New Inflatable Kayak Comparison Charts
June 20, 2010 by Allison
You may have noticed in the category bar near the top of this website we have an inflatable kayak comparison chart as well as an inflatable canoe comparison chart.
We have decided to add to these to hopefully make them more useful and organized for everyone to take advantage of.
Changes to the Existing Comparison Charts
We have divided the inflatable kayak comparison chart into two separate pages… one for solo inflatable kayak comparisons and the other for tandem inflatable kayak comparisons. From there we have also divided them by price range.
I don’t know about everyone else but I was having a hard time looking at the comparison chart page anymore without my eyes going blurry. Hopefully this new format as well as the fact that we have added pictures of each kayak will make things easier on the eyes and more appealing to look at and research.
New Inflatable Kayak Comparison Charts
We have also added 9 new mini comparison charts for each of the individual inflatable kayak manufacturers. The point of these are to help people do some really quick comparisons of inflatable kayaks from the same brand.
The new comparison charts we have included are:
Inflatable Kayak Comparison Chart Details
Each comparison chart will cover the basics including:
- model name
- best uses
- length
- width
- weight
- load capacity
- price range
A few years ago when I began researching which inflatable kayak to purchase I used to have a million screens open on my computer at once as I was trying to compare the specs of different models.
My hope is that these smaller individual comparison charts will help to organize all of the important information in one place to make the process of comparing different inflatable kayaks easier. We may add more charts to our list down the road.
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Quick question–do you have any opinions on Saturns, particularly the Kaboats? While I don’t really care for their bench seating, the idea of being able to at some point in the future add on a small motor for running around gentle rivers and lakes is somewhat intriguing.
However, I can’t seem to find any actual reviews, just a few youtube clips, all of which seem to involve an engine, which would *not* be my primary form of usage… so I have to start wondering things like whether the boat is just too large (12-15′x42″), heavy (48-64lbs), and/or poorly-shaped for kayaking.
I am not personally a fan of the Saturn kayaks although the Kaboat does have some nice features. I think if attaching a motor is top priority then the Kaboat isn’t a bad option. However for actual self-powered kayaking I wouldn’t personally consider it. If you really do want an inflatable kayak with a small motor there are a couple of other options you could consider as well… check out our post Looking for an Inflatable Kayak with a Motor as they are listed there.
Cheers,
Allison
Great job on these! The only improvement I can think of is maybe being more precise on the prices. Maybe get an average of several online stores for each.
Thanks for the feedback Rowland! I like your suggestion… we will definitely consider it.
Do you get any comments from larger paddlers using an Innova Helios? It souns like the boat is best used by women/ children and people with generally petite frames.
I have had a few comments from people who use the Helios… mostly men actually but I am not sure how big or small they were. One thing that is apparent with the Helios is that those who have it really love it. It is definitely one of the slimmer inflatable kayaks so I would be a little weary about a larger paddler being comfortable in it especially because it is more closed in and there is not much room for adjustments.
Hope that helps a little.
Cheers, Allison
I have been enjoying reading your website and all the advice and reviews. Thank you. We are interested in purchasing our first kayak. We would like an inflatable that fits 2 small adults (5’4″) and 2 young children (3yr and 4yr). We would like it to weigh under 50lbs so we can check it in on a flight without an extra fee. I really like the sea eagle but the 420x is over 50lbs. The Sevylor XK17 is out of production so was reluctant to buy one b/c of questionable customer support/parts. I am considering the AE straightedge2, AE conversion, Innova Sunny. Any other suggestions? Opinions. This will be used on mainly flat water and calm rivers but I would like the option for more advanced water conditions if needed.
Thanks! John
Hi John,
Well the first one that comes to mind is the Aire Super Lynx. It is a really great kayak, has the length and weighs 43 lbs. but it is also one of the more expensive models. The AE StraitEdge 2 would also be a good choice but keep in mind that although it only weighs 47 lbs., once you get the paddles and the pump in the bag too it will likely be over the 50 lbs. mark. The Innova Sunny is one of the better options… it is great for traveling as it is so lightweight and is a really good kayak. One thing to keep in mind is that it is quite slim and although can get the speed it can lack in stability.
Take a look at the Sevylor XK2. It is quite long and weighs 34 lbs. It’s not my favorite kayak but would possibly suit all of your needs. Also consider the Sea Eagle FastTrack. This one is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I know it is slightly shorter than the other models mentioned but it has the stability, the versatility and weighs only 35 lbs. Everyone could fit, it just might be slightly squishy.
I would keep away from the AE Convertible or other similar closed-in models. I think the open inflatable kayaks will work better for you as they will allow for more comfort and maneuverability for all of you.
Hope that helps! It’s tough to find the perfect model that offers comfort for everyone and weighs under 50 lbs.
Good luck!
Allison
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. We will keep you posted on our decision and how it works out for us. We are so excited to get the kids out on the water, safely and comfortably. Thanks again,
John
Good luck with your decision John… we look forward to hearing how it works out for you and your family!
First off, this website is an awesome resource!
Onto my kayak comparison question(s); My fiancee and I are just about ready to Buy an IK, paddling will mostly consist of closed in lagoons around the area, with camping fun (longer term goal is to do some paddle-in 2-4 day camping trips.)
I need the ability to carry 500+ lbs (between the two of us gear, we will be over that). I’m worried about space, as I’m ~270 lbs (54 inch chest, 42 inch waist) Most of the kayaks only advertise ~13-15 inches interior width, which I don;t beleive will be enough. As a comparison, I use a 17 inch width seat in my race car.
any insight into how interior width is measured? I’ve been looking at the AEAF convertible, and the sea eagle series (370/385/420).
Hi Marcus,
We are really happy you are liking the website!!
Kayaks are typically quite narrow and although an inflatable kayak will be wider because of the pontoon like sides, the interior still doesn’t offer much room. I have actually had a couple of comments from people who felt the interior of the Sea Eagle kayaks weren’t wide enough for them and said they felt quite squished and uncomfortable. Unfortunately no matter what the brand, they don’t come much wider.
I really feel the AEAF convertible as well as the SE 370 aren’t going to offer enough width. The 385 and the 420 are possible… Sea Eagle says they both have an interior width of 15″ but I think that is on the conservative side. I am going to head out kayaking this afternoon in my 380 (which has the same interior width as the 385 and 420). I will bring a tape measure with me and measure the exact width when I have it inflated and get back to you on that.
One suggestion I have is to take a look at the Sea Eagle Paddleski. It is the widest of their models and I was thinking that because you tend to sit up higher in the Paddleski it actually might be more comfortable and offer more room. It also has the possibility of adding different kinds of seats. It can hold up to 650 lbs. easy and although there isn’t much storage room in the back there is a fair amount of room up front and I have even seen people load it right up in the middle as well (even with a second person). It also only weighs 42 lbs. which is great for traveling.
Hope that helps, I’ll email back later today once I have measured the inside of my 380.
Cheers,
Allison
Thanks Allison! Having a real world measurement would be great.
The only thing that steered me away from the paddleski was commentary on lack of rear space. I’ll have to go actually look at one..
Here are the interior width measurements for my 380…
Front seat – center of the kayak width: 16.5″
Back seat – back of kayak width: 16″
Thanks! that extra inch makes a bunch of difference in this case. Time to go find one locally to fit.
Hi, what a great web site. Extremely informative, well done.
I recently returned from a trip to Thailand where myself, my wife and three boys went on a Sea Kayaking adventure visiting islands, sea caves and hongs. The tour company, John Gray Sea Canoes used Sotar IK’s. It was a terrific experience by the way with personal guides in each IK. During our free time I was able to paddle the Sotar inflatable kayak with the whole family in the one kayak not doing a hell of a lot other than moving around and making a noise. The Sotar tracked incredibly well and I was able to move at a fair clip considering the dead weight in the boat. Anyhoo, I was wondering whether you have had any experience with Sotars? I’ve contacted the company in the US (I am in Tasmania, Australia) and it seems that their product is more of a boutique kayak, very sturdy and very expensive when compared to the range more commercially available. They don’t seem to cater for the retail purchaser, particularly one so far away.
Secondly, now that I have the IK bug I was wondering whether, putting the Sotar aside, you could recommend a kayak for the family. The kids are still young enough to bung into the one boat with mum and dad. I live on a harbour and near the coast so it would mostly be used in open type water and on the beach so it would get plenty of exposure to sand. Although we have plenty of inland lakes and rivers as well. It gets quite windy at times due to our proximity to the Southern Ocean so any IK would have to be able to handle that. Is my wish list too long? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am obliged, Johnathan
Hi Jonathan,
Wow, your sea kayaking trip in Thailand sounds absolutely fantastic. I have never kayaked there myself but plan to in the future (I will take note of the tour company you mentioned). I have never used the Sotar kayaks myself so don’t have much info to offer on them. However as far as a family inflatable kayak there are two models I would point you towards. The new Sea Eagle 465 FastTrack is ideal for families and sounds like it would completely suit your needs. The other one to look at is the Aire Super Lynx. It does not offer quite as much room as the SE FastTrack but it has still been known to work for families and is a great IK. I did an article a little while back on the subject that will give you more info… Best Inflatable Kayaks for Families.
Cheers,
Allison
Thanks Allison, I was thinking the large Fast Track myself. My only residual concern is durability and life of the craft as it would be too difficult to return if there are any problems. Where would would you put Sea Eagle in the reliability stakes?
So if I do decide to buy, if I click to Sea eagle’s web site through yours you will get something out of the deal? Even if I’ve visited the Sea Eagle Web site independently? i wouldn’t want you to miss out.
On the Thailand trip (Phuket). There wouldn’t be too many activities you could do on the water that would beat the John Gray tour. they pick you up from the hotel, take you out to the islands in comfort, feed and water you the most fabulous Thai food, paddle around the islands and sea caves and share their intimate knowledge of the area. It was so warm the day we went even though at times we were paddling in tropical storms which was great in itself. In the hongs/lagoons we paddled right up to monkeys running wild, seas owls and eagles, skipper fish and bats. Then when all the other tourist boats headed back to shore John Grays stays out and the kids made cermonial kratongs and we paddled through the dark into a cave and floated them. Simply Stunning. I for one am going back.
Thanks again for your advice. Johnathan.
Hi Johnathan,
I would rate the Sea Eagle kayaks reliability as really high. They are not top of the line but they are good quality. Nothing is impossible but I guess the best I can say is that I have never had any issues in any way. After a few years of constant use my 380x is still like new and my new FastTrack seems just as rugged. I would advice using a UV protectant spray every so often which will prolong the life of the material and protect against environmental damage. Other than that they are pretty solid.
Yes we do get something if you click through our link to Sea Eagle even if you have been to their site before. Thanks you so much for asking, we really appreciate it!!
As far as the Thailand trip goes I am almost drooling over it. It sounds so fantastic… what a great family vacation! I have a brother who lives in Singapore and I was planning to hop over to Thailand next time I visit. Thank you very much for sharing the info on John Grays… they will be top of my list once I get there… hopefully next year if I am lucky :0)
Allison
Hi, I am looking to buy a new inflatable kayak. Iam 67 in decent shape & reside in South Florida.
I will use primarily for lakes, slow rivers or on a calm sea. I’ve narrowed it down to 2 choices: Walker Bay Aris Velocity 12 & Innova Sunny &.
Because they are both 12′ in length, hopefully they will track better. Price range is the same for both.
How does the Innova Helios 1 & Aris Sport 11 compare to the Sunny & Velocity in speed & tracking.
In terms of looks the Sport & Velocity are way ahead of the Sunny
I recently sold my SOT Emotion Temptation (10’3″) Space & weight is a problem – this is why I am looking to buy an inflatable. Any help wpuld be appreciated
Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Marc,
I would say the Innova Sunny and the Airis Velocity get far greater speed than the Innova Helios I and the Airis Sport. The Sunny will also get better speed than the Velocity although the Velocity is still good. As far as tracking the Innova Helios, the Sunny and the Airis Velocity are all really on par. The Sport would be the underdog in this group but not by much.
I agree the Sport and Velocity have a much nicer look. The Sunny has the advantage of being able to be paddled with two people if you wanted to as well as has more room for extra gear and weighs very little… it is a really great inflatable kayak. However to be honest I think the quality, style and ease of use of the Velocity are hard to beat. Tough choice… good luck!!
Hi Allison,
Thanks so much for your help. You made my day. Velocity all the way!!
Happy holidays,
Great choice Marc and happy holidays to you too!!
thanks so much for the web site. I love it!! here is a quick question: 2 adults, 2 kids, gear. ultra stability. class 3 whitewater in a low flow desert river with many rocks in a wilderness setting. which kayak would you personally choose? -thx. cory
Hey Cory,
I would personally choose the Sea Eagle 420X. It is the only one I can think of that is extremely stable and large enough to fit all of you plus gear and still be able to handle class 3 whitewater.
Also you could consider the Aire Outfitter II. It is not quite as big, but I think would still work well.
Good luck!