Blow Up Kayaks: Best Inflatable Kayak Models with Reviews

Best Inflatable Kayak

“I want a kayak, not a toy”, you are probably thinking to yourself. But inflatable kayaks are not toys, they are reliable, durable boats that come with the extra advantage of being very portable.

Inflatable kayaks have evolved over the years. They have produced innovative designs, top-class engineering methods, been borrowed from the military and used to craft the most stable, safe floating boats.

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Are Inflatable Kayaks worth it?

First, inflatable kayaks are affordable compared to hardshell boats. They offer competitive value for their price. Fiberglass and wood cost more than synthetic rubber, and the price of repairs is higher in the former. Your inflatable boat has a longer life span and will rarely require maintenance. 

What Are the Best Inflatable Kayaks?

When shopping for an inflatable boat, you will be paralyzed with a plethora of choices. There are a lot of models and brands of Inflatable Kayaks to choose from. How do you go about picking the best boat for you? I will tell you exactly what to look for when shopping for an inflatable.

The best kayak inflatables come with a lightweight aluminum frame. This makes the boat more rigid while also improving speed and tracking.

Your choice of the kayak will depend largely on the primary use of your boat.

Best Fishing Kayak

If you like to go fishing on your kayak, then you should find a boat with a rigid drop stitch floor. This will keep you supported when you stand and cast your line.

Further, you’ll need a floor that has a self-bailing drain in the floor. The drain will be handy in rough weather, quickly getting rid of any water that splashes in. They will also keep the water dripping from your fish when you haul them in at a bare minimum.

You may find it useful to get a boat with multiple mounting points for your paddle, carry bag, spray shield, etc. It is important for a full day of fishing, that your boat gives you a lot of room for your feet to move. You must look for a boat with adjustable seats and cup holders for your favorite beer.

Best Whitewater/River Inflatable Kayak

When kayaking through fast-moving rapids, you will need a kayak that can punch against the grain. You must choose a boat with a sufficient rocker to climb over high waves. Be careful not to compromise speed for maneuverability.

If you are a beginner at kayaking, please choose a boat with 9.5” tubes that will make a wide, stable platform. Also, find a boat that has thigh straps and adjustable footpegs for a comfortable and secure ride.

Why You should buy an inflatable kayak

 Easy to set up

Inflatable boats are so easy to pack. When you get to your destination, inflating will take about 7 minutes using a hand pump. Inflation is even faster with an electric pump hooked to your cigarette lighter.

When you are done with your watersports and want to head home, deflating is so fast it will only take two minutes. Be careful not to fold your boat while it’s still wet, as this will encourage the growth of mildew and will shorten the boat’s lifespan.

Easy to use

My favorite thing about Inflatable kayaks is that they are so friendly to beginners. You do not need a lot of boating experience to get started with your first inflatable adventure. You just jump in, grab a paddle, and let the water guide you.

Inflatables have a wider base than hard shells. Wider bases will give you stability and will require less balance when paddling.

Weight and size

When deflated, inflatable kayaks are super small. And they weigh so it requires little that only one person to carry. And in modern designs, they can fit almost anywhere, they can fit in your boot. Inflatables take up so little space and you won’t need any complicated roof racks.

How long does an Inflatable Kayak last?

People ask me this a lot. Are inflatable boats even durable? The answer is yes, inflatables are so durable, they can easily live up to 10 years.

I will give you a few pointers to keep your kayak in excellent condition for a long time:

First of all, always rinse your boat after an enjoyable day's paddle before drying them.

The trick is to always store them dry. Don’t fold any boat that has not completely dried off.

Make sure you clean your kayak once in a while. Cleaning your boat will not only make it look good, but it will also increase its lifespan.

Follow the pressure guideline in your manual. Make sure not to overfill or under fill the boat with air. Both are bad for the boat.

An important tip about pressure is that the boat expands when it is out in the sun but not in the water. So if your boat is fully inflated enjoying the sun somewhere in the sand or the dock, you might want to let a little air out. Letting some air out will give it room to expand and will protect the seams.

Another way to protect your boat against sun rays is to use Protectant spray. The UV protection spray reduces the effects of direct sunlight on your kayak.

Best Inflatable Kayak Brands

While I will not tell you the exact model of the inflatable kayak to buy, I can recommend the best brands. I will tell you about my two top picks of inflatable kayak brands.

Sevylor

Sevylor is one of the largest inflatable kayak manufacturers in the world. They make the most incredible inflatable boats. They have outlets in over 20 countries. Sevylor has been making boats ever since 1948, and you know if a company’s been around that long, it must be trustworthy.

Advanced Elements

Although this company has only been around since 2017, it is still one of the few brands I trust. Their kayak designs are innovative and dependable. They build a wide range of kayaks for different activities, including; whitewater, expedition, touring, and angling inflatable kayaks.

Inflatable kayaks are simple boats while at the same time they are agile and dynamic. Remember to buy your kayak from a trusted brand and take proper care of it once you use it.