Aquaglide Chelan 155 HB XL Inflatable Kayak has it all, speed, a beautiful design, and one of the best tracking capabilities a paddler would want from an inflatable kayak. Chelan 155 HB XL comes in a 28 by 24 by a 20-inch box that is about the size of a larger suitcase. The 155 version is the largest version of Aquaglide’s Chelan kayaks. The smaller versions are Chelan 120 and 140 which work both as solo design or as a tandem. Aquaglide is known for its superior material quality, tough Duratex tube construction, and rigid floors that give the security for even the longest and durable travels.
Kayak Features
The first thing a user has to do in order for the kayak to be usable is to inflate all its three chambers until the recommended six psi is reached. The next step is to install the seats, which vary from 1 to 3. The best thing about Chelan 155 HB XL seats is that they provide many features such as an inflatable cushion, a comfortable backrest and many integrated mesh pockets on the back of the seats. The seats also have fishing rod holders integrated into them. Velcro and straps are maintaining the seats in a secured place.
The two Velcro straps that run the length of the floor can be easily moved and readjust to trim the kayak and give the desired configuration. From solo to tandem and even tandem facing each other the kayak can be adjusted in all these positions. The procedure is done using special clips that are securing the many lash tabs alongside the length of the vessel. The kayak can also be purchased with a junior paddler seat included. The footrests which are uniquely attached to the Velcro straps are perfectly placed for the utmost comfort.
The Chelan 155 also has many more thoughtful features such as two splash guards at each of the cockpit sides that keep paddlers drier than Texas. Another feature is the molded handlers that make the kayak easily transportable by everyone. A removable fin is also included, removing it will help with the tracking.
Kayak in the Water
Its long waterline helps the Chelan 155 to glide on the water as smoothly as possible. Of course, having a sharp plastic bow contributes to the factor greatly. Keep in mind that the boat is designed and thus the most suitable for lake tours. It can be used in ocean waters and class II rapids too but at the cost of maneuverability.
Chelan 155 is surprisingly enough a spacious kayak that has plenty of room for even multi-day tours. With a 600-pound capacity, together with underneath storage that is suitable for mid-sized drybags, the boat offers enough space for all the equipment.
If you are planning to take the kayak solo and not in tandem then be aware that the boat’s size is fairly big at 15 foot and thus carrying it alone might be a heavy burden. Having no paddle holders included might be an extra burden for those of you with lots of stuff.
Design
The Chelan 155 kayak is just great. A very versatile inflatable boat. It has the ability to easily switch from solo to tandem and vice versa. It also can be used by a max number of three people with enough room for gear too. The velcro strips that are on the floor allow the seats to be placed as pleased. With an open cockpit design, it’s perfect for paddlers who feel uncomfortable while being enclosed.
The construction doesn’t have any tubes and thus the whole kayak body is 45 lbs making the vessel lightweight. The kayak can carry a max of 600 lbs. Drying times are much shorter than on other kayaks because of the Duratex smooth skin and also the multiple drain plugs that prevent the water from staying too much on the boat. These plugs can also be opened so that to get through mild or surf whitewater.
The kayak also has many more things incorporated into it such as a universal Scotty-style mount, multiple attachment loops, molle plates, infinite seating positions, and deck lacing. While cinched, the back seat provides enough support and comfort. The kayak is also easily portable, it can fit even into a small car.
The boat is a great choice for paddlers who need enough room for extra gear or who want to bring with them their kids or pets.
More Thoughts on the Kayak
While used solo the kayak tends to go in zigzags because of the lesser weight but it still tracks well. Though, the kayak performs better in tandem. The kayak’s inflation takes roughly 10 minutes if a stirrup pump is used.
The boat folds up and fits into a backpack easily, the only downside being that it is hard to carry something at this size on your back. The floor is also removable, which makes cleaning and drying easy.
Inflatable Kayaks Overview
A kayak is a narrow-cut boat that is driven by a double paddle and in which the paddler sits facing the direction of travel. They are fast and agile paddle boats that were originally used for hunting in Greenland and the rest of Arctic North America. Today, because of these properties, kayaks are used as racing kayaks in water sports or as touring kayaks for touring paddlers. They are therefore aimed at paddlers who want to move forward quickly and cover a lot of distance. But among beginners, kayaks are extremely popular for small, leisurely excursions on the water.
Inflatable kayaks are boats in which mainly PVC or coated polyester fabric are used as materials. In an inflatable kayak, the air is pumped into the boat chambers with the help of an air pump. Depending on the material used and the processing of the kayak, more or less air can be pumped into the boat chambers, which affects the pressure.
Advantages and disadvantages of an inflatable kayak
Anyone who buys an inflatable kayak primarily chooses them because they are extremely practical. The huge advantage of an inflatable kayak is that when folded you can easily find space in a carrier bag. Inflatable kayaks can be packed compactly so that the longest side is reduced to 50 to 100 cm. A rigid hull kayak, on the other hand, has a minimum length of 3 m, often 4 to 5 m. In addition, inflatable kayaks are 10 to 20 kg lighter than fixed boats, depending on the model. If you don’t want to carry your boat on your back, you can also use a kayak cart to transport it.
You can transport an inflatable kayak on foot, by bike, in public transport, even on a plane, in the trunk of a car or in a camper. So you don’t need a car with a roof rack, thus you are completely flexible. At home, inflatable kayaks can be stored in any corner when folded. If you want to enjoy an inflatable kayak for a long time, you should also pay attention to the correct use and care of the inflatable kayak.
Advantages
+ already inexpensive models available + flexible use (river, lake, sea) + good speed for an inflatable boat + also available as a single boat + easy to transport and storable to save space
Disadvantages
– susceptible to the wind – slower than rigid or folding kayaks – certain maintenance requirements
