Inflatable Kayak – Best Buying Guide for 2020
Hello! Welcome to Kayak-101. Today’s article is dedicated to your need for tips on choosing the best inflatable kayak option to purchase.
Practical and efficient, inflatable kayaks are the perfect choice for sports and recreational activities in lakes and rivers and are also widely used in fishing and camping.
Modern versions are much tougher and easier to inflate and deflate and are gaining more and more popularity with consumers for portability and ease of storage.
Follow this review through to the end to learn about the best product options and features you should look out for to make the best choice when buying an inflatable kayak.
First, the low-low on inflatables:
- There are many models of inflatable kayak available in different sizes and in simple or sophisticated models. Choose based on the activity you want, where it will be used, and how many people will use it.
- Size, material, capacity, inflating forms, included accessories and product safety items are some features to consider at the time of purchase.
- There is a large price variation for the product, depending on the brand, model, size, capacity, etc. Small kayaks can be found for as little as $99, and larger or more sophisticated kayaks can cost more than $ 3,000.
Ranking: The 3 Best Inflatable Kayaks for 2020
Whether for leisure, fishing, rowing or for more extreme activities, the inflatable kayak is the ideal option for those who don’t have much space to carry or store a common boat.
Capable of just about everything a traditional kayak does, the inflatable kayak is an even more affordable boat option. To help you choose the ideal model, we will introduce you to the most interesting product models. Check out:
1st –Challenger K1 Kayak – Intex
See it here on Amazon <- Amazingly Affordable Price – Entry Level Kayak
Standard with a cargo net to store extra gear, and grab line on both ends of the kayak and an inflatable seat with backrest. Comes with an 84-inch aluminum oar, repair patch and Hi-output manual hand pump. Rugged vinyl construction. The cockpit is designed for comfort and maximized space, and inflatable I beam floors add stability.
It is made with durable welded material with eye-catching graphics for added safety on the lake or slow-moving river. Measures 30 by 15 by 108 inches (W x H x D), with 27.2-pound weight and 220-pound maximum capacity
2nd – Inflatable Kayak for 2 People Tahiti – Sevylor
See it here on Amazon <– Great for two people – mid-range kayak
With carrying handles, this inflatable kayak can hold two people and can be used either in freshwater (rivers and ponds) or at sea. Its structure allows reaching speed to face rapids or undulations with performance.
Made of extra reinforced PVC with neoprene handles and Oxford polyamide cover. It has adjustable seats, seat-back spray covers, drain plug, carrying handles and inflatable tubular floor for added stability.
It has two inner tubes, two padded back seats, Double Lock valves and Mini Double Lock for easy inflating and deflating.
It’s super easy to inflate, and it stays inflated for weeks. I did use a Coleman mattress inflator but you really could do it by just blowing it up. I also recommend buying the skeg (kind of like a stationary rudder) to provide a smooth and straight ride.
3rd –Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak
See it here on Amazon <– If you can afford the best in class, this is it!
This Best-in-Clas kayak has built-in aluminum ribs that define the bow and stern and improves tracking. It also has high support, adjustable padded seats to provide comfort for hours of paddling. There are three seat locations that allow for paddling solo or tandem.
The specs for this kayak are folded size 35 X 21 X 12 inches. Max Weight-550 pounds. Weight-52 pounds. There is also an optional deck with Honey Comb Rip-Stop Fabric Attach the optional Single Deck or Double Deck kit.
This kayak barely requires 1-2 psi pressure when fully inflated, so the pump really pumps it up very quickly. This is an absolutely fantastic kayak. I love it and would not trade it for anything. The construction is rock solid. The fabric used is both aesthetically pleasing and is pretty strong. The canvas at the bottom inspires confidence. The fact that they thought over and have two tubes with separate valves that by themselves can keep the kayak afloat – so that in case one of the tubes fail, you can still get back is a testament to the marvelous engineering the folks at Advanced Elements did.
Buying Guide
Did you like our product suggestions? Then let’s go to the Buying Guide, where you’ll have access to more information to help you define whether or not the model that interests you is right for your expectations or needs.
What is the inflatable kayak?
The inflatable kayak is the portable version of this type of boat. Small in size, which can accommodate one, two or more people. Just like traditional kayaking, it should be used with oars. It can be used for leisure, transportation, and amateur competitions.
Although it was bred in Germany and used for centuries by Eskimos for transport and fishing, kayaking only gained popularity in the 1970s, when television began to show extreme sport involving the craft.
With popularization came the various versions of kayaking, among them the inflatable, which has the biggest differential portability and practicality.
What are your advantages of inflatable kayaking?
The biggest advantage of inflatable kayaking is its portability. It can be inflated and deflated whenever you deem it necessary. In addition, when deflated, it is extremely compact, making it the ideal choice for taking to the beach, camping, traveling, sightseeing and fishing.
Its compact shape also makes the inflatable kayak a much easier product to store and keep free of the weather, dust, etc.
Another great advantage of the inflatable version of the kayak is that it has lower values than fiber or other materials.
While it can do almost anything a rigid kayak can do, the inflatable kayak inspires some extra care. It should not be used for activities or where there is a risk of shock or friction with stones and other hard surfaces, as this may damage the material.
Inflatable or conventional kayaking?
Kayaking is the favorite vessel of most people looking for a recreational vehicle. In addition to providing safe navigation on rivers and seas and dams, kayaking is very stable and can reach good speeds.
It is very common to be in doubt between an inflatable or conventional kayak. And while they serve the same purpose, their characteristics may make you prefer one of them. Check out:
| Inflatable kayak | ||
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Just inflate and attach accessories when appropriate | Dispensing Assembly |
| Investment | There are low-cost versions | Usually, have higher prices |
| Portability | Can be folded and transported without taking up much space | Demands special transport equipment such as racks or racks |
| Maintenance | Usually limited to cleaning and drying. | May require application of varnishes and paraffins, depending on material |
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How much is the cost?
Inflatable kayaks can be found for values that vary greatly by brand and model. You can buy the simplest models for values from as low as $69 like the one listed above.
The most sophisticated models, with more modern designs and accessories, can cost a few thousand dollars. Research hard before you buy, as the same product can fluctuate in value from one place to another.
Where to buy inflatable kayaks?
You can buy your inflatable kayak at physical stores that sell sporting goods such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart. However, it is on online platforms such as Amazon that you will find a greater diversity of product brands and models.
Purchase Criteria: Factors to Compare Different Inflatable Kayaking Models
Before choosing the best inflatable kayak for you, it is very important to establish and consider some important criteria to ensure that it fits your expectations and needs. Before purchase please evaluate:
- Material
- Capacity
- Inflation
- Accessories
- Size and format
Check now in detail each of the points mentioned.
Material
Inflatable kayaks can be made of vinyl or PVC tarpaulins or similar materials. Larger capacity models can come and sturdier materials like extra reinforced PVC or vinyl.
Quality material is indispensable for a product of good quality and durability. As it is inflatable, it is also important that the material of the kayak is subject to patches and minor repairs.
Capacity
Inflatable kayaks are categorized according to their occupancy capacity and weight supported. There are models for one place, two and even three places. There are also models that accommodate two adults and one child.
One-place inflatable kayaks often feature better gliding and navigability. Kayaks of two or more occupants may have poor performance if they are used with fewer occupants than their maximum capacity, becoming heavier and difficult to navigate.
Be sure to choose the inflatable kayak that will match the number of people and the total weight of the cargo it will carry. Never exceed the capacity of the product. This may damage the kayak and compromise occupant safety.
Inflation
Inflatable kayaks may vary in the shape of inflation according to the manufacturer, valve model, and product size. Most models can usually be inflated with standard air pumps, those used for inflatable mattresses or children’s floats.
Larger models may require more powerful methods such as compressors, automated pumps or air motors. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the inflation method that best suits the model chosen. Avoid inflating the kayak beyond what is necessary as the material may be damaged by extra pressure.
Accessories
Oars, carrying bags, removable seats, repair kit, and air pumps are among the accessories that can accompany the inflatable kayak. However, the number of extra accessories may make the product more expensive.
Therefore, before choosing a model full of gadgets, consider whether they are really useful and necessary for the activities you intend to develop.
Size and format
The size and shape of your inflatable kayak will determine its performance and stability. Thinner, elongated kayaks offer less water resistance, are easier to glide and require less effort from the rower.
However, this type of kayak is less stable and requires more occupant sailing experience. For starters, the wider and shorter kayaks are more interesting as they offer greater stability and easier navigation and control.
Conclusion
The days of thinking inflatable kayaks are wimpy and flimsy are long gone. These puppies can really take a pounding and keep floating. Don’t be afraid to load up your ice chest full of cold beverages and snacks because you won’t tip unless you want to. Depending on your budget, we’ve shown you how to get into an inflatable for under one hundred dollars. If you like to buy best-in-class equipment and have some experience, go with the higher end as we showed above. You won’t be disappointed.
Best of all, all three of these inflatable kayaks can be stored in the trunk of your car or back cab or your truck. Whenever the mood strikes you or you get an extended lunch hour, pop down to the water and start paddling. It doesn’t take any time at all to air up these yaks.