Inflatable Kayak Review
TRIBUTARY STRIKE 2
- Length: 12' 6''
- Width: 38.5''
- Weight: 47 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 450 lbs
- Price: $899
- www.aire.com
Tributary says: “The Strike 2 has contemporary styling sure to please the discerning paddler. With the Strike 2, you and a partner won’t miss out on any of the exciting action on a local river. With its 12-foot-6-inch length, this boat will power through whitewater waves and track efficiently on flatwater. The Strike 2 can be used as a solo expedition boat on flatwater or whitewater.”
Setup: It takes 2 to 3 minutes to inflate the two sides and the floor panel. A pump is included.
Details: A two-person kayak, the Strike 2 features drain holes throughout the floor panel and bow and stern end covers to prevent water from pooling. All of the inflatable tubes are covered and accessible by unzipping the panels. Two seats/backrests, which attach to the floor clips, are included. There are numerous strap loops for securing gear. It’s a well-designed boat.
Paddleability: This is a sturdy inflatable that has a solid and stable feeling while paddling. Not too long, not too short, and with a touch of rocker, the Strike 2 is easy to maneuver with sweep strokes. A skeg (sold separately) can be assembled but was not on the model tested. Thigh braces can be added but are also sold separately.
Haulability and Storage: The Strike 2 can be carried by one or two people. A storage duffel is sold separately.
Bottom Line: The sturdily constructed Strike 2 gets its looks from Tributary’s whitewater-inflatable cousins. A crossover boat for both whitewater and flatwater, it is a great value for the price.
ADVANCED ELEMENTS ULTRA-LITE EXPEDITION
Advanced Elements says: “The Ultra-Lite Expedition is a 13-foot hybrid of a folding-frame kayak and an inflatable kayak. It sets up in just a few minutes and is compact enough to take along on a weekend adventure.”
Setup: Lickety-split. Inflate the main chambers with the included pump. The smaller chambers and cockpit coaming easily inflate with lung power.
Details: Well done. The seat/backrest and foam-tube foot rest are both adjustable. A sprayskirt can fit around the inflated cockpit coaming. Both bow and stern ends are reinforced with an aluminum rod. The hull, made of sturdy PVC, includes a tracking fin.
Paddleability: Shaped like a hardshell boat, it tracks well and turns with sweep strokes.
Haulability and Storage: It is easily carried and stored in the accompanying duffel, and can be single-carried when inflated.
Bottom Line: This is a good calm-water boat; the folks at Advanced Elements were thorough in their R&D.
SEVYLOR XK17
- Length: 16' 7''
- Width: 38''
- Weight: 45.5 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 800 lbs
- Price: $999
- www.sevylor.com
Sevylor says:
“The XK17 is especially designed for ocean traveling. It has more leg and cargo room and is capable of traveling at a higher speed than shorter kayaks. It is designed for one-, two-, or three-person operation and is self-bailing. It is a perfect boat for expeditions and extended voyages.”
Setup: Five to 10 minutes to inflate. A pump is included.
Details: The tandem XK17 is designed for sea kayaking. The hull and floor are made of Sevylor’s puncture-resistant Sevytex material. The drop-in floor is removable. Thigh braces and a rudder are available accessories.
The side panels have easy-to-use two-way valves, and the floor panel has a reliable one-way valve. There are two directional strips on the hull to aid in tracking. Self-bailing holes prevent water from pooling in the bottom of the boat.
Paddleability: With the power of two people paddling, combined with the stiffness and rigidity of the tubes, the XK17 is fast. Sweep strokes are effective in maneuvering the kayak. The two tracks on the hull had a keel-like effect that helped with tracking.
Haulability and Storage: Although a two-person carry would have been much easier, I was able to prop one of the side tubes on my shoulder for a single carry. The boat breaks down and is stored in the included duffel bag.
Bottom Line: With a design inspired by river rafts, the XK17 is a bomber kayak suited for flatwater paddling and can handle choppy conditions if piloted by skilled paddlers.
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