Inflatable Kayak questions

I have a two person one from West Marine that we have used for years. Folds up to suitcase size. Depending on the climate; it takes a couple to several hours to completely dry the fabric portions. Wiping the inside with a towel speeds things up. If I anticipate using again in a day or so and it is still damp I will go ahead and fold it up and stow it.

Here is a source for info on folding and inflatable canoes and kayaks in case you haven't seen it already.

http://www.paddling.net/

We have an Innova inflatable kayak and it is a pretty reasonable little boat. We generally just dry it off with a towel - that seems to be adequate.

Manual air pumps are slowwwww. We use an electric and then get final pressure with the manual foot pump. Some models require pretty high pressures (more than 5 lbs pressure). This gives you a more rigid craft, but must be harder to pump up.

Flat-bottomed boats are almost impossible to steer in a wind. If the boat doesn't have rounded or shallow V-shaped hull, then a rudder or skeg is necessary.

Kayaks can pick up a lot of water from the paddles. It is nice to have raised seats or to add seats to keep from having to sit in a puddle.

A fully inflated boat can over-pressurize and even pop in a hot sun. It's a good idea to depressurize when you are not using it.

We have this model Advanced Elements 1007 and really like it.

I use a battery powered air mattress inflater to get most of the air in, and then have to use the more high powered manual pump to harden it up. I also have converted the wheels and frame from an old fertilizer spreader by removing the bucket and gears, and we tie the kayak onto that and with only a little weight on the bow, we pull it to the lake, then strap the carrying framework onto the back while we paddle.

So, yes, we like to dry it out. Our model comes apart into floor, tubes, and outer canvas. It does take some time to dry it out, but it's so fun to paddle about on nice days. We usually spread the parts over a picnic table or even a rope between trees, then re-assemble it before folding it up. If we stay for a few days it just slips underneath the rig on a 9 by 12 tarp diagonally.

JMO but I wouldn't own an inflatable kayak. I think they have there place but unless you never want to beach it then you'll constantly be worrying about punctures. We have a couple el cheapos from Dicks sporting goods. We can beat the crud out of them an not worry about leaks. We can run right up on the shore and not worry about a puncture. It takes way less time loading and unloading them off the truck than pumping up and deflating and repacking a couple inflatables.
We actually bought a couple from REI. They were the Advanced Elements model. We inflated one up at home and after further inspection an pondering we decided that @$799.00 for one that it was way cheaper to go with two $300.00 Dicks sporting goods kayaks. Took them back for a refund.
After 2 seasons with them we are barely satisfied but that's only because we new going in that for $300.00 you're not getting anything special in a kayak.
At our annual family this year all the grandkids played with them. We didn't have to worry about them puncturing the kayaks as we would with inflatables.
I think inflatables have their place no doubt, but as far as durability they can't compare to a hard plastic kayak.

The money we saved on the el cheapos we bought a Thule roof rack for the truck. I only need one because I have a DIY headache rack that supports the other end of the kayak.

We are whitewater rafters and inflatable kayakers (IK) and we have several rafts and IK's. Generally, we wash them with laundry soap before storage and try to let them dry because we may store them for months before the next trip. That should not be what you have to do. As stated earlier, dry as much as possible and roll it up. Better to roll than fold as it doesn't put creases in the fabric. When you get to the next destination inflate and let dry as much as possible. We also use 303 protectant to minimize UV degradation. Never use Armorall as it penetrates the fabric and makes patching very difficult. They make self bailing models that will drain any accumulated water and allow you to sit in relatively dry comfort. There are also rubber grommets that fit on the paddle shafts that help keep the water off your hands and out of the boat.Depending on your needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 up to $1500. If I can answer any questions please feel free to contact me.
RichH

We have two Advanced Elements inflatables and love them. Take just a few minutes to inflate and deflate. Each has a storage bag. When done using them, we just towel dry them off. Easy peasy. We paid about $450 each. Excellent quality kayaks. We got them from https://www.austinkayak.com/

We have two Advanced Elements and really like them I have the Advanced Frame model and my GF has the Advance Sport. Nice quality for sure.

Artum Snowbird wrote:
We have this model Advanced Elements 1007 and really like it.

I use a battery powered air mattress inflater to get most of the air in, and then have to use the more high powered manual pump to harden it up. I also have converted the wheels and frame from an old fertilizer spreader by removing the bucket and gears, and we tie the kayak onto that and with only a little weight on the bow, we pull it to the lake, then strap the carrying framework onto the back while we paddle.

So, yes, we like to dry it out. Our model comes apart into floor, tubes, and outer canvas. It does take some time to dry it out, but it's so fun to paddle about on nice days. We usually spread the parts over a picnic table or even a rope between trees, then re-assemble it before folding it up. If we stay for a few days it just slips underneath the rig on a 9 by 12 tarp diagonally.

JMHO BUT... if do like "goducks" above and buy cheap you are destined to be disappointed. My five year old Advanced Elements is still just fine. Faded a little, scratches on the bottom from oysters and rocks, but still many years left in it.

We have a Hobie tandem inflatable with pedal drive and a sail kit. We used it when we had a TT and could carry it in the back of our Nissan Frontier. Lots of fun! We bought a small motorhome and could no longer bring it with us,although we did consider buying a small trailer to carry it. Now we have a new p/u with a slide in camper ,and again cannot fit it in!

It inflates rather quickly with a hand pump (three chambers in about five minutes) and is very rigid when inflated. My posterior aspect gets soaked if I forget to bail periodically or if my wife gets enthusiastic when paddling. My 225 pounds may have something to do with it I suppose. Being a very well designed and manufactured kayak,it still looks like new with no leaks after numerous uses and foldings. It seems to dry by the time we are ready to pack it up.I may sell it soon due to lack of use and the fact that I now tow a small sailboat.

aguablanco wrote:
We are whitewater rafters and inflatable kayakers (IK) and we have several rafts and IK's. Generally, we wash them with laundry soap before storage and try to let them dry because we may store them for months before the next trip. That should not be what you have to do. As stated earlier, dry as much as possible and roll it up. Better to roll than fold as it doesn't put creases in the fabric. When you get to the next destination inflate and let dry as much as possible. We also use 303 protectant to minimize UV degradation. Never use Armorall as it penetrates the fabric and makes patching very difficult. They make self bailing models that will drain any accumulated water and allow you to sit in relatively dry comfort. There are also rubber grommets that fit on the paddle shafts that help keep the water off your hands and out of the boat.Depending on your needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 up to $1500. If I can answer any questions please feel free to contact me.
RichH

X2 (plus WW canoers and kayakers) Everything said above is good advice. If possible, when storing the boat for long periods, store inflated.