Inflatable toys.

[ST840]

Looking to buy a two man and a one man inflatable kayaks for fun on the rivers around the solent.
Any recommendations?

 

[julians]

Itiwit inflatable kayaks from decathlon are decent, I use one from my boat

INFLATABLE TOURING KAYAK 1/2 PLACES Itiwit - Decathlon

 

[PalmaTarga]

It's a case of finding balance between stability, speed, maneuverabilty and price. Being inflatable, they tend to sit the surface, making them roll and anything with an inflatable keels tends to make the centre of gravity higher also.

Decathlon do some good options (Itiwit).

Sorry I can't give a solid recommendation, but definitely do your research (paddleventure.com seems quite good) as there is plenty of crap out there that will give you a very sketchy ride.

 

[Homer J]

I’ve always found a two person kayak to be much harder work than a single even with both paddling. Perhaps I’m the only one but worth checking that your happy with a double.

 

[dpb]

Have been kayaking and canoeing for 40 years and currently have a Sevylor Ottowa which we have found to be very good.
Paddles much like a rigid canoe.
We paddled with freinds who have an Itiwit X100 they got on very well with that and did not have trouble keeping it going straight.
It is lighter and smaller than ours and sits lower on the water.
The Ottowa has a second skin around the inflateable bladders which gives great protection to the bladders which are themselves replaceable.
The X100 is constructed more like an inflateable tender so the tubes are in direct contact with what ever you hit. They seem to be built tough though.
In practice this means the X100 type of construction is easier to dry out before storeage.

 

[danieleither]

I’ve always found a two person kayak to be much harder work than a single even with both paddling. Perhaps I’m the only one but worth checking that your happy with a double.

They key with 2 person kayaks is NOT to both paddle at the same time. It will make barely any difference to speed. Alternate every 30s / 40s (or whatever works for you).

OP: If your budget will stretch, a (full) dropstitch kayak will be much firmer / rigid but expect to pay £1000 upwards

 

[ST840]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. We plumbed for the Sevylor Madison 2 in the end. Liked the decathlon ones but they were out of stock everywhere and the sevylor came as a kit with pump and paddles, the decathlon one did not.

 

[Laysula]

I’ve always found a two person kayak to be much harder work than a single even with both paddling. Perhaps I’m the only one but worth checking that your happy with a double.

Have you ever thought to look over your shoulder to see if the other half is paddling? I once fell foul of this dastardly deed on a tandem

 

[Hurricane]

Have you ever thought to look over your shoulder to see if the other half is paddling? I once fell foul of this dastardly deed on a tandem

If you have to look over your shoulder, you are in the wrong seat!!!

 

[ST840]

Have you ever thought to look over your shoulder to see if the other half is paddling? I once fell foul of this dastardly deed on a tandem

I’m wise to that, so I will be in charge from the back seat. With my arms crossed!! ?