Inflatable kayaks

[heisthegaffer]

Hi all

For a bit of fun I'm thinking about getting an inflatable kayak, maybe an intex K2 or bestway hydro force x2.

Going to use it to mess around on and at some point do a bit of sea fishing.

Anyone used one before? Any other makes to consider?

[pequod]

If you can stretch your budget, I would suggest a purpose made fishing canoe would be a better bet. Something like this;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sevylor-Coleman-ColoradoT...

[smifffymoto]

I have been looking at Hobie’s with paddle drive for years,not for fishing, just general pottering about.
They aren’t inflatable but look a far superior product.

[JFReturns]

If you’re using it on the sea for fishing I would not recommend an inflatable at all. Spend a bit more and invest in a decent rigid sit on kayak and you’ll find it safer and fit for purpose.

Mine is an Ocean Kayak Prowler which is pretty hefty but I can paddle a mile (tracking shoreline), anchor up, fish for a couple of hours safely and comfortably and then return.



Check out ‘Cornish Shore and Kayak Fisherman’ on YouTube, I learnt a lot from his set up videos and how tos. Enjoy and safety first.

[slatermethuen]

I recommend going for one with a drop-stitch base (like what stand-up paddle boards use). This makes it really rigid when inflated so that it glides almost as well as a solid kayak. I have one of these and really like it:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aquaglide-Chelan-Tandem-P...

[JFReturns]

smifffymoto said:

I have been looking at Hobie’s with paddle drive for years,not for fishing, just general pottering about.
They aren’t inflatable but look a far superior product.

Yeah the Hobies look great and I’m really tempted! Trying to convince my wife it’s for her really...

Just realised they do inflatables as well now, but at several thousand not quite what the OP had in mind I should think

[heisthegaffer]

Thanks for all the responses guys.

Ironically enough I was going to get a rigid/moulded kayak but a mate suggested an inflatable to see how I get on. If an inflatable won't cut the mustard at sea fishing then I'll reconsider but may get an inflatable for inland fun.

Thanks again.

[The Mad Monk]

slatermethuen said:

I recommend going for one with a drop-stitch base (like what stand-up paddle boards use). This makes it really rigid when inflated so that it glides almost as well as a solid kayak. I have one of these and really like it:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aquaglide-Chelan-Tandem-P...

Yeah, but look at the price!

[paintman]

Lot of the ads/reviews for the cheaper inflatables specify for lakes and 'mild rivers' use.
e.g https://www.amazon.co.uk/Explorer-2-Person-Inflata...

Using at sea in addition to waves you need to factor in tide & wind as you can be carried a long way in a very short time & the higher & lighter something is the more the wind will affect it. Could be impossible to get back to your launch point & you are then looking for an alternative landing point which could be a long way away.

I'd suggest you also need to be sure you are able to get back onto/into the kayak if you end up in the water - recent occurrence in Cornwall & he was very very lucky to survive. Friend of mine lives locally & told me he was only seen because the chef at one of the clifftop hotels - so high vantage point - noticed something odd floating. From sea level the Coastguards couldn't see him.
https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/ka...

Edited by paintman on Wednesday 3rd June 09:47

[Bill]

heisthegaffer said:

Thanks for all the responses guys.

Ironically enough I was going to get a rigid/moulded kayak but a mate suggested an inflatable to see how I get on. If an inflatable won't cut the mustard at sea fishing then I'll reconsider but may get an inflatable for inland fun.

Thanks again.

We have a Gumotex Seawave that is fantastic, but expensive. It's made out of the same stuff RIBs are but there's no way I'd risk hooks near it.

ETA also get a PLB as a bare minimum.

Edited by Bill on Wednesday 3rd June 09:57

[dudleybloke]

I bought an Intex K1 last year, then got a K2 very cheap second-hand but I got fed up with punctures so bought an old Pyranha Master 2 rigid kayak and would never go back to an inflatable.
There's loads of choice for fishing kayaks and they are going to be a lot better for fishing than a normal kayak.
The wind, as mentioned above, is a major consideration with an inflatable, even on the canal I get blown all over the place.

Edited by dudleybloke on Wednesday 3rd June 10:19

[jep]

Have a look at Hou Canoes. The've recently introduced a range of inflatables to sit alongside their other boats. Any questions about their suitability, just give them a call & they'd be happy to advise.

I've got one of their 15' boats, and am extremely happy with it.

[Bill]

dudleybloke said:

The wind, as mentioned above, is a major consideration with an inflatable, even on the canal I get blown all over the place.

Not necessarily, the Seawave I mentioned earlier is really good. I think the ribs running the full length of the bottom help.

[JFReturns]

I’m sure some of the inflatables are excellent quality and may be usable on sea in calm conditions with little tide run, but they’re expensive and I still would not fancy getting hooks or grip leads, even Bass, anywhere near them!

Granted a lot of people fish from inflatable RIBS and don’t have an issue so it could just be me...

[heisthegaffer]

Thanks all, appreciate the views.

[Bill]

JFReturns said:

I’m sure some of the inflatables are excellent quality and may be usable on sea in calm conditions with little tide run, but they’re expensive and I still would not fancy getting hooks or grip leads, even Bass, anywhere near them!

Granted a lot of people fish from inflatable RIBS and don’t have an issue so it could just be me...

They are really good. As good as a plastic SOT IMO. But I'm with you on the hook front though.

[zax]

I think everybody pretty much covered the downsides. Having owned far too many self powered floating things, the only reason I would consider an inflatable kayak would be if I had issues with either storing or transporting a rigid kayak. I can't think of any other upsides!

[JFReturns]

zax said:

I think everybody pretty much covered the downsides. Having owned far too many self powered floating things, the only reason I would consider an inflatable kayak would be if I had issues with either storing or transporting a rigid kayak. I can't think of any other upsides!

Have you owned / used a Hobie? Would be interested in your opinion if so (inshore sea / estuary fishing).

[zax]

JFReturns said:

zax said:

I think everybody pretty much covered the downsides. Having owned far too many self powered floating things, the only reason I would consider an inflatable kayak would be if I had issues with either storing or transporting a rigid kayak. I can't think of any other upsides!

Have you owned / used a Hobie? Would be interested in your opinion if so (inshore sea / estuary fishing).

I've had a couple of goes but not whilst fishing, I'm more into expedition paddling. That said, having a tough, stable platform that keeps your hands free and lets you carry enough gear and fit rod holders etc. seems a lot more practical to me for fishing than bouncing around or being blown by the wind in an inflatable! Depends on budget of course, but a decent rigid sit-on-top kayak would probably get you most of the way there...

[Bill]

Another doubter...