The new Kokopeli Moki I Inflatable Kayak series expands the Kokopelli product line, offering a traditional rowing experience. Last month, the 2020 models started running. We start the series of reviews with the high-pressure Moki inflatable kayak, a 12-ft 2-inch model with a zippered deck, and a spray skirt.
Introductory notions about the Kokopelli Moki inflatable kayak
We unpacked the box and placed the parts – inflatable kayak body with high-pressure floor, EVA seat, detachable deck, spray skirt, footrest, coaming tube, manometer pump, repair set, roller backpack, wing, rod deck, repair set, and instructions. The wing and the repair kit are in a backpack pocket.
In the box, the dimensions are 36 x 25 x 15 inches, with a delivery weight of 58 lbs. The kayak weighs 33 lbs with the seat, floor, strap, and fins – add another 1.75 lbs for the deck and 1 lb for the coaming and spray skirt. All packed in a bag, everything weighs 46 lbs. The size of the folded kayak is 29 x 21 x 9 inches.
The general instructions for the Kokopelli Moki I series of inflatable kayaks include inflation and deflation techniques, the installation of the deck, seat, and skirt, but they do not have details about the actual assembly; we will present below the steps we have taken. In general, the configuration is straightforward – unpack, unwind, inflate.
The first step is to unfold the kayak. Kokopelli Moki uses three main GRI push-push valves for inflation. They are very simple to use and have an inflation mode (spring piston is up) and a deflation mode (spring piston is down). Using your finger to gently push the piston, it can be moved into inflation mode (air enters and does not return) and deflation mode (air enters and returns outside).
Then set up the pump – this is not mentioned in the instructions. Moki comes with a Nano pump with double action, foldable, very smart, and built-in pressure gauge. Bend your feet down and attach the hose to the side that says “Swelling” (there is also a deflation side). There are two pieces of plastic tubes in the plastic packaging – these are screws on the handles. Unfortunately, there is no place to attach/store the handles when they are removed, so you may want to buy a mesh laundry bag to keep everything together. Or, don’t even bother attaching the handles, because the pump is quite easy to use without them.
The double-acting mode of the Nano pump is operated by a lever on the side of the pump. There are no operating instructions, but point the lever to the right for double-action (air is pumped on the up and down stroke) and to the left for single-action (air is pumped only on the downward stroke, making it easier to reach high pressures.)
We started in a double-action mode. Attach the hose to the military valve by twisting and start pumping. The instructions say to pump the floor first at 8 PSI, followed by both side tubes at 3-4 PSI. (we followed these instructions, but we will change them slightly). It took us about 45 light blows to reach 8 PSI on the floor. Please note that the manometer works at backpressure, so 20-25 strokes have passed before the needle moves.
Then we pumped one of the side chambers. We needed another 125 very light pumps to reach 3.5 PSI. Although it sounds great, the Nano pump is very easy to use and we never switched to simple action mode – the pumping took about 2+ minutes. Please note again that you will not get any needle movement until about 100 pumps. Screw on the wing cover to keep the valve protected.
At this point, we decided to try Kokopelli’s new miracle pump, Feather. The Feather pump is a very small 12-volt pump (fits in the palm of your hand), rechargeable, which can inflate and deflate.
The Feather pump comes with a number of adapters, but we found it easiest not to use any adapters. Although it doesn’t have enough torque to open the valve, we managed to put the valve in the open position, held the Feather above the valve, and let it break. After 55 seconds, the tube filled up quite a bit (you can hear a change in the engine), so we quickly removed the piston in the closed position (the air does not return). Then we exceeded it to 3.5 PSI with 45 fast pumps using the manual pump – quite a time and energy-saving!
At this point we realized that the kayak seemed off-center – this can be easily seen by twisting the kayak and looking at the indentation of the floor. We let the air out of the side chambers, repositioned the floor to look even, then alternated by pumping each side. Bingo – everything was in line. So our suggestion is to inflate the floor, then partially inflate each room, check the alignment, and then finish the swelling.
Then attach the chair by placing it just “behind the center”. Two upper buckles have quick-connect clamps that slide on the d-rings on the side handles. Two lower buckles are attached to the d-rings behind the seat. AirKayaks note: two of the clamps were not on the buckles, we found them on the ground, so please pay attention to the free clamps.
If you do not intend to use the spray deck or skirt, you are done – less than 10 minutes! To install the deck, slide the fiberglass-free rod into the two pockets on the bottom of the deck. Attach the zipper and roll it around the deck – while we managed to do this when they are completely inflated, it is best to do this slightly under-inflated, as you’ll see that the tension on the zipper teeth can be strong.
Then open both velcro plates on the cab opening and install the white plastic coaming tube. This is pretty easy until you get to the curve. When you reach the velcro opening, guide the tube through and around the corner. This is simplest using a “push back” and “front feed” approach. Then put the ends of the tube together – this requires some resistance, and the plastic tubing can cut your fingers. Reseal the clips with velcro (this may take some time.) The coaming tube performs two functions – no skirt prevents water from leaking into the cabin and is also used to attach the included spray skirt.
To put on the spray skirt, sit in the kayak and place the skirt over the body. Grab the skirt and – putting your hands behind you, lock the skirt over the coaming. Pull hard on the coaming, keeping the spray skirt in position and slide up until your hands are close to your face, pressing it over the coaming.
The bottom line on the Kokopelli Moki I inflatable kayak review
Kokopelli Moki is a sturdy, well-built inflatable kayak that is loaded with features and looks good! It’s easy to install, follows well, and is fun to paddle. Moki is ideal for kayak enthusiasts who are looking for a more versatile inflatable kayak package.
The bundle – with the high-pressure floor, removable spray deck, straps, Alpine spray skirt, EVA foam seat, foldable Nano pump, and wheeled backpack – is wonderful. Each component appears to have been examined and designed for comfort and performance.
The multiple D-rings, the front and rear laces of the laces, and the storage space of the seat offer a wide range of attachment points for the equipment. The velcro floor system, leg straps, and adjustable seat straps offer maximum versatility to customize the seating arrangement for different heights and dimensions of the blade.
The high-pressure design with deep water tracking wings and narrow finish improves water performance, giving it maneuverability, speed, and stability. And it’s undoubtedly stable.
The ability to use or dispose of the included spray deck/spray skirt offers a wide range of rowing scenarios, making it perfect for hot summer days, hot weather, or wind and chopping. It is ideal for flat open waters, tours, and rowing in the ocean. Without a deck, the open design is also perfect for those who have physical disabilities or do not like to be closed.
