The Best Inflatable Kayak On 2022

Best Inflatable Kayak

Kayaking is one of the best water adventures that you can do. There are a lot of people who are doing it already. Aside from being fun, paddling can be a good exercise for the body.

However, some people are quite hesitant about it. They worry about the cost of possessing a kayak along with its prescribed gears. But don't worry a thing here. Even if you are just a starter, as long as you have the best inflatable kayak, you can do your dream leisure already.

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An inflatable kayak is the most cost-efficient water vessel out there. It can also be brought quickly, even if you don't have a sizeable towing vehicle. Despite its non-conventional construction, this kayak can still help you have a good time in the water.

But before you can achieve such wonders, it is utterly essential that the inflatable kayak you get has a decent built. And for that, I have listed some of those inflatable yaks that can do the job well. Here are they.

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak

Paddlers around the world have already acknowledged the quality of the kayaks that are made by the Advanced Elements. There's a guarantee that their inflatable kayaks can provide the same level of proficiency as standard kayaks. A good proof of this is the AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak. Right from the start, it is presented as a highly stable vessel that is resistant to punctures and other types of damages.

This watercraft has a length of fifteen feet. It has been designed as a tandem kayak but paddling it alone is not a problem either. It has an open-deck construction to ensure easy access and exit. It can also be converted from being an open-deck to a closed deck. This boat has an impressive tracking. It can glide on rivers and streams smoothly. There are multiple compartments present on the hull of this boat. Therefore, it is usable for touring applications.

Pros

  • Highly comfortable seats for all-day use
  • Guarantees exceptional stability while on the water
  • Comes with aluminum ribs fro tracking
  • Puncture-resistant construction
  • Assembly and set-up are both convenient.

Cons

  • No known issues.
Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak Pro Package

The Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Kayak is one of the most efficient inflatable kayaks in the market today. It has a rugged construction, as it can bounce off impacts from rocks and other objects. It is designed to be buoyant even if it is holding three persons at once. It has a 650-pound weight capacity, which is quite impressive already for an inflatable kayak. When fully inflated, the boat weighs 26 pounds, which is pretty manageable already.

All the essential amenities come with the package of this kayak. It comes with high-quality seats, foot pumps, and storage bags. It also features rugged paddles that work with most paddlers. There are drain valves installed on this kayak to ensure that you have efficient water management. Tracking is quite simple with this vessel as it has two skegs at its bottom.

Pros

  • Outstanding tracking and speed
  • Can carry up to three passengers
  • Highly comfortable detachable seats
  • Features drain valves
  • Impact resistant construction.

Cons

  • Not the most lightweight option
  • Easy to get dirty because of its white color.
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Aluminum Oars and High Output Air Pump

Inflatable kayaks are among the most inexpensive options for water vessels. Even if you are just an amateur with a little money to spare, you can still get a decent kayak these days. One example is the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak. It is an entry-level kayak that provides convenience and safety to its users. It has a rugged construction and can handle loads of up to 400 pounds.

This kayak is tailored from industrial-grade vinyl. It is impervious to punctures and other potential structural damages. It has impressive tracking due to the removable skeg that comes in the package. Furthermore, it comes with a specialized floor that improves its stability and rigidity. Because it is a transport-worthy kayak, you can guarantee that inflating and deflating it will never be a problem.

Pros

  • Features Boston valves for hassle-free inflation and deflation
  • Lightweight construction even when the boats are attached
  • Fairly decent weight capacity
  • Heavy-duty vinyl for maximum rigidity
  • Highly comfortable and adjustable seats.

Cons

  • The repair kit does not come with adhesives
  • The paddles that come with it are short and too flexible.
Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Tandem Kayak, Includes 2 Aluminum Paddles, 2 EVA Padded Seats, Double Action Pump and More

The Driftsun Voyager 2 is considered to be a premium inflatable kayak. It has a straight and narrow design that enables it to travel at great speed. It has excellent tracking without sacrificing its overall maneuverability. I can say that this kayak has excellent stability despite its given design. It can also accommodate up to two paddlers without sinking too much. Portability is not an issue for this kayak. That's a guarantee.

Of course, nobody can question that durability of this kayak. It can resist impacts and blunt blows without sustaining any damage. The bottom of the kayak is tailored from a heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin that ensures protection against tears and punctures. From the numerous tests that I have conducted, I realized that the Boston valves of this kayak are leak-proof. It has a double thread design that prevents the entry of the water.

Pros

  • Highly durable Oxford nylon fabric construction
  • Features an industrial-grade PVC flooring
  • Can work on both calm and turbulent waters
  • Double-action pump ensures quick boat inflation
  • Highly stable and comfortable kayak.

Cons

  • No known issues.
Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Are you looking for an inflatable kayak that can be used for fishing? Then you should check out the Sevylor Coleman Colorado. It comes with multiple amenities that are necessary for anglers. It has mount holders for rods and ergonomic storage compartments where you can store your fishing gears. It also has a stable platform so that you can have better control and precision over your casts and retrievals.

Right from the get-go, this boat comes with rugged construction. It features an 840D nylon cover and 1000D tarpaulin bottom so that it can survive in different fishing environments. There are separate air chambers installed on this kayak. Because of this feature, the boat will remain afloat even if there's a part that has been punctured.

Pros

  • Surprisingly lightweight and compact design
  • Compatible with the Sevylor motors to further improve your performance
  • Impervious to punctures
  • Capable of handling two passengers and their gears without losing its buoyancy
  • Features airtight system for a leak-free performance.

Cons

  • The interior space is quite narrow
  • Maneuverability is not its best point.

The Best Inflatable Kayak Buying Guide

The Best Inflatable Kayak Buying Guide

In this simple blog of mine, I have already highlighted different types of kayaks. We have previously discussed tandem kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. I did even touch the new realm of pedal kayaks.

While all of these things are considered as the talk-of-the-town in the kayak industry, there's still no denying the fact that inflatable kayaks are still on the race. While many people don't see their value, these inflatable units are exceptionally great for recreational activities. They are not big and heavy, which makes it easier for you to transport them. Unlike popular belief, these kayaks are downright rugged.

Let me be straight to you: inflatable kayaks are a worthy form of investment. Gone are the days where these kayaks are considered as watercraft for children. I can explain this one to you in the next section.

Are Inflatable Kayaks Only Suited For Pools?

Any kayaker that has proven their worth can say that inflatable kayaks are robust vessels as well. While it is true that they are nowhere near to the quality of composite and polyethylene kayaks, this doesn't mean that they are bad. They are more than floaters! That's I can assure you.

Don't ever think that they are similar to pool floaters because that's a laughable thing. These kayaks are made to perform and withstand external conditions. Their construction can work well on freshwater and saltwater areas at the same time. The material used on them is not flimsy and ordinary plastic. Therefore, they are worthy of being taken aboard.

But of course, you have to make sure that the kayak you get has received the National Marine Manufacturers Association or NMMA. Specifically, the NMMA awards manufacturers with the Boat and Yacht Certification if they have met the requirements of the American Boat and Yacht Council. Sure. It sounds easy. But the process of getting a green light from the NMMA is not easy. These manufacturers have to be visited by representatives of the NMMA to see if their kayaks are safe and convenient to use.

If you want to know more about the specific requirements of the NMMA, you can check out this link. Take note that all of the best inflatable kayaks that I have listed here are crafted by NMMA-certified manufacturers. That alone should assure you already.


What Are The Perks of Having Inflatable Kayaks?

Any paddler who will be given a choice of choosing between inflatable kayaks and traditional kayaks would probably choose the latter. Of course, such a decision is entirely understandable. If you have the means and resources to get a regular kayak, you will grab the chance. It is the very reason why some of us don't bat their eyes to inflatable watercraft.

However, one should know that inflatable kayaks have some perks too. One of the most significant and most obvious benefits of this type of kayak is its portability. You don't need a lot of muscles to carry this one on your vehicle. Once deflated, these kayaks are very light. They don't need special storage systems as well. You can roll or fold the kayak into a bag, and you are good to go!

This is a huge deal for those who are tired of lifting heavy kayaks. Placing them on a roof rack is quite a difficult task after all. The process of taking the kayak in the roof is already cumbersome. Furthermore, these inflatable kayaks will eliminate the need for you to invest in those specialized racks.

It will also save you from the predicament of constantly fearing for the safety of the kayak. You will no longer have to worry about the kayak in your roof. Is the boat still safe? Did the traffic move its position? Did the straps snap? These questions are surely nerve-wracking. With an inflatable kayak, you will never have to suffer to anxiety attacks.

Another benefit of inflatable kayaks is its minimal storage space requirement. They won't take space. Even if you don't have a truck, trailer, or SUV, you can bring this kayak without any problems. These kayaks are foldable after all. They don't weigh too much as well.


The Durability of Inflatable Kayaks

One of the factors that make people hesitant to invest in inflatable kayaks is durability. They are scared that these kayaks cannot withstand punishments. Whenever I hear people say that inflatable kayaks are soft, I get the urge to make a prompt rebuttal.

Inflatable kayaks are durable and rugged. Always keep that in mind. They can be used even in , and I am not even joking. These kayaks are puncture-resistant. It means that sharp stones and rogue branches won't damage the structure of the watercraft. A composite kayak cannot withstand to experience such kind of extensive beating.

However, always keep in mind that not all kayaks are created the same. It is the very reason why I have made this list in the first place. I want to make sure that my selection will help you attain a sturdy and ergonomic inflatable kayak.

It is not a coincidence that many tactical applications prefer inflatable kayaks. Aside from being light and portable, they also offer the durability that is needed to tackle harsh shore docking and other potentially harmful physical encounters.


General Factors in Choosing the Best Inflatable Kayak

Not all inflatable kayaks are created equal. If you want the right one from the get-go, you need to understand the essential factors that determine the quality of an inflatable kayak.

Weight Capacity

Kayaks are made to sustain various kinds of loads. Some kayaks can handle over 300 pounds of weight while others are just sitting at a maximum capacity of 200 pounds or less. Now, there's no such thing as a "weak" boat. A boat that has a small weight capacity is tailored for solo adventurers who don't usually bring anything in the water. Meanwhile, those that are on the higher thresholds are suitable for those who are fishing and hunting.

Convenience

Inflatable kayaks have to be comfortable. It is one of the general rules that you shouldn't ignore. Otherwise, you will never enjoy your trip. Specifically, the comfort level of a kayak is dependent on its seat. The latter should be padded. It should also feature adjustability so that you achieve your sitting preferences. Kayaking with a bad back or painful feel will never be a pleasant memory.

Maneuverability and Control

An inflatable kayak has to be maneuverable. One way or another, the maneuverability of the boat will determine the smoothness of your experience. Some kayaks out there can provide excellent tracking for straight courses. Others can veer quickly, even in sharp turns. Take note that a short boat has better maneuverability than a long boat. However, when it comes to speed and tracking, the long kayaks have the upper hand.

Conclusion

It is essential that you have an idea of which inflatable kayak that you should get. I know that you are interested in this vessel because of the convenience that it brings. The boat is relatively affordable and ergonomic at the same time!

Right now, what you need to do is to invest in the best inflatable kayak. I have listed some of your best options here so that you can have a good head start. But if you want to choose by yourself, heed the guide that I have made.

That's it for now. If you have questions about kayaking and anything in between, just drop them in the comment section below.

Now that you have acquired a piece of new knowledge about kayaking, I hope that you can do more in the water. Of course, let me emphasize that the right kayak will be able to change the way you can traverse the water and enjoy your time there. If you want to know the beginner's kayak, kayak for kids, lake kayaks, river kayaks, ocean kayaks, touring kayaks, recreational kayaks, kayak for dogs, and cost-efficient kayaks, I have them listed in this blog. Check out all the types of kayaks here and see what the market can offer to you.

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