Inflatable Kayaks??

[tracemul7]

Hey All,

Does anyone out there have an inflatable kayak, or used one, and what do you think of it?
We're thinking of getting one (a 2 person) to put in the back of our Patrol for trips away - alot easier than carrying a 'normal one' on roof racks etc.

I also don't know much/anything about kayaks - never been in one, but just fancy the idea (lol - makes me sound like a nutter! :1087: ). But we'd prob only use it on pretty still water - none of this crazy white-water stuff! Ideally we'd take out fishing rods too, and just bob along in the water - pretending we know what we're doing :smiley_thumbs_up:

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Cheers, Trace

[AB]

Hi Trace, Ive done a fair bit of kayaking in my time and would not recommend getting an inflatable Kayak.

They are not fun, you bob around like a drunken sailer, very unstable and no doubht would roll over or pop it in the middle of the river with all your gear.

I know their bulky but fibreglass or better yet plastic kayak on your roof would be ideal and far more practical.

Bob around in the water I would be going for those giant donut things with drink holders and head rests...lol....Awesome fun!!!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/01/15.jpg <---- Like this, put your drinks, radio and fill it up with ice...lol.....Now your talking!!!

[Sir Roofy]

THANKS A.B the boss and i had talked about inflatables also ,so now will look at the proper deal
i might get one before im 70 have you seen the price of them lately

roofy

[AB]

THANKS A.B the boss and i had talked about inflatables also ,so now will look at the proper deal
i might get one before im 70 have you seen the price of them lately

roofy

Yeah they are not cheap but I still have one from over 15 years ago so just keep them out of UV light when not in use and they will last forever.

This is only my opinion, some others may say they are ok, I used to Kayak a lot down the Yarra and even on calm waters they are just unbalanced and uncomfortable IMO.

I would try Ebay for second handys that someone has hardly used. I wouldn't go buying a brand newy.

[NissanGQ4.2]

Not that i have or used a Kayak, But I have done a lot of research as i am looking at buying one for myself and partner.

I'm with AB on this one, stay clear of inflatable's.

Cheers

Todd

[Cuppa]

We have a Sevylor 2 person 'sit on top' type kayak. It is exceptionally stable, almost impossible to capsize. We used it a number of times during our 'big trip'. It carried enough gear for the two of us to camp out overnight.
Only disadvantage of it is that because it sits a bit higher in the water than a 'sit in' canoe it is more prone to being blown around in windy conditions.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/01/16.jpg

Has a 2 compartment bladder inside a tough outer skin & fins on the bottom. Clip on storage compartments on back of seats & luggage area at rear. Seat/foot positions are adjustable.

I will sell it for $300 including two telescopic paddles, & 2 way pump. Used but in good condition. No repairs. Pick up in Gippsland, Vic

regards
Cuppa

[Finly Owner]

Kayak or canoe?

If you want a good reliable canoe, I'd look for a ROSCOE brand canoe 2nd hand. Fairly light, tough and bouyant. Simple design but rigid.

Avoid haines hunter canoes the stern under the seat is weak.

I prefer canoes as thats' what I learnt to use.

It would be good to learn the "J" stroke for power turning in strong tides.

Don't forget some bounancy vests when purchasing water craft.

and do you already have canoeing/kayaking basic skills, eg water knowledge of currents etc?

Tim

[tracemul7]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The main reason for wanting an inflatable is so that we don't need it on the roof racks.
As there will probably be just the 2 of us for most trips - we have plenty of space in the back, so would be ideal to have it inside.

Also we're really only talking a couple of trips per year - so looking at something cheap (ish).

We are still tempted to just get one of those inflatable boats :P

[tracemul7]

Kayak or canoe?

It would be good to learn the "J" stroke for power turning in strong tides.

Don't forget some bounancy vests when purchasing water craft.

and do you already have canoeing/kayaking basic skills, eg water knowledge of currents etc?

Tim

Erm . . . nope . . . . don't know nothing about kayaking/canoeing.
Never done it before - but, like i say, i reckon its gonna be in very still water - lakes or shallow sea water.

I'll do some research on the net :) But i prefer the sound of kayaking - i dont wanna have my feet stuck inside something (that is my only reason - so feel free to explain things better :) )

But we will get some floaty vests too - any recommendations??

[jace75]

i fish off a sit on top kayak
4 m long weighs 25 kg and quite hard for 1 person to lift onto the roof racks of the troll.
i love my kayak and often takeit intead of towing the tinny basically because it allows me to explore without towing the boat

[Finly Owner]

Kayaking feet stuck inside, canoe small open boat like indians used.