Inflatable Kayak

[Justin Miles]

Hello!

I'm looking at the possibility of buying an inflatable kayak.

Inflatable kayaks seem to have come a long way from the days of cheap blow up "tat" from roadside stores. The whole idea, for me, is portability.

Does anyone have any useful "insider knowledge" of these things? I would like one that's suitable for everything from coming down rivers, to crossing estuaries, and a little coastal exploring.

I'm looking at the Sevylor Ranger, the Sea Eagle 330, or the Pathfinder, but I haven't a clue which way to lean! Any tips wold be gratefully received.

Justin

[Al W]

I've got one of the sit-on Seyvlor models, 5656 i think. I got that as it's small/light enough to disappear in a locker on the yacht or carry a distance, plus it's great for kids to play on at the beach, precisely because they can't get in it (and then turn it over)! Quality seems pretty good

[Tampon]

Al W said:

I've got one of the sit-on Seyvlor models, 5656 i think. I got that as it's small/light enough to disappear in a locker on the yacht or carry a distance, plus it's great for kids to play on at the beach, precisely because they can't get in it (and then turn it over)! Quality seems pretty good

How do you find it, at the moment I use a small inflatable sib on the thames ( non tidals ) but would like to have a bit of exercise on there, and was wondering if I should get a inflatable ( transport wise ) and use that. Is it very wet, how stable is it, does it row nicely ?

Sorry for the questions.

Cheers

[sploosh]

Tampon said:

Al W said:

stuff about boats

How do you find it, at the moment I use a small inflatable sib on the thames ( non tidals ) but would like to have a bit of exercise on there, and was wondering if I should get a inflatable ( transport wise ) and use that. Is it very wet , how stable is it, does it row nicely ?

Sorry for the questions.

Cheers

Tampon, I can see why that would be an issue for you!

[Tampon]

sploosh said:

Tampon said:

Al W said:

stuff about boats

How do you find it, at the moment I use a small inflatable sib on the thames ( non tidals ) but would like to have a bit of exercise on there, and was wondering if I should get a inflatable ( transport wise ) and use that. Is it very wet , how stable is it, does it row nicely ?

Sorry for the questions.

Cheers

Tampon, I can see why that would be an issue for you!

Yeap the only absorbent river user going

[Al W]

Tampon said:

Al W said:

I've got one of the sit-on Seyvlor models, 5656...

How do you find it, at the moment I use a small inflatable sib on the thames ( non tidals ) but would like to have a bit of exercise on there, and was wondering if I should get a inflatable ( transport wise ) and use that. Is it very wet, how stable is it, does it row nicely ?

I've got one of these: http://www.sevylor-europe.com/st5656-pen3.html
I've only used it a few times, but like the simplicity/portability. It's also quick to inflate as there's so little of it. It's very stable on sheltered water as it's flat-bottomed but you will get wet. It has 3 fins underneath to give directional stability, plus seat backrest and cargo net behind to store kit (in drybag!). They do single and 2-seater versions.

[zax]

I've been paddling one of these recently:

http://www.advancedelements.com/advancedframe.html

Mine is the "Expedition" model (the yellow one).

Stable, relatively dry (although some water does leak thru zips in the deck), not the fastest kayak in the world but then that's not to be expected Quite portable, packs down to small suitcase size. I found it quite easy to paddle even in quite rough conditions, tracks very straight most of the time but it does tend to get blown off course by strong winds.

It's great for those trips where it's not possible to take along (or rent) a normal kayak. Example trip:

http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/i...

[Justin Miles]

Thanks for the tips.

I was thinking along the lines of the Sevylor range. I would be taking my two dogs (I know - brave!), and just enough gear for the odd overnight camp.

Just

PS... interesting name... Tampon... where did that come from?!

[Tampon]

Justin Miles said:

Thanks for the tips.

I was thinking along the lines of the Sevylor range. I would be taking my two dogs (I know - brave!), and just enough gear for the odd overnight camp.

Just

PS... interesting name... Tampon... where did that come from?!

It is my rugby nickname, I was injured quite alot a few seasons ago, so they said I was in for one week then out for three, hence like a tampon.

[Justin Miles]

Different!