Cheapo inflatable paddle tender options?

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vodzurk

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Hey guys/gals,

I'm thinking that this year we'd possibly like to drop anchor (Bristol Channel) or pick up a buoy (not done that yet) and ride out a tide... with the option of possibly rowing in for food or just general beachyness.

However, our mobo is only 6.5m, and getting on a bit, so anything we get will have to be light and pack up into the cupboards (though worst case, there's a fair bit of space in the engine bay if i strap it down, but weight is a definite issue as too much prevents planing).

It'll be more fun-based than serious kit... and only fair-weather. Just for me+the missus.

Any tips for what to get on the bottom-end? Am thinking basically... toy-type stuff... with 3 air pockets for a little safety.

Any suggestions for bargains?

Cheers!
 
We use a sevylor inflatable kayak, it folds up small is light (<20kg i think), but takes 2 adults plus a child easily enough. It has 3 air chambers and is pretty stable.

It paddles well too, not as good as a rigid plastic kayak but good enough for getting to and from shore.
 
julians said:
We use a sevylor inflatable kayak, it folds up small is light (<20kg i think), but takes 2 adults plus a child easily enough. It has 3 air chambers and is pretty stable.

It paddles well too, not as good as a rigid plastic kayak but good enough for getting to and from shore.
Click to expand...

I think i read a review of one or some very similar kayak... and the review was great... but had cons similar to "wear sandals and brink new clothes because you'll get very wet"...

I've never kayaked... will i end up soaked? Also, if I will be getting soaked, would we need to wear buoyancy aids for kayaks rather than our auto-inflating life jackets?
 
If youre not careful you get dripped on by the paddles, but apart from that you can stay mostly dry, theres no chance of an automatic lifejacket inflating unless you fall in.

I guess it depends how rough it is,but anywhere you would choose to anchor will be fine.

We got ours from decathlon i think it cost less than £200 with paddle and pump.
 
Good link to decatholon... they're a bit cheaper than the listing on Amazon for the Sevylor Riviera, which is looking like a winner so far @ £100.

Low review though @ 2.7 out of 5.0... does that mean this model sucks? (Decatholon Link)

Are Intex a reasonable brand? The Intex Explorer seems to have high sides and is £80 (Link)

... but then the Sevylor seems to weigh in at 8.4kg vs Intex at 15.8kg... mmmm.
 
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Thanks for the tips and advice :).

Will mull over the Sevylor vs Intex... the Sevylor looks more like I could carry it on my back easier than the Intex... which gives more options (especially when rowing ashore is complete... don't want it nicked if I can't carry it and have to swim back!)
 
I have a Sevylor Caravelle K105 (£60 ish http://www.johnscross.co.uk/products/sevylor-caravelle-k105-inflatable-boat.html). It's been pretty good. Not that heavy and sturdy enough for the price. I keep it in the engine bay of my 8m boat.

I also have an Intex Challenger K1 kayak (£65 ish https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/intex...4wb3fUWvZ7BTLe3nB0qubDmo9nEscRo0aAt3SEALw_wcB). I have not used it yet but from inflating it in the house it looks ok. We have an Intex inflatable island and that is pretty good quality considering the cost.
 
Thanks for all the tips and advice everyone :).

It has arrived... an Intex Explorer K2... @ £85. Came with oars, pump and huge bag, which I now struggle to get it back into.

IntexExplorerK2.png

It's utterly massive, and weighs about 13.5kg including oars. Thankfully, the large inflatable part weighs in at 8kg, so if there's 2 of us having to carry it, one can do the big bit, the other can do the accessories.

Now to do an annual cleanup and take various junk off the boat in an effort to counteract the added weight.

Will test it out in the harbour when we have a sunny day :).
 
Hi, we went through this loop looking for something to use with a Merry Fisher 585, and ended up with this Bestway 'hydro-force marine pro' in the hope of it having a very tough exterior, while being lighter and cheaper than the usual inflatable.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bestway-18-inch-Hydro-Force-Marine-Boat/dp/B00F0B942O

So far, very pleased with it, though it is slightly longer than you might expect.

I would suggest some caution with the Sevylor products, or at least the ones with internal bladders. We had a three-person cannoe for family days out which was great while it lasted but after a couple of years the internal bladders kept repeatedly splitting - faster than we could fix them. New bladders stupidly expensive and Sevylor didn't want to know.

Do let us know how your choice works out.
 
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