Inflatable Kayaks Are a Hack (With Reservations)
When I was shopping for my first kayak and discussing options for $ 250 and up, I came across a $ 99 inflatable kayak that seemed too good to be true. There must be a catch, I thought. This is by no means a real boat. Later, when I bought my real kayak, I noticed that the inflatable boat dropped to $ 50 in a sale. I put it on. I should have known.
I bought Intex K1 Challenger . In the two or three years since I bought it, I have noticed that more and more inflatable kayaks are appearing on the local lake, most of which are the same brand as mine. Also popular is the double K2 Explorer ; I’ve seen children fish with them and couples who enjoy riding them on the lake.
From my own experience I can say that a cheap inflatable kayak does the absolute minimum of what a kayak should do. It will keep you afloat and allow you to move through the water. This is not the best boat, but it may not be necessary. Here are a few things to consider if you are tempted.
What is the weight limit of an inflatable kayak?
Regular kayaks usually have a weight limit of 200 to 450 pounds. Last time we mentioned that you need to get more capacity than you think you need, but it’s especially important to pay attention to inflatable boats because their weight limits are often very low.
My Challenger only goes up to 165 pounds; The two Explorer people I see around the lake all the time are 400 people, which sounds like a lot until you remember that you need to accommodate two people there. There are probably other inflatable boats with a higher weight limit, but if you are an adult be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.
However, these kayaks are great for kids. My 120kg son has no problem rowing around the lake on the Challenger. My kindergarten daughter loves it too; When I row with her, I tie her inflatable boat to the back of my regular kayak so I can tow her behind me.
How difficult is it to inflate a kayak?
One of my concerns was that it would take forever to inflate the kayak, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was not. It only takes a few minutes to unpack the boat and get on the water once you get the hang of it, including understanding how the valves work.
I have a Boston valve that lets air in but doesn’t come out, making it easy to inflate without accidentally losing air. What makes it tricky is that it stacks on top of a conventional screw valve for quick de flation. The lid should be completely closed when you inflate, but luckily you can open it all the way, for example, detach the valve from the boat to quickly deflate the air.
The first time I used the kayak I realized with one valve but not the other: we swam beautifully on the lake and then damn it trying to squeeze out the air to collect it and head home. On another occasion, I met a couple who were having trouble trying to inflate their kayak for the first time because their exhaust valve was loose; by then I knew how both valves worked and was able to show them focus.
Once you learn how to do this, it will take less than ten minutes, maybe five minutes, to get the boat ready. The hand pump that comes with the kit (it looks like a bicycle pump) is good for the job; I don’t think an electric pump is needed.
How does an inflatable kayak work on water?
To be honest, this is not the best boat. But you knew that when you bought it for $ 99 (or $ 50 on sale). Be sure to attach the plastic fin underneath and don’t overstate your expectations.
The boat turns to the opposite side with each paddle stroke, but this is typical for short-bottomed watercraft. The paddle that comes with it isn’t the best either, but you can always buy your own paddle if you’re worried about it. (If I’m in an inflatable boat because I allow a child or friend to use a real kayak, we often change the paddles to keep things cleaner.)
In theory, an inflatable kayak can leak, but the material is tough, and this has never happened to me. However, I am glad that I only manage the boat in a place where I could easily reach the shore if I had problems.
How to store an inflatable kayak?
This is the part they don’t tell you about. Yes, an inflatable boat can fit in a small space, but when you get it out of the water it will be wet and probably muddy. In this state, you will not want to roll this thing into a suitcase.
Perhaps if you are using your kayak on the beach and have enough time to dry it in the sun before heading back this will work. But I often find myself with a dripping boat in a gravel parking lot at dusk.
So here’s how I get started quickly: First, I take the seat and footrest off the boat and toss them in the trunk without deflating them. I split the blade in half (instead of splitting all five segments and folding it into the smallest shape) and drop it too. Then I open the valves on the kayak itself. After a minute or two, I announce that she is deflated enough . I fold the item about three times and dump it, not yet completely dry or clean, on top of everything else in the trunk.
I keep the inflatable boat in the trunk this way between exits and don’t bother cleaning it thoroughly until I pack it back in my suitcase at the end of the season.
Bottom line, is this a good kayak? No. But is this a good way to get out on the water if you’re not willing to invest in a full size boat? Absolutely.