Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsDon't be such an AirHead, Buy this one!
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2014
I've had a chance to take this Kayak out 9 times this summer. Each time I felt very safe and secure. This Kayak is virtually impossible to tip even with a 9 year old son that likes to stand up in it. I was even able to sit on the edge (One side) with legs hanging in the water. Great amount of space to carry a lot of extras on the lake, the seats even have mesh pockets which is great for those things you grab for a lot (Sun tan lotion, phone, ummm maybe cigarettes for smokers). This boat is sturdy and expect a lot of looks and questions while out on the water. Every time its beached, I always get tons of compliments on how nice it looks and tons of questions from people. I swear if I had extras, I could sell them all day.
Some have said it leaks air? After 9 trips, I has not lost any volume, and I have had no need to bring a pump like some have suggested (I did bring a pump the first few times, just in case). If your boat looses that much air, you have a leak somewhere.
This Kayak is easy to pump up (5 Minutes) and letting the air out takes a few seconds. The more I do it, the less work it becomes to setup and take down.
When on the water, it tracks as I expected. Lateral movement like most kayaks, very easy to steer, and slow... The speed has improved a bit for me, now that I tighten the front and back cover (Black Tip) and take care in inflating it and "Tucking" the bottom in tight. What I mean about tucking... If you inflate the bottom first, then as you inflate the sides, be sure you push the bottom badder under the sides and be somewhat forceful about it. When your done filling the boat, flip it over, you can tell if the bottom bladder is seated properly and uniform. If the bottom is tight and uniform this inflatable Kayak will create much less drag. At first I paid no attention to this, until after my second trip. I flipped the boat over to dry out a bit and noticed the bottom was shifted to one side and there were a few voids where the bottom "fabric" was not tight on the bottom bladder. Tucking or pushing the bottom tight into the boat after inflation seems to have corrected this and I feel it has gained some speed.
I do wish the carry straps (Straps used to carry boat after folded up) had a padded shoulder strap pad. A towel helps a lot for longer hikes to the car. I will be adding one of my own. Others complained it doesn't come with a bag. I have had boats with a bag, not worth the work getting a boat in a bag, the strap system works great and takes a few seconds.
Like with all inflatables, its a good idea to let them dry out fully for long term storage. So when you get home from your trip, take the time to lay it out to dry.
I could go on forever, and I think I already have... This was truly a game changer for us this summer! Having your own Kayak where you may otherwise be renting was amazing and liberating :)
