How to Choose an Inflatable Kayak?
Buying an Inflatable Kayak? Here's everything you need to know.
- Written on 21st January 2022
I wrote this 'advice article' to help people understand what they should look for in an inflatable kayak. Over many years helping customers with this, I've acquired a good understanding of what one needs to know in order to select a kayak that's right for them. The aim of this 5-minute read is to compile the most essential pieces of advice that I have to offer into a single page, a bit like a bible for those thinking about buying an inflatable kayak. I hope it proves to be helpful.
If you've been researching inflatable kayaks online then you've probably experienced difficulty in dealing with the vast amount of choice out there and understanding the difference between them all. Once broken down however, you'll learn that the seemingly endless list of options will be drastically shorter after a few key considerations. First, by considering reputable makers you'll dramatically narrow your options down, and in doing this you're also likely to save yourself from disappointment once out on the water. I compare it to buying a good pair of boots, a well-made pair is a pair to be enjoyed for life, but go too cheap and you'll end up buying twice. It's the same with Inflatable Kayaks.
After a number of years supplying several brands we took the decision to specialise in Sevylor, not least because Sevylor's talent for making inflatables pre-dates that of any other company by some distance, earning them wide recognition as 'the original'. More importantly however, as the undisputed market leader since 1948 Sevylor have managed to combined decades of know-how with rather enormous research & development budgets year after year. The result in my experience is that Sevylor kayaks tend to be several steps ahead of the copycat brands, and the difference is not subtle. For us paddlers it means trusty kayaks that make you want to go out more often; reliable, tough as nails, comfortable and supportive on your back. Sitting in almost all of Sevylor models (except maybe one or two of their budget kayaks) quality is evident wherever you look, from generously cross-stitched nylon belts, to thick layers of Neoprene and Decitex. They certainly don't scrimp on materials.
The other consideration that people seldom think about, is the warranty policy and after-sales care. But when purchasing an inflatable product it should be at the forefront of your mind. I think Sevylor have the better warranty policy of all the brands we've worked with in the past, offering a 2 year quality guarantee on already brilliantly-built crafts. As a Sevylor specialist we deal with Sevylor directly on behalf of our customers in the event of a warranty claim, and despite selling Sevylor for over 10 years the number of times we've filed a claim is staggeringly low. Nonetheless, when we have done so it's always been a painless, no-questions-asked process.
The Sevylor range is extensive, and it's possible to get lost amongst their fleet of 20 models, which covers every basis whether you're looking for something cheap and cheerful for the children in the summer months, or you're a thrill seeker looking for a whitewater-grade kayak that you can easily travel to far flung countries with. As a keen paddler myself, I know each of these models inside out, including all the small things you don't discover until you're out paddling. We've reduced you're list to a reputable brand, now let's use the table below to drill down on which model you should choose. I've listed the key features for each model starting at the low-budget end, progressively getting more serious and impressive.
Model |
Skin Type |
Seating |
Stability |
Back Support |
Low-drag Seats |
Paddle Holders |
Bag |
|
Sevylor® Riviera
|
Single Skin |  |
|
4/10 |  |
|
No Bag |
| Sevylor® Tahiti
|
Single Skin | |
 |
5/10 | |
|
Integrated Backpack |
|
Sevylor® Tahiti Plus
|
Single Skin |  |
|
5/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Reef
|
Decitex® Triple Skin |  |
 |
7/10 | |
 |
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Adventure
|
Nylon Dual Skin |  |
 |
6/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Adventure Plus
|
Nylon Dual Skin | |
|
6/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Waterton
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
|
8/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Colorado
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
|
8/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Madison
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
|
8/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Hudson
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
 |
8/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Hudson Premium
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
|
8/10 | |
|
Carry Bag |
|
Sevylor® Alameda
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
 |
10/10 | |
|
Sealable Rucksack |
|
Sevylor Alameda® Premium
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
|
10/10 | |
|
Sealable Rucksack |
|
Sevylor® Ottawa
|
Decitex® Triple Skin | |
|
10/10 | |
|
Sealable Rucksack |
How to Choose a Sevylor Kayak?
Let's discuss some of the key features and how they might impact your choice.
Start with your intentions. Do you want this for some seaside fun during the summer months, or do you want something a little more serious? Sevylor can get you paddling for as little as £100, but they have an extensive choice of more pricey models that you can expect to last 15 to 20 years. Generally speaking, the more you spend the more the model will mimic the performance of a rigid kayak, with the durability and stability needed to carry you and your fellow paddler(s) through rivers, canals, coastlines and even whitewater rapids.
If the first option suits you, go for a single skin kayak such as the Riviera, Tahiti, or Tahiti Plus, and get yourself on the water for as little as £100. If your intention is to invest in a more comfortable, stable and durable craft for all-terrain trips you’ll want to go for a 'dual-skin', or 'triple-skin' kayak.
- Dual-skin kayaks have a nylon exterior/shell, which protects the rubber inner-tubes within, enabling you to drag the kayak up shingle beaches without the worry of damaging the kayak.
- Triple-skin kayaks are the same as dual-skin kayaks, but with 2 additional benefits: They have a nylon protected internal floor (where you feet will be) to protect the inner cockpit from heavy or sharp objects such as fishing hooks or diving equipment. Triple-skin kayaks also benefit from a Decitex® hull/underside. Decitex® is a patented black material that armours the base of the kayak against rocks and coral - as well as serving to protect the kayak, it also makes the kayak feel incredibly rigid, much like a solid kayak.
Think about your purposes. Every Sevylor kayak fits into a suitcase so holidays are an absolute breeze, you just need to decide if you'll be using it solo, as a tandem, or as a three-seater. The Madison and Colorado models convert perfectly between a 1-seater and 2-seater, which means you can move your seat to the middle in order to keep the kayak perfectly balanced whilst solo paddling.
The Ottawa, Alameda, Hudson and Adventure Plus have room for a 3rd paddler but can be configured as a solo or Tander kayak too, making them the usual choice for families. Pet owners, picnickers and campers can remove the middle seat to make way for storage of the dog or a day bag. The Waterton and the Adventure are dedicated 2-seaters, but we would suggest these models for smaller paddlers, not for taller people or those in need of generous leg room.
Next, consider your budget. You'll notice you get a black material on the underneath of the Ottawa, Alameda, Madison, Hudson and Colorado models. This ‘Decitex’ material is PVC with a nylon weave running through it, and it means incredible strength, smooth and effortless paddling, and a waterproof finish. You pay a little more for these models but it’s well worth it if you in this for the long run and want effortless paddling and a bone-dry boot!
If you’re considering the Hudson or the Alameda, you can pay a little extra for the ‘Premium’ version of these kayaks – the difference being a sleek colour scheme and the all-new ‘Easy Inflation System, which enables you to inflate the whole kayak from just one valve. So if you want super-convenience, go for this option. The bladders still remain independant from each other in the unlikely event of a puncture. However, if you’re saving some budget aside for equipment, the standard version only has 2 extra values – so not a huge inconvenience!
Look at the small things. All kayaks come with easy transportation, but these differ; The Ottawa, and the Alameda come with an incredible dry bag, which is total sealed and waterproof. Having waited a while to these, we all agree they were worth the wait and certainly the best bag we've seen from Sevylor - the whole kayak fits inside and it has really good quality backpack straps for your shoulders. There's even a drainage plug on the bag, so that you can drain the kayak whilst it's in the bag. The Madison, Colorado, Colorado Premium, Tahiti and Adventure Plus all come with the Integrated Backpack System, where the kayak rolls up and becomes a small backpack itself! The 2017 models comes with a generously sized free Backpack, which can hold all of your equipment too such as paddles and pumps. All other models come with a handy nylon carry bag for dry storage – ideal for throwing in the boot of the car.
Do you require much storage space? Whist all of the kayaks will have some room inbetween your legs or at the back of the kayak for storage, you’ll notice that some have more storage space than others. If keeping things dry is a concern, look out for spray decks. Kayaks like the Ottawa, Alameda & Hudson have a huge dry deck on the front and also bungee chords for improvised storage.
Consider back support – you’ll thank yourself! Don’t forget that after a days paddling your back can start to feel it! Unsurprisingly, the cheaper, single-skin models are less supportive – so a 3/10 score for these models, but these are generally used for short periods of time, which means you're long finished paddling before you back would start to ache! The Adventure and Adventure Plus and have inflatable back rests as well as cushions that are velcro'd to the floor, which makes them comfortable and more supportive – we give these models a 6/10 for support. The Madsion & Hudson have an inflatable cushion will a very firm foam back rest that will see you supported and comfortable for hours of paddling – 8/10 rating for these models.
Will you be going fishing? If you’re planning on fishing, we recommend the Ottawa, Alameda, Madison, Colorado or Hudson. Not only is the inner flooring covered with a strong nylon skin for protection against hooks, these models have the space required for your fishing rod.
Finally there's our new kayaks - the Ottawa and the Alameda. If it's back support you want, then these model are incredible. For the first time ever, the seats are suspended from the side walls, creating a 2 inch gap between the underneith of the seat and the flooring, which changes a few things.. Firstly you don't find yourself sitting in water at any point. Secondly, as well as the gap, the seat cushions are at-least twice as thick (5 inches) meaning more comfort and a higher, more controlled paddling position. Thirdly, since you're seat is off the flooring, so is your bum, which means you create far less drag that in the other models which change the shape of the hull of the kayak. The seats and also be configured inch-by-inch, which makes leg room adjustments a dream! I'd give these models 11/10 if it were possible.
Our team are on hand if you would like to ask us anything. We’re always happy to educate friends on the Sevylor range and ultimately getting people out exploring on the water - hopefully you're now a step closer.
Happy shopping (and paddling!).
- Written by our founder on 21st January 2021
