Are you considering getting an inflatable kayak for your fishing or water adventure? Know the concerns and features of the best inflatable kayaks so you get the best outcome for your adventure possible.
Best Inflatable Kayaks and the Features You Should Be Looking For
With inflatable kayaks getting more and more popular, there are more types of inflatable kayaks becoming available with ever more uses and features. It’s important to have the information and details to help you choose the best kayak for you which is why we’ve included details about getting the best inflatable kayaks for your fishing trip below.
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Self-Bailing Kayaks
This kind has ports or holes on the bottom of the kayak that drains water just like a hard-shell kayak. This inflatable kayak style frequently is utilized for white water rafting. River rapids inside an inflatable kayak? It may sound like dangerous kayak adventure but I assure you, they can handle it.
Ports on the bottom of the kayak permit water to drain out as it splashes inside the kayak, so you do not fill with water. Most of these kinds of kayaks lack a fin for tracking and because of this, do not do well while paddling on a lake or river.
Sit-on-Top Kayaks
As with a hardshell kayak, on this kind of kayak there isn’t any enclosed cockpit as you pretty much sit on top of the kayak. This sort is better for fishing because you’ll have maximum movement for casting and accessing gear. Plus, there is better attachment surfaces when you want to use cameras on your kayak or other equipment.
Sit-Inside Kayak
When you think of a kayak, it’s likely what will come to mind. With this kind of kayak, you’ll sit in the kayak and there’s an enclosed cockpit. With this unit you’ll tend to remain drier because you’re mainly protected from the elements and splashing water. Better for rougher conditions of cool weather and a spray skirt is suggested.
Canoe Type
Just like its name implies, it looks just like a canoe. The inflatable kayak has a wider design that has higher walls and its seats are deeper inside the kayak. You’ll have more space to move about with this kind and it’s a popular option for fishing. Many of the best inflatable kayaks are canoe type kayaks simply because of the overall design.
Stand-up Paddle Board
I listed this one here although it isn’t a real kayak. This kind of kayak has become extremely popular due to its flexibility. It’s possible to use them for fishing, a workout, surfing, racing, and rafting.
Most of them are available with a seat or hardware that attaches one, which gives you the best of both worlds. They’re very rigid with a “drop stitch” build and are extremely durable and rugged.
How to Select an Inflatable Kayak
Are you prepared on kayaking on your own or with others? If you aren’t certain and want the choice of having an additional paddler along with you or perhaps even a dog, you might be better served by buying one that’s made for at least two passengers.
As you want to go solo, the seat may be moved to the middle position by means of clips in order for you to attach the seat. There are kayaks which are able to comfortably fit up to three people.
Will You Use It for Fishing?
Of course, you can utilize any kayak for fishing, yet some models are a lot better for fishing than other ones. The sit-on-type one is the better choice because you have the ability to easily move and turn around for casting and having access to your fishing gear.
Where Are you Going to Use It?
Will you use it in slow moving rivers or flat, calm lakes? If you live close to the bay or ocean, are you going to you use it there? If you are, you might want to sit in the kayak. If you live near a river, what about white-water rafting? Kayaks which work for flat, calm lakes aren’t the best kayaks for use in the ocean.
Your Weight and Height
If you’re heavier or tall you’ll need a larger kayak that has more leg room and weight capacity. Be certain to carefully look at the specifications for the kayak and see if it’ll work for you. Do not forget about any equipment and gear you might take along with you. This is particularly important if you have plans on using it for camping.
What Will You Use It For?
Will you use it for short paddles of one or two hours? Or do you have plans on longer jouneys of all day or perhaps one week? Are you going to use it for fishing? Or perhaps even diving or snorkeling? If you have plans to go camping with it, be certain you have sufficient weight capacity and room for cargo.
How Comfortable is it to Get in and Out?
If you believe you might struggle getting in and out of the kayak, you might be better served with a sit-on-top kayak. They’re much easier to get in and out of. But, they’re more susceptible to tipping because their center of gravity is higher. Make certain you practice getting back inside the kayak to be sure you have the ability to do it rapidly.
What Kinds of Weather Will You Probably Encounter?
If you’re the kind of person to call off an excursion because there’s a chance of rain, this might not be a concern. But if you’re willing to go out in the cold, windy, or rainy weather be sure your kayak is able to accommodate a spray skirt.
Do You Have to Have a Self-Bailing Kayak?
Self-bailing kayaks have holes inside the bottom for draining water while you’re paddling. As you have this kind of kayak there usually will be some water inside the bottom because of this.
A self-bailing kayak is mainly used for white water or inside rougher ocean conditions. The majority of them are available with plugs when you’re in flatter water and do not need to be concerned with draining water. If you don’t have any intention of paddling within rougher conditions, you do not need this option.
Do not forget a fish finder if you’ll be fishing with the inflatable kayak. Here, we list the best inflatable kayaks:
Advanced Elements Expedition Kayak
If you are looking for an inflatable kayak that’s close to a regular hard shell kayak, this Advanced Elements Expedition Kayak is the one for you.
It has lightweight, built-in aluminum ribs which offer outstanding rigidity for exceptional tracking and speed. The bottom of the kayak uses “drop stitch” construction that, while inflated, becomes very rigid. Its high back seats are going to have you paddling in comfort for a long time.
The 15’ long kayak has a low center of gravity for excellent stability and additionally helps make paddling much easier. Its six chambers provide the ultimate in safety out in the water.
The kayak is appropriate for anything from a day trip to a week-long camping expedition, due to its ample storage capacity. It’s a fantastic fishing kayak with its strong maneuverability and tracking in addition to it bungee tie downs for convenient storage.
Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak
Do you want something a bit larger? Sevylor’s Big Basin 3-Person Kayak may be precisely what you are searching for.
It is one of the few three-person inflatable kayaks in the market. Although to be honest, you won’t have the ability to fit three adults inside it, more like two adults and one child.
The first thing you’ll notice about this option is that’s very stable and tracks almost like a regular hardshell kayak. Most of the tracking stability is because of the two directional strakes which keeps paddlers going straight, even if they are solo.
This kayak is built with heavy duty, strong PVC in addition to a tarpaulin bottom that protects against abrasion, as well as punctures from sticks and rocks and additional hazards.
If you have a dog, it’s the best inflatable kayak for dogs with its heavy duty, thick PVC which resists their claws tearing the material.
This selection contains three different chambers for safety in case you do suffer a puncture, it will not be pretty, but you’ll have the ability to paddle to shore. Keep in mind you always should carry PFD’s, one for each passenger.
Even at a bargain cost it’ll come with some great features such as, bottle/cup holders for every seat and has a good amount of storage inside the rear for fishing gear or a cooler.
Its seats adjust and are very comfortable, and as a great touch, it contains splash guards in the front that keeps out water.
While I probably would not take it whitewater rafting, it’s able to do it. It’s a big kayak so I’d consider getting an electric pump that will inflate it.
Remember it doesn’t come with paddles or a pump, so you’ll have to buy them separately. Be certain to get a high volume, quality pump so you can quickly get it inflated.
For the quality you receive, this kayak is the best inflatable kayak for your money.
Intex Challenger 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
Intex Recreation came out with a low-cost K2 inflatable kayak. The manufacturer has decades of experience with designing inflatable products and recently has come out with their K2 series.
It’s built of their tough vinyl for high durability and resistance to tears and leaks.
The K2 is the perfect kayak for exploring slower flowing rivers and lakes. Its cockpit is of a good size that has an inflatable seat and backrest that will comfortably fit most people. The Intex is the least expensive inflatable kayak.
This Intex K2 kayak meets all of the safety standards that are established by the Coast Guard while going through intensive stress tests that ensure safety. This kayak will provide you years of enjoyment out in the water.
Sea Eagle SE 370 Kayak
Whether you want to travel down Class III rapids or go for a relaxing paddle around a lake, the Sea Eagle is the ideal option for all your kayak needs.
The PolyKrylar hull is amazingly durable, so tough, that there isn’t any reason to leave your dog at home. The 38-mil hull will stand up to the sharpest of claws and resist puncturing or tearing.
The kayak weighs only 32lbs. yet will carry as much as 650lbs. of cargo and passenger! The I-Beam build offers a rigidity that rivals solid hull kayaks. The Sea Eagle includes two skegs, so it tracks well for maximum efficiency and speed.
Included are two removable, inflatable seats (three-person capacity), rear and front self-bailing drain valves and its rear and front rope handles well for easy portability.
The kayak deflates down to a tiny package of 31” in height, 19” in width by 8” deep and easily transports with the carry case that is included. It’s the best tandem inflatable kayak in the marketplace.
With this kayak it’s possible to go from the trunk of a vehicle to being in the water within 8 minutes. Only 100 pumps with a high capacity foot pump and its completely inflated and prepared for pretty much anything! It’s an excellent kayak for your money.
Sevylor K5 QuikPak Kayak
Coleman’s Quickpak is my choice for a great solo kayak. It’s a well-designed inflatable kayak. To begin with, the Sevylor folds up small enough to fit inside its integrated backpack. It features padded, comfortable shoulder straps which make it easy to hold from the parking lot over to the water.
It’ll go from backpack to being inside the water in only 10 minutes; after a couple of times it’ll get down to around 5 minutes. Its double lock valves will make deflating and inflating a breeze (with its included pump).
Coleman’s Quikpak K5 is the perfect kayak for fishing and camping trips. There’s a rear zippered storage space in which it’s possible to pack food and miscellaneous gear and the front has an abundance of room to lash gear down with the bungee cords.
The back and front have handles to portage the kayak or carry it from your vehicle to the water. The kayak is made to be as similar to a hardshell model as possible. The Sevylor features a flat, rigid bottom floor and a three-chamber design for safety and keeping its shape to help with tracking.
It measures over 10’ long by just under three feet wide and carries as much as 250lbs. of cargo and passenger.
The only knock is that its included two-piece aluminum paddle was reported to easily break; therefore, buying a higher quality paddle may be a great idea. Coleman’s Quikpak is the best kayak under $500.
