Inflatable Kayaks

TandW · Newbie

Inflatable Kayaks

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

Hobie inflatables are worth having a look at, forget about looking at a cheap ones.
Cheers
David

Fringe Dweller · Senior Member

Welcome to th GN forum Tony . I don't know anything about inflatables . I have a 10' Bass. The Ministry

of finance has a Viking Sit on top & we have a 5m Old Town canoe , we fit the kayaks on the roof rack ok,

with the van , so we can still enjoy our paddling.

I', sure somebody will be able to add more about inflatables for you.

See you up the track somewhere.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang TandW, enjoy here and out in the playground.

A member here had one and leaked at the seems after 2 seasons I think it was and had to file it. Under B.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Woody n Sue · Guru

Doesn't yeoelleven have one of these?

Dougwe · Chief one feather

That was he, Woody.

Woody n Sue · Guru

Now that was remiss of me Doug I should have figured that out.
O and by the way

And it's welcome from us two 2 TandW I didn't notice this was your first post
Woody

Bugman47 · Newbie

Google Nifty Boats, you will be surprised. I have no connection.

Cupie · Guru

Welcome from me too.

There are lots of inflatables on the market these days. They seem to be pretty big in North America.

If you are after a space saver there are collapsable Kayaks too. These have a rigid frame and a fabric skin. Some inflatables use the frames as well.

I've never used one but most reports suggest that they are far more effected by wind than conventional kayaks. Perhaps OK for mucking around on protected waters but not really suitable for even half serious kayaking IMHO.

I agree that you should stay well clear of cheapies (like the ones at the fishing/outdoor chains .. stick to specialist Kayak retailers) and Hobie do make good products if you are prepared to pay their price.

So easy to throw a Sit On Top kayak onto the roof racks & a vast range to choose from.

ps. Lots of reviews on the net. but I suppose that you have seen them.

https://www.google.com.au/?ion=1&espv=2#q=inflatable%20kayaks%20reviews

Sharke · Senior Member

I have an inflatable sevylor k5 kayak which is now about 3 years old and maybe used around 60 times and no problems with tears or leaks. I also have a 2.9m poly kayak. yes the poly ridged kayak is much easier to paddle tracks a lot better and not affected by wind as much.The inflatable much easier to transport and carry.

cheers

Jeff

signwilson · Senior Member

The hobie inflatables are like all hobie products good quality we have had our revo's for years great equipment

Cupie · Guru

Further to my comments on Hobie inflatables ..

This review is certainly favourable

http://kayakcritic.net/hobie-mirage-i9s-inflatable-kayak-review/

and a little evidence relating to my comment on price (from Hunts Marine)

FROM $2790 for a single Mirage I11s &

FROM $4290 for a double Mirage I14t.

Dunmowin · Guru

Check out these posts from a while back....

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t58196693/inflatable-kayak/

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t59815072/the-kayak/

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t61742329/kayak/

-- Edited by Dunmowin on Tuesday 30th of August 2016 09:39:26 PM

Janelh · Member

Hello TandW,
We went through a similar experience. After much research we opted for a kayak which pulls apart into 2 or 3 pieces, so that it can be used as a single or, just add the middle bit and it becomes a double. Each piece is about 1500 long, normal width and just slides together - very easy to transport, ( even inside the caravan ).
We bought it from Anaconda in Adelaide. Best thing we ever did.
Enjoy!

TandW · Newbie

Hi All, Thanks for your input and advice!

i am a cheap buzzard and have decided to go with a Sea Eagle 370 from the States for around AUD550, after reading reviews.

I will let y'all know how it works out. I will salute all GNs as I slowly sink in the West if it is a Fail.

Thanks again, TandW

Cupie · Guru

TandW wrote:
Hi All, Thanks for your input and advice!
i am a cheap buzzard and have decided to go with a Sea Eagle 370 from the States for around AUD550, after reading reviews.
I will let y'all know how it works out. I will salute all GNs as I slowly sink in the West if it is a Fail.
Thanks again, TandW

Looks like a good choice & a good price. I saw a SE370 pro package reduced to $799 on one Aussie site.

Weight 14.5kg is OK and it has a couple of (very small though) skegs to help with tracking & perhaps weather c0cking (turning into the wind). If that's a problem I'd be looking at a DIY mod to make them larger.

Should be good for two mucking about in protected waters.

I note that one reviewer recommended leaving the seats a little under inflated to improve stability by lowering centre of gravity.

A comprehensive video at this site ....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_K-52odLUA

Enjoy. Make sure that you let us know how it goes. I am very keen to learn about inflatables.

Can't wait to get my kayaks into the Broadwater at The Gold Coast next week. We are visiting for a friends 50 year Wedding Anniversary & have booked into a premium waterfront site at the Broadwater CP for a week or so. Just a matter of dragging the yak from the site, over the grass & put it into some of the best water around (but it's a bit lumpy at times though .. if so I'll be into the canals with the bull sharks).

ps. Although they're far harder to assemble, where loading is a problem I would look at one of these folding boats. I mentioned them in an earlier post.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN3-kgAU75Q