Sevylor XK1


Best Uses: River, whitewater, flatwater, ocean surf

Brand: Sevylor

Available At:

Sevylor XK1 Inflatable KayakNumber of Paddlers: 1

Stats: Length 10’ 4”, Width 38”, Weight 22.5 lbs., Load Capacity 400 lbs

Accessories Included: One seat, one foot rest, high pressure pump and gauge, nylon carry bag, repair kit, 1 year warranty

Optional Accessories: Rudder, thigh braces

Kayak Material: Sevytex three-layer polyester/PVC sandwich hull

Pros: Self-bailing, 3 chambers (2 side and 1 in floor), comfortable and adjustable seat with back fanny pack, six cargo d-rings, 4 thigh strap d-rings, quick inflation time, lightweight, stable

Cons: Not very fast, tracking is so-so, has tendency to get pulled by wind, can take a fair amount of banging but quality is not superb

More About the Sevylor XK1

I almost don’t like doing the Sevylor inflatable kayak reviews because they are not a kayak that I would ever purchase for myself. The thing to keep in mind with the Sevylor kayaks is that you are getting what you pay for. The quality is not superb and they will not perform like other better quality inflatable kayaks. Inflatable kayaks tend to get a bad rap and sometimes get compared to pool toys. Unfortunately that is because of the cheaper brands like Sevylor, Stearns, etc. Anyone who has ever tried an Innova or an Aire kayak wouldn’t dare compare it to a pool toy. They are high quality, rugged, super performers. Alright enough of my rant… lets get down to the facts.

Who is the Sevylor XK1 best suited for?

Sevylor XK1 carry bagWho will want the Sevylor XK1? Well lots of people actually. For under $500 you will get a lightweight, recreational inflatable kayak that can be used in flatwater, rivers or ocean surf. This kayak will best suit a recreational person who likes to head out to the water a few times a month. This boat is great for anyone looking to bring a kayak traveling with them as it weighs only 22 pounds. It is solid enough that you will feel safe and stable. The self bailing floor is a nice feature as it can then be used in all types of water.

The Sevylor XK1 is touted as being great for larger people. I am going to disagree with that. Though it can hold a fair amount of weight, I don’t think that a larger person is going to be all that comfortable. For a bigger person I would definitely look at the Sea Eagle Explorer kayaks. They cost a bit more than this one, but the comfort will be worth it.

How does the Sevylor XK1 Perform?

Not too bad for a cheaper kayak. It can hold its own in some nice whitewater and ocean surf. It also has a bit of rocker which is good for the rapids. It can take a bit of banging but it is not constructed as solid as one would like, so just keep that in mind.

There is an optional rudder which is really handy if you plan on paddling in the ocean. There is also optional thigh braces which work great for whitewater kayaking. Overall the performance isn’t too bad and those who have used it seem to be fairly satisfied with it. As long as your expectations aren’t super high, you won’t be disappointed.

Final Thoughts on the Sevylor XK1

The XK1 is not a bad buy for under $500. Not my choice, but many do seem to like it. I would have to say that it is very easy for one person to handle alone and it would be great for traveling as it can handle all types of water and packs up easily.

Pro Sevylor XK1

Sevylor XK1 optional rudder

Optional Rudder

  • Self-bailing
  • 3 chambers (2 side and 1 in floor)
  • Comfortable and adjustable seat with back fanny pack
  • Six cargo d-rings, 4 thigh strap d-rings
  • Quick inflation time
  • Lightweight
  • Stable

Against Sevylor XK1

  • Not very fast
  • Tracking is so-so
  • Has tendency to get pulled by wind
  • Can take a fair amount of banging but quality is not superb
The Sevylor XK1 is Available At:

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