high (relative to inflatable kayaks) prices I'd definitely want to rent one before buying. YMMV.  -- Jon (contemplating hauling the 370 to Morro to again eat Larry's wake)
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Jon & Loni  - 
As an owner of a Sea Eagle 370, I was intrigued by a Packraft, so I checked out the link (thanks!) and an independent review. These things certainly seem to solve the space & weight storage problems of the inflatable kayaks. Indeed, I'm amazed at the light weights and compact bundles they make. The light weights would give me pause as to durability, but an independent outfitter's review seems to belie that concern. However, these things are rafts, meant mainly to float downstream, not to paddle along on lengthy flat voyages. They have high profiles to catch the wind, and rather wide beams. I'd certainly want to carefully consider my intended use, and with such high (relative to inflatable kayaks) prices I'd definitely want to rent one before buying. YMMV.  -- Jon (contemplating hauling the 370 to Morro to again eat Larry's wake)

DW is interested in getting a kayak. Have you found the Sea Eagles to be of good quality, worth the purchase? It would probably only be used in our little community lake.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #18 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
DW is interested in getting a kayak. Have you found the Sea Eagles to be of good quality, worth the purchase? It would probably only be used in our little community lake.

Yes, I have no issues with quality. They are very well made. My problems were with bulk and no good place to store it in a TK, and with its susceptibility to wind. The prices, relative to other craft, are quite reasonable, but we really haven't used it enough to justify the purchase. That said, we totally enjoyed it in the Okefenokee and th e Grand Tetons!  -- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Inflatable Kayak Recommendations
Reply #19 –
I have owned or kayaked several models, but never a true inflatable. I have owned a 17' Folbot (2-person, folding), Oru (1-person), and a Klepper )1-person).  I have used the Folbot extensively, and she is starting to show her age. She is still very sea-worthy, but when compared to the Oru, much more difficult to assemble.  Weighing all things, including my advancing age, I would give the Oru the highest recommendation. It is really easy, light nd portable. Very sea-worthy.  Go anywhere.  I wish they would make a 2-person model. 
2017 RB