Just updating in case anyone is interested in getting inflatables for their own camping fun.
The sevylor Tahiti hf-79 kayak is may favorite of the inflatables so far. I can fit myself and the 2 kids in it, but it's a tight squeeze and then they start bickering (he's touching me! She's breathing on me!) LOL. I got the add-on skeg, and the kayak tracks well. Probably not as well as a hard side, but you learn to adjust. It rides above/on the water, and you can use your weight and core to steady it. Takes a little getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, we can cruise at a pretty good clip. I didn't buy it for touring lakes so much as taking the kids out to fish and look at turtles, etc. It serves the purpose tremendously, and fits all my criteria for portability.
The nieces and nephew often tag along, so I also picked up an Intex explorer pro 400 from Walmart for just under $40, so they wouldn't have to impatiently wait their turn on the shore. The intex is definitely thinner vinyl. I don't expect it to last past this season, although it has surprisingly survived being dragged over gravel and launched from concrete ramps. We have fit up to 4 in it (2 adult sized and 2 kids). We do fish from both of them. I don't worry about the Tahiti popping from a hook, but the intex seems like it could.
They both pack down to duffel bags. I carry purses larger than them when deflated. They are very light and easy to portage (thanks Jebby14!) to water. The are also a lot less tippy, which is nice for younger kids who won't sit still, or for rowdy teens who like to jump out to swim, and then climb back in, without dumping everyone else out.
It hasn't been that long, and like I said, the intex quality is very suspect (but under $40, I really can't complain...the valves and oar locks seem to be well attached, and it came with a molded carry handle up front and a tow rope all around). But so far, I'm very pleased, and the kids are too.
My tips:
in the sun/heat, the air expands and will stretch the vinyl, so it's good to under-fill it, and then top off at waterside. Once in the water, the water cools the vinyl so it doesn't seem to expand as much. Definitely let some air out though if being stored in the sun. Also, I either put down a towel or spray the vinyl off with cold water before we take it out if it's been in the sun. The dark green can get pretty hot.
Get an extra-long kayak paddle. Inflatable kayaks are wider than their hardside counterparts, so you need a longer paddle to clear the sides. The width adds stability but it does require a different paddle stroke.
The rowboat style ones (intex explorer 400 and solstice voyager are the only ones I've tried, mind you) are easier to row if the oar locks are towards the back of the boat. The ones molded in the middle make it harder to steer and get any propulsion for some reason. Could just be my technique, but the intex has 2 sets, and both work fine, but the middle set in the smaller solstice gives me issues. Again, longer paddles are better to clear the sides of the boat. Also, the solstice and intex work best if you have 2 people (or an adult and 2 kids) to balance it out. If not, take a cooler or something to weight down the front.
These things are great for just lounging in the water. We tie them together and fish, or just lay in the sun. It's like taking your air mattress with side walls out on the water. Definitely not for serious kayaking or paddling though!
Pay attention to dimensions and weight limits. Many claim to be 4, 5 or even 6 person boats, but there's no way you can fit as many as they say, unless you are attempting to look like a refugee boat.
The solstice and some other brands have trolling motor mounts. Intex also makes a more rigid version with a hard, removable floor. We may upgrade if the kids continue to enjoy this so much, but for $100, we have more than gotten our fun out of them.
We always wear life jackets for safety.
