Csail
N/A
Swmbo wants a decent two man inflatable kayak, the dinghy was too heavy on our camping trip (and too big) so any ideas of good ones to get for coastal use?
Inflatable kayak
- Thread starter Csail
- Start date
sighmoon
Well-Known Member
We have a Sevylor one . I'll leave them to sing its praises, but I'll tell you what they won't:
It fills up with water dripping of the paddles, as you need to swap sides with the paddle now and then. Alternatively, you can use a two bladed paddle, and get water in on every stroke.
It's hard work to paddle compared to a normal kayak; partly because the tubes make it very wide, and partly because it isn't quite as rigid or as narrow as a normal one. I think it's still a little easier to row than an inflatable dinghy though.
It has a hard wearing cover on it to protect the Hypalon. This means it takes a long time to dry out properly as water gets between the cover and the air chamber. Even with every day warm sunshine on it, it takes a few days.
It fills up with water dripping of the paddles, as you need to swap sides with the paddle now and then. Alternatively, you can use a two bladed paddle, and get water in on every stroke.
It's hard work to paddle compared to a normal kayak; partly because the tubes make it very wide, and partly because it isn't quite as rigid or as narrow as a normal one. I think it's still a little easier to row than an inflatable dinghy though.
It has a hard wearing cover on it to protect the Hypalon. This means it takes a long time to dry out properly as water gets between the cover and the air chamber. Even with every day warm sunshine on it, it takes a few days.
whipper_snapper
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
It fills up with water dripping of the paddles, as you need to swap sides with the paddle now and then. Alternatively, you can use a two bladed paddle, and get water in on every stroke.
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you tried drip rings ? Not a complete fix but a big help.
It fills up with water dripping of the paddles, as you need to swap sides with the paddle now and then. Alternatively, you can use a two bladed paddle, and get water in on every stroke.
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you tried drip rings ? Not a complete fix but a big help.
Csail
N/A
So would a rigid one with wheels be a better option?
Other question which provoked this post is, where can i buy s/s U bolts but rectangular profile to secure box section ally. legs and wheels to the dinghy transom?
Other question which provoked this post is, where can i buy s/s U bolts but rectangular profile to secure box section ally. legs and wheels to the dinghy transom?
AngusMcDoon
Well-Known Member
Ask Nathan (of this parish) of sailing round Britain slowly fame. He has an inflatable kayak instead of a dinghy. He calls it condom.
sarabande
Well-Known Member
Indespension for all trailer bits, if you don't have a branch of Western Towing in Cardiff.
http://www.indespension.co.uk/b2c/app/I00640?Z1SUCO=031&slnk=1
http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAction....relatedlocation
http://www.indespension.co.uk/b2c/app/I00640?Z1SUCO=031&slnk=1
http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAction....relatedlocation
Malish
Well-Known Member
the grand daddy of portable kayaks is a range of folding ones made by Klepper
http://www.klepper.com/en/index.php
not the cleapest in the world but they are the dogs doo dahs
http://www.klepper.com/en/index.php
not the cleapest in the world but they are the dogs doo dahs
Csail
N/A
Cheers for ideas, the Klepper ones are too expensive though.
Andy
Andy
stewsam
Well-Known Member
Hi Andy, the klepper ones are expensive to buy but mine was my dads, past a little bit of maintenance, it's lasted thirty years...
sighmoon
Well-Known Member
Thanks, but yes, we have them. We have two bladed paddles. Part of the trouble is the increased width, I think. It means the dripping end has to come right into the middle of the boat.
paulm299
Well-Known Member
There is an Indespension place off Penarth road .
Csail
N/A
Thanks, just spoke to them but they don't do the size i need.
Andy
Andy
jobbie
Well-Known Member
I have had a Stearns Spree two man inflatable for a couple of years, nice strong canoe with reasonable performance, folds up into a carry bag. Ideal for pottering around the Solent creeks.
www.stearns-inflatables.co.uk/product.php/502/stearns-spree-two-inflatable-kayak
www.stearns-inflatables.co.uk/product.php/502/stearns-spree-two-inflatable-kayak
samwise
Well-Known Member
We have just bought a two seater Spree Two inflatable kayak by Stearns tried for the first time yesterday and so far it seems excellent witha good spec. It is designed for flat water, so no rapids shooting, but it seems sturdy and is easy to inflate and set up ( using the dinghy pump). Stearns also do a single one. Have a look at the Stearns site, but look around for prices. Seamark Nunn gave me the best price I could find.
actionoptics
Well-Known Member
We have two single Advanced Element kayaks and they are
so much better to paddle than Stearns. They do a double
http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=AE1032!117 if you have contacts in USA or are willing to pay the carriage. UK prices as always are quite a bit more.
so much better to paddle than Stearns. They do a double
http://www.sonomaoutfitters.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=AE1032!117 if you have contacts in USA or are willing to pay the carriage. UK prices as always are quite a bit more.
misterg
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I have had a Stearns Spree two man inflatable for a couple of years, nice strong canoe with reasonable performance, folds up into a carry bag. Ideal for pottering around the Solent creeks.
www.stearns-inflatables.co.uk/product.php/502/stearns-spree-two-inflatable-kayak
[/ QUOTE ]
We also have a Stearns Spree 2 - Bought new at SIBS, outer cover split on the first outing, but replaced without hassle. Used a couple more times last year, then took it out for the first time this year, and the bottom is coming away from the tubes! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Not Happy!
I don't believe I'm doing anything wrong in terms of over-inflating it, and it was only being used very gently on flat water.
A good idea in theory, but they are quite hard work to paddle (they're wide which makes it more difficult). Good fun for messing about, very stable, but would be wet in any sort of chop. I would go for a canoe type, rather than a kayak if buying again.
Andy
I have had a Stearns Spree two man inflatable for a couple of years, nice strong canoe with reasonable performance, folds up into a carry bag. Ideal for pottering around the Solent creeks.
www.stearns-inflatables.co.uk/product.php/502/stearns-spree-two-inflatable-kayak
[/ QUOTE ]
We also have a Stearns Spree 2 - Bought new at SIBS, outer cover split on the first outing, but replaced without hassle. Used a couple more times last year, then took it out for the first time this year, and the bottom is coming away from the tubes! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Not Happy!
I don't believe I'm doing anything wrong in terms of over-inflating it, and it was only being used very gently on flat water.
A good idea in theory, but they are quite hard work to paddle (they're wide which makes it more difficult). Good fun for messing about, very stable, but would be wet in any sort of chop. I would go for a canoe type, rather than a kayak if buying again.
Andy
Thistle
Well-Known Member
See the most recent issue of "New Scientist"!!
calkin1
New Member
I have a SeaEagle 380x Pro inflatable kayak. Been using it for the last 2 years and v. pleased. It's a robust inflatable, not a toy and does what it says on the tin.
Things to note are:
1) it can get a bit wet in a chop
2) it's a bit of a faff inflating on the deck of my small boat
...though a bigger boat would soon fix that and
3) recommend you fit the optional fin to the back of the kayak (or diy your own) to keep a better straight line track when paddling.
www.seaeagle.com
Things to note are:
1) it can get a bit wet in a chop
2) it's a bit of a faff inflating on the deck of my small boat
...though a bigger boat would soon fix that and
3) recommend you fit the optional fin to the back of the kayak (or diy your own) to keep a better straight line track when paddling.
www.seaeagle.com
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