Inflatable kayaks are the best solution for all paddlers that don’t have the desire or the strength to carry around a rigid and heavy kayak everywhere with them. An inflatable kayak can be transported very easily and it’s also surprisingly durable. An experienced paddler can even venture into more dangerous waters. But not all inflatable kayaks can withstand ocean waters, so let’s discover together some of the best inflatable ocean kayaks on the market.
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Kayak
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Convertible Kayak is one of the most appreciated inflatable ocean kayaks on the market. The kayak has a rigid aluminum frame and an inflatable hull that is multi-chambered. The boat is famous for its superior performance and portability.
The Advanced Frame is a 15-foot sized kayak that is suitable for one to two paddlers and is perfect for rough ocean waters. The boat can be easily converted into a tandem kayak from a solo one in just a few minutes. The boat also has removable spray skirts that allow users for an easier experience while dealing with the Advanced Frame open to closed deck kayak. The kayak’s hull which is made of aluminum adds some weight to the bundle but at the same time, it gives the boat the same potential as a hard-shell kayak. Although the kayak is composed of many bulky components, the setup is relatively simple. It takes only 10 minutes to set up the kayak and challenge the waves. The materials from which the kayak is made are also lightweight and can be easily transported by a single person.
When it comes to the kayak’s solo deck cover, which is unfortunately sold separately, the kayak features D-rings, arched aluminum stays, bungee deck lacing, and a rear cargo hatch. The tandem deck, which is also sold separately, has D-rings, a mesh storage bag, and bungee deck rigging. Some good news is that the decks can be merged with the Advanced Frame’s proprietary Backbone technology and its drop-stitch polyester flooring and create a custom ocean boat. Take into consideration that the full package can be a little expensive for most of you but all in all it is a worthwhile investment. The kayak also has a durable triple-layered hull that can resist the harsh environment of the ocean. An important feature is that it also has six separate air chambers that spare users important time. The kayak is bought together with two supportive adjustable back supports, rubber paddle holders, a bag, a repair kit, and rubber handles.
Pros:
- Aluminum frame that offers excellent speed and tracking
- Suitable for remote adventures
- Double-coated fabric and reinforced bow and stern that offers bonus protection
- Increased comfort for paddlers
- Aftermarket spray skirts can be purchasable at later times
- Durable carrying case, portable paddle, and repair kit
Cons:
- Water can sometimes accumulate inside the spray skirt
- A pump must be acquired separately from the package
Sea Eagle 420 X
Sea Eagle is without a doubt one of the best manufacturers of inflatable ocean kayaks on the market. Sea Eagle 420 X is an inflatable kayak that can host up to three people on board and has a top-notched performance on saltwater. The kayak with its 855 pounds limit is one of the largest inflatable ocean boats out there.
The kayak’s 16 super-fast self-bailing drain valves can be left open when encountering whitewater or when going into ocean excursions and can be closed during flatwater. The vessel’s length is 14 feet and has a removable slide-in skeg that improves tracking on calm water. The floor is also very durable and it maintains a PSI of 3.2. More experienced paddlers will say that Sea Eagle 420 X is as durable as an aluminum bottom kayak. The hull is a 1000-denier that has a reinforced fabric so it can withstand everything the ocean throws at it.
Together with the acquisition of the boat users will get two removable seats, a manual pump, a repair kit, and a duffel bag. As it was mentioned before, the cockpit is large enough to space up to three adult passengers. On the rears, there is enough space so passengers can deposit their belongings. 26 D-rings are connecting the seats and the other accessories.
Pros:
- 14 feet boat that measures only 31-by-21-by-10 inches
- The yak contains: a carrying case, a pump, two paddles, inflatable seats, a bow bag, a stern bag, a repair kit
- It has three separate air chambers and a reinforced hull material
- Removable plastic skeg that offers better speed, maneuverability, and tracking in flatwater
- One-way air valves that enable a high air pressure on extended paddles
- Separate I-beam that enhances the stability and rigidity of the kayak
Cons:
- Might exceed the budget of some people
- Long inflation time
Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Elite
Advanced Frame Elite looks somewhat similar at first sight to the Advanced Frame, but the similarities stop here. Both kayaks are 15 feet long and 32 inches wide but the Elite version is more capable of carrying more weight than its standard edition. The Elite Frame carries 250 pounds more and it also has one less air chamber.
The skeleton is a triple-layer rigid fabric hull one and it’s made of aluminum. Paddlers will not have a hard time assembling it, as it is easier to use. In fact, the kayak is so easy to assemble that it takes less than 9 minutes until it is done. The Elite version also packs a duffel bag same as its standard version. The best thing about the Elite version is that it is compatible with Advance Frame’s cockpit decks. Similar to the Advanced Frame, the Elite one also has the option to convert the cockpit from a closed solo to tandem seating. Elite version promises users to offer one of the most comfortable kayaks on the market.
Moreover, the Advanced Frame Elite resists any kind of pressure as it doesn’t fold or bend easily. The reinforced beams and hard edges make this inflatable kayak one of the most enduring kayaks that take on the ocean. The boat’s aluminum spine allows the kayak to maintain the same speed and maneuvering as a hard-shelled kayak can offer.
Pros:
- Option to ride solo or in tandem
- Durable aluminum backbone
- Holds well under the ocean pressures
- Six air chambers that prevent the sinking of the kayak
- Built-in aluminum rib-frame that prevent the folding of the boat
- Three layers of material from which the watercraft is made
- Made of honey-comb rip-stop fabric
Cons:
- Very minimal storage options when used in tandem
- Heavy for single paddles
