Finding the right inflatable kayak can be challenging. There are dozens of options on the market, ranging from inexpensive entry-level models to premium touring kayaks that cost well over a thousand dollars.
The Retrospec Coaster Inflatable Kayak sits somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. It promises portability, stability, room for two paddlers with the tandem package, and a complete accessory package at a price that is far more affordable than many competitors.
The Coaster is designed for recreational paddlers who want a convenient way to get on the water for easy cruising and fun with family and friends.
This is not a performance kayak but rather a comfortable cruiser that has both pros and cons to be aware of.
It is not built for serious expedition paddling or advanced whitewater adventures, but it does offer a very accessible and comfortable ride for casual outings on lakes, calm rivers, and protected coastal waters.
In this review I’ll cover:
- What’s included in the box
- The design
- Setup process
- Comfort features
- Convenience features
- Performance
- Durability
- Storage options
- Who this kayak is best suited for (and who it is not)
- Pros and cons
… To help determine whether the Retrospec Coaster inflatable kayak is right for you.
Size Options
We have the tandem Coaster kayak so that’s the one you’ll see in our photos even though you’ll see my partner and I paddling it solo. However it is also available in a smaller and lighter solo kayak option.
Solo Coaster | Tandem Coaster |
| Length: 9’10” | Length: 12′ |
| Width: 37″ | Width: 39″ |
| Weight: 23 lbs | Weight: 29 lbs |
| Load Capacity: 220 lbs | Load Capacity: 440 lbs |
| Price: Check current deal | Price: Check current deal |
Color Options
There are three color options to choose from including:
- Wild Spruce – An earthy deep pine green with yellow accents.
- Sunglow – Vibrant yellow with black and red accents.
- Agean Tide – A brilliant yet serene agean blue with red accents
We have the Agean Tide Coaster. It’s a beautiful shade of blue and still very nature inspired.
However everyones tastes are different so just depends which color suits you best. All three show up nicely in the water.
What’s Included in the Box?
One of the biggest advantages of the Coaster inflatable kayak is that it arrives with almost everything needed to get on the water.
Included accessories:
- Two adjustable four-piece paddles
- Two adjustable padded kayak seats
- Two removable footrests
- Three removable tracking fins
- Dual-action hand pump
- Large carrying backpack
- Repair Kit
What I Liked Right Away
After unpacking the Retrospec Coaster Tandem, a few things immediately stood out:
- It’s fairly lightweight for a tandem
- Seating area is quite spacious
- Inflation process is easy
- Accessories are all included
- It’s a compact package when deflated
- It has a beginner-friendly shape that focuses on stability
The first thing that stands out about the Coaster Tandem is its size. Inflated, it measures approximately 12 feet long and 39 inches wide, providing decent room for two adults.
Despite those generous dimensions, the kayak packs down into a manageable backpack when deflated.
At around 29 pounds for the tandem, it is still easy enough to manage solo and I had no trouble carrying it to the water myself. With two people it’s a breeze to carry.
The overall design feels practical rather than flashy, which I personally really like. I’ll take functional over cluttered and flashy in a kayak any day.
Everything about the Coaster feels like it was designed with beginner recreational paddlers in mind.
Setup and Inflation
One of the biggest advantages of an inflatable kayak is convenience, and the Coaster delivers in this area.
The kayak has three inflation chambers with Boston valves, one on each side and one on the floor.
Quick To Inflate
Inflation is relatively simple, and most users can have the kayak ready for the water in around 10 to 15 minutes max using the included pump.
Each air chamber only inflates up to 1.5 PSI. This is fairly low compared to some higher-end drop-stitch PVC high pressure inflatable kayaks.
However the lower air pressure means it does not require excessive effort to inflate with the included dual-action hand pump.
A dual-action pump like the one in this package pushes air out on both the upstroke and downstroke, which speeds up the process and reduces the amount of work needed to inflate the kayak.
Easy Clip-In Fins
After inflation, the three removable fins attach easily to the underside of the kayak. The fins slide into the fin boxes and clip into place.
There are two fins at the tail end of the kayak and one center fin closer to the front end.
Inflate & Secure The Seats
With the seats you have the option of attaching both or just using one to paddle this tandem kayak solo.
The bottom part of the seat is inflatable and inflates in seconds to 1.5 PSI with the pump.
They secure to the velcro strips on the floor of the kayak and the adjustable straps secure to the clips on the side chambers.
The entire process is straightforward enough that even first-time kayak owners should be able to handle it without frustration.
Comfort Features
When kayaking comfort is everything as it will determine not only the amount of time you can spend on the water but also how enjoyable the overall experience is.
There are a few key comfort features to note here:
Cockpit Spacing
The ability to reposition the seats for solo or tandem paddling creates flexibility.
A taller person may enjoy paddling this kayak solo in order to have extra leg room. However even for two adult users it’s comfortable enough for day trips with decent leg room and cargo space.
The cockpit area is fairly spacious for an inflatable and there is decent space for gear, and even a dog or child… Especially when paddled solo.
Seats
The inflatable bottom of the kayak seat is quite comfortable and you can control the firmness with how much air you put in.
We found the seat felt better and sat you up higher with full air pressure.
The back rest will get you through a few hours of paddling. However we found the back to be fairly low and have definitely used other kayak seats that provide far more back support.
Pro Tip: Make sure the seat straps are adjusted tightly for more rigidity in the back. Also scoot your butt back on the seat so that the back rest is able to fully support you as best as possible.
Footrests
The included footrests are a welcome addition and in our optinion a big plus.
Many entry-level inflatable kayaks skip this feature, but having a place to brace your feet improves both comfort and paddling efficiency.
The footrests attach to the velcro strips on the floor so you can place them anywhere along the floor that feels most comfortable for you.
The footrests aren’t fancy but they work great and are easy to pack away when not in use.
All things considered we found the Coaster to provide a fairly comfortable experience.
Convenience Features
Everything on this kayak has a purpose and that’s to make the users overall experience more enjoyable.
There are a few great convenience features to be aware of:
Paddle Holders
On both sides of the kayak there are canvas velcro strips that can be used to secure the kayak paddles when not in use.
This is convenient when carrying the kayak to and from the water but it is also convenient if anchored and fishing from the kayak as well.
Bottom line the paddles don’t get in the way when they are not needed.
Multiple Carry Handles
There are 4 handles on the Coaster for convenient carrying.
If carrying with two people there is one handle on the front deck and one on the rear deck.
If carrying this kayak solo you can use the middle handles on the side chambers. These middle handles are really handy.
Drain Valve
On the bottom of the kayak you’ll find a drain valve, which can be used to drain water if any gets in the kayak.
This drain valve is also convenient when drying out the kayak before storing it away.
Velcro Floor Strips
The two velcro strips run the length of the floor and can be used to secure the footrests as well as the seats.
These velcro strips are surprisingly strong and helpful. They do a good job at keeping both the footrests and the seats in place.
They also make it very easy to move both of these items to whichever position works best for the kayaker.
Stability on the Water
If there is one characteristic that defines the Retrospec Coaster, it is stability.
The kayak’s wide 39-inch beam creates a secure feeling on the water. Beginners will appreciate how stable the platform feels, especially when compared to narrower touring kayaks.
Getting in and out of the kayak is easy, and there is very little sensation of tipping. This confidence-inspiring stability makes it an excellent choice for families, casual paddlers, and anyone who is new to kayaking.
The stability also makes activities like fishing, photography, or simply relaxing on the water much more enjoyable.
While experienced paddlers may prefer a narrower kayak for increased speed and efficiency, the Coaster’s stable design is one of its biggest strengths.
Tracking and Performance
The Coaster is designed primarily for recreational paddling rather than speed. Its wide shape prioritizes stability over efficiency.
Therefore it’s important to keep performance expectations realistic.
On calm lakes and slow-moving rivers, this kayak tracks reasonably well thanks to its removable fin system.
The fins help the kayak maintain a straighter course and reduce side to side yaw movement. If you forget to secure the fins on one of your outings, you will definitely notice the difference.
We also noticed that in wind it required more corrective strokes to keep the kayak on a straight course, though this was not unexpected with an inflatable kayak of this size.
With all that said, the performance is more than adequate for most kayakers out for a leisurely paddle, enjoying time outdoors.
Performance Highlights
For recreational paddling, we found the Coaster offered these key strengths:
- Excellent stability for beginners
- Comfortable for relaxed paddling sessions
- Tracks reasonably well with fins installed
- Easy to maneuver in calm conditions
- Plenty of room for gear, pets, or extra equipment
The trade-off is that it prioritizes stability over speed.
Storage and Cargo Capacity
With both the tandem and solo Coaster there are bungee storage areas on top of the nose and tail spray skirts.
You can easily fit a small to medium size dry bag under these bungees as well as a drink bottle or any other gear you need to keep secure.
There’s also deck space in front as well as the rear of the kayak that can be used for storing coolers, fishing gear, or dry bags.
With the longer tandem Coaster especially there is ample room to bring your dog along for the ride as well and this kayak can hold up to 440 lbs.
For day trips and recreational adventures, storage space won’t likely be a concern.
Durability and Build Quality
For the price range, the build quality is quite good. The kayak uses a heavy-duty polyester shell with a puncture-resistant tarpaulin hull underneath.
This gives it a more rugged appearance than many budget inflatable kayaks while providing extra protection against rocks, branches, and shoreline abrasion.
The material feels substantial and rugged and more than suitable for recreational paddling on lakes and calmer water.
Of course, the longevity of the kayak also depends on proper storage and treatment.
Tips to help your kayak last longer:
- Rinse with fresh water after use, especially if kayaking in salty ocean water.
- Dry thoroughly after use before storing away.
- Keep it stored out of direct sunlight and away from the elements.
- Close valve caps when not in use to keep dirt and debris out.
- When not in use don’t leave in hot sun for long periods as this will cause air to expand putting pressure on the seams.
- Carry the kayak to and from the water, avoid dragging.
Who Is The Coaster Best Suited For?
Whether it’s the solo or tandem version, the Retrospec Coaster truly performs best when used for it’s intended purpose, which is casual leisurely outings on the water.
The tandem Coaster inflatable kayak is best suited for:
- Beginners learning how to kayak
- Couples looking for a recreational tandem kayak
- Families with children
- Pet owners who want extra onboard space
- A larger paddler wanting extra space
- Campers and travelers with limited storage
- Casual paddlers exploring calm waters
The solo Coaster inflatable kayak is best suited for:
- Beginners wanting an ultra portable kayak
- Smaller paddlers who want a kayak that is easy to handle
- Users with limited storage space
- Budget conscious kayakers who want a durable product for the price
- Campers and travelers
- Also makes a great second kayak for family and friends
The Coaster is less suitable for:
- Long-distance touring
- Advanced whitewater paddling
- Competitive paddling
- Users seeking maximum speed and efficiency
Pros and Cons
Understanding the kayaks strengths and limitations can help to decide if this is the right kayak for your needs.
Pros
- Very stable on the water
- Lightweight for a tandem kayak, ultra light for the solo
- Spacious cockpit design
- Complete accessory package included
- Easy setup and inflation
- Good storage capacity
- Convenient backpack transport system
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Not particularly fast
- Can be affected by strong winds
- Back support can become less comfortable over longer outings
No kayak is perfect, but we believe the advantages outweigh the drawbacks for most recreational users.
Final Verdict
The Retrospec Coaster Inflatable Kayak doesn’t pretend to be anything that it is not. It really succeeds by focusing on what most recreational paddlers actually need: stability, comfort, portability, and simplicity.
While it’s not the fastest kayak out there, it offers a spacious design, good storage capacity, a stable platform and a very portable package.
Although not a top of the line inflatable kayak we think you get a lot for your money with this package. This is by far one of the better mid-range inflatable kayaks we have tried.
The ability to pack the entire system into a backpack is a major advantage for anyone with limited storage space and for those who don’t want to deal with heavy lifting and roof racks.
We loved the extra space and the versatility that the tandem Coaster offered us but even the solo makes for a super portable and easy to use kayak option.
Overall the Retrospec Coaster is a very versatile and enjoyable ride. With the proper care it should last a long time and provide many enjoyable hours on the water.
Best of all the price is affordable, it comes with a 2-year warranty and a full accessory package.
Learn More About Inflatable Kayaks
If you’d like more info on the pros and cons of using an inflatable kayak go to our Inflatable Kayak FAQ page to get all your questions answered.
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