With the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak, you don’t have to worry about carrying a huge boat trailer on the back of your truck or car. You don’t have to worry about spending on renting or buying an expensive boat. You don’t have to worry about anything.
Not only is it extremely affordable, stable, and safe, but it’s also surprisingly spacious – so you can fit kids in, pets, or for those people who need a little more legroom, there is plenty enough space. The Explorer K2 is an inflatable kayak with very easy instructions on how to make the most of it – with a streamlined design that makes rowing easy for people of all abilities – whether it’s a professional kayaker or someone just starting out.
Materials and construction
With a length of 10.3 ft and a width of 3 ft, Explorer K2 is laminated with puncture-resistant vinyl, which means that its material can take some scratches against hardened and rough rocks, as well as pass-through debris.
The three separate air chambers that hold the kayak on the water ensure that finding a hole will not sink the kayak. The combination of the hard vinyl material, as well as the inner tubes, also ensures that if for any reason, there is a puncture, you will be able to return to dry land without any stress or problems.
If you are worried about any weight imbalances, then we hope that I-Beam Centered will put your mind to ease because it keeps the kayak stable and rigid. Even if two people sit in the Intex Explorer K2 and one person is heavier than the other, the beam will ensure that it supports both and stabilizes the construction. In addition, all products are 100% tested to be airtight before leaving the factory. This ensures excellent stability, safety, durability, and performance.
Durability
As we mentioned before, the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak contains great materials that not only protect those who paddle inside it but also help prevent accidents from happening altogether.
The vinyl material ensures that it can take a fairly rough scrape and a barge against rough materials such as stones and wood or blunt sticks. If something manages to make a hole in the material, then the Kayak comes with repair patches to use on the go – keeping your day quiet and peaceful.
Although the kayak is by no means is completely resistant to sinking, the material adds at least one layer of protection. Along with that, the kayak contains those three air chambers, which means that if something comes up and one of them gets popped, you still have two strong air chambers to keep you afloat, allowing you to return to land safely soon enough.
Inflatable kayaks can have a misconception that they are easy to sink, weak, and just poor quality, simply because they can be used by pumping them full of air. However, Intex has made sure to include relevant measures to ensure that the Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak is just as good as any kayak, if not even better, to stay safe and carefree.
The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak, with its low price and design, keeps its profile low and elegant for those calmer days, although its performance on more aggressive waters is not as strong. Because it is inflatable, it doesn’t take those hard waves very well, and the paddles could be a little stronger – but hey, what can you expect at such a low price! There must be a downside. But again, would you like to go kayaking in choppy waters?
Easy to use
The Intex Explorer K2 is very light and easy to handle. That’s as long as you’re on those calmer waves – anything stormier or rougher could make it difficult to stay in a straight line. However, the removable barrel that can be inserted into the kayak for extra rigidity and support makes this kayak definitely worth it.
Not only do you have a streamlined design that makes rowing and moving through the water a breeze, the extra barrel, and inflatable beam to add extra support to balance and rigidity make this kayak very easy to use for beginners.
More so, the purchase includes two 86 ”blades, but it also includes its own high-power Intex pump, which makes cork swelling and deflation very quick and easy. Thus, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to manage it, just pump it up and start having some fun.
The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak includes what is known as the Boston Valves. In essence, it is a one-way opening with two different screws or holes for easy swelling and deflation. The first port is simple: as you unscrew the top cover, you can use the pump to inflate further without leaking air in the process, in turn decreasing the time required to inflate. The middle cover or the second port is much larger, and you will unscrew it to let larger volumes of air escape both efficiently and effectively.
Performance
When purchasing an Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, you need to consider what you want to use it for. Due to its low profile made of a flat body, it is mainly recommended for the use of recreational kayaking.
It includes great features, such as the removable skeg that helps balance and rigidity, as well as the inflatable I-Beam that provides extra support; the low and accurately streamlined position, in addition, makes the maneuverability simple and easy. Thus, being able to move in straight lines without too much hassle and change directions easily using just the paddles and without having to fight the kayak itself is one of the undoubtedly best features of the Explorer K2.
The large weight capacity of 400 kilograms makes it almost universal for anyone to use this cool boat. Whether it is used by just one person or two people, it is perfect for all shapes and sizes. However, this kayak is perfect for other such activities, for example, fishing or just for extra storage. Thus, while you venture on the lakes, with a high tail and head and very easy to install additional balance measures, you have plenty of options to use this inflatable for not just kayaking.
Specifications
- Explorer K2 weight – 37.00 LBS Maximum person (s) – 2
- Explorer K2 maximum weight capacity – 400 LBS (180kg)
- Explorer K2 when inflated size – 10.3 Feet x 3 Feet (3.12m x 0.91m)
- Explorer K2 compliance – National Association of Marine Producers, certified using ABYC standards
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Accessible
- Light
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Durable material
- Plenty of space and chairs for extra comfort
Cons
- Do not use in turbulent waters.
- The paddles of the Explored K2 could be stronger and of better quality, but you can always buy new kayak paddles.
Customers Q&A
- Question: Are the seats removable? I just want it for fishing.
- Answer: Yes, the seats are fully adjustable and removable. This is also a very robust small boat. My two-year-old daughter and Border Collie and I have two, and we all go together in one boat.
- Question: What does it come with?
- Answer: We actually talked to the manufacturer, and it no longer comes with a hand pump, despite what the manufacturer’s box and Amazon ad say.
- Question: What is the weight limit?
- Answer: Technically, the specification indicates the maximum load as 250 lbs. However, my wife and I weigh at least 100 kilograms, and there seems to be no problem. If you search on YouTube for “Yoly’s Trips” and then find a video called “Blackwater River – Part 2 – Kayak Trip”, you can see it in action.
- Question: Is it ok to use it at sea?
- Answer: We took 3 of them on the north coast of Kauai, 4th grade by ocean kayak, on a three-day trip. They worked absolutely great. In June, we will take them to Tahiti. YES, they can handle the ocean.
- Question: Does anyone compared Intex K2 to Sevylor Tahiti? For the same price, you receive pallets + skeg with Intex.
- Answer: I have both Intex Explorer and Sevylor Tahiti. The explorer better tracks the water by using attached skegs, with at least two people on board. I’ve never used Tahiti solo, though. Explorer comes with those things already mentioned that Tahiti should have included. Explorer K2 usually has a better price. Other than that, they’re both very nice inflatables. I actually prefer the Tahiti when it comes to how it looks, but this is just a personal preference. Explorer is a better offer and a better kayak. When the time came when I thought I actually needed a third inflatable kayak so that more family members could comfortably tag along, I without a doubt opted for another Intex Explorer K2 over Tahiti.
- Question: What are the dimensions of the kayak when it is packed in the carrying bag?
- Answer: It is small, about 22 inches long, 11 inches wide, and maybe 15 inches high, including everything in the bag.
- Question: How dry is this kayak when used in flat waters? If the kayak is used in cool weather, would clothes stay dry? Or is it a swimsuit boat?
- Answer: You can stay quite dry as long as you can get in and out without getting too wet! Because it’s an inflatable, I’ve found that it’s not as stable to go in and out of it. But once you get to the water (calm water), then it tracks and can be used just like any other normal kayak. You will get some water in the boat from the paddles, but that’s about it.
Conclusion
In review, it is an excellent boat for those who want to go out to the beautiful picturesque waters and lakes to learn to kayak. Maybe you want to do it as an escape from the banalities of general life, or maybe you can see yourself doing this as a career, but to do that, you are going to need an affordable starter. The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak might just be the perfect choice for you. With optional skegs and very useful removable inflatable beams coupled with adjustable two-person seats, this inflatable kayak is absolutely great for its class. Thus, for the best prices on the market, we highly recommend you go on amazon.com.
