You would be surprised by the number of inflatable kayaks that are in the market nowadays but that is a double-edged sword.
Most people like to think of the diversity as a reinforcement of choice but most of the time it only makes it harder to choose. Luckily, our team is here to make it a lot easier for you to make up your mind and hopefully make the best purchase you can afford.
Sevylor Coleman Inflatable Kayak
Today, we’re talking about Sevylor which is a relatively young manufacturer with quite an interesting resume. These guys might be new to the kayak scene but they are some of the pioneering innovators in the water sports area. From zodiacs to floating sofas, Sevylor has made it all and experience is in their back pocket.
The question now is: Should I trust this brand based on their experience in the field? Well, perhaps experience is often an indicator of quality but there is no way to determine whether the Sevylor inflatable kayak is the right for you without taking a closer look at its defining features
General information
The Coleman K1 is definitely not your ordinary kayak because first, it’s inflatable and second, it’s a ‘sit on top kayak’. Sit on top kayaks are kayaks with an open cockpit which is meant to make it easier for the paddlers to get on and off the boat whenever needed. This type of kayak is great for swimmers as it can be used as a diving platform or even a paddle board if you wish.
Quality
When it comes to quality, the experience is a great factor. Hence, I’m going to give the Coleman K1 the upper hand here because the Sevylor Coleman K1 Inflatable Kayak is the latest product of the company that comes with a rich background in inflatable sports equipment.
Like most reliable inflatable sit-on-top kayaks in the market, the Coleman K1 is made of industrial grade PVC material which is virtually indestructible. This means this kayak is optimized for water environments like lakes, rivers and even the open sea without a risk of damaging it.
The bottom part of the inflatable boat is made of tarpaulin thus making the whole construction stronger and puncture resistant.
Tarpaulin is basically one of the strongest, water-proof, fire retardant materials out there and it is everything you’ll need to keep your kayak floating. Just because the boat is inflatable, it doesn’t mean that this kayak can’t take a beating.
Actually, not only can this boat endure rocky rivers but it’s also a lot more flexible than any solid kayak out there. You wouldn’t believe how simple it is to inflate and deflate this kayak and the inflatable seats using the included hand pump when needed.
Also, once deflated, the Coleman K1 can pretty much fit in a backpack which will make it even simpler to store and transport it whenever needed. This flexible and compact design is another advantage of the Sevylor inflatable kayak over traditional kayaks and canoes.
There are five air chambers (2 large, 3 small) keeping the Quikpak K1 buoyant. In case one gets punctured, you will have enough spare air chambers to keep the boat and yourself afloat until you get back on land.
The K1 also features the Airtight system, which prevents any air leaks from happening. The Double Lock valves integrated into the boat contribute to efficient inflation and deflation before and after use.
[alert-note]PS: The Coleman K1 boat must be inflated up to 11 PSI to ensure maximum efficiency and it that should only take somewhere around 10 minutes.[/alert-note]
Features
The basic features of the Coleman K1 are one more reason to seriously consider getting this kayak as soon as possible.
Before moving forward, it must be noted that this kayak has big dimensions. The Coleman K1 measures 103 inches in length and 36 inches in width which all adds to 19 lbs in total boat weight.
With a very friendly price tag, this kayak is equipped with pretty much everything you’ll need to enjoy your kayaking experience.
For starters, the simplistic design is definitely one of the best features of this boat, making it extremely easy to maneuver and exit whenever needed.
Additionally, the color mixing is very well done and the branding isn’t as overwhelming as other kayaks. The subtle color schemes together with the printed brand name make it sportier which is another reason to appreciate the product.
The cockpit is also one of the best things about the Coleman K1. Not only is this cockpit optimized for easier access but it’s also designed with adjustable seats so as to cater to paddlers of all sizes.
Another prominent feature of the Coleman K1 is the adjustable seat which is a lot more comfortable than it looks. This seat can be used with or without the added support, depending on your preference. The flexible seat is not a feature of many inflatable kayaks in the market.
Alongside the practical carry handles for easy transport, the Coleman K1 comes with a designated cargo holder where you can transport pretty much anything from your sandals to the kayak repair kit to fishing gear.
Performance
Performance usually depends on the type of kayak and its intended application, but it is also largely influenced by how solid the build of the inflatable kayak is.
Not to discourage you from checking out inflatables, but many inflatable kayak companies are mostly targeting beginners/newbie paddlers, that is why inflatables value safety and stability before speed and agility.
Nevertheless, the Coleman K1 is still a solid performer on flat water and not as bad in rivers with strong currents. That is mainly due to the kayak’s flat bottom designed for better maneuverability and paddle stability. This, however, takes out of the kayak’s ability to track water in a straight line.
The kayak’s performance will also depend on how much weight is carried. Maximum weight capacity is 400lbs. Although it’s designed to be a one-seater kayak, it can carry up to two full grown adults without affecting its performance.
Packing
This might come as a surprise to you but the Coleman K1 is one of the few kayaks out there that come in a full-inclusive package with everything you’ll need to maintain your boat.
The pack includes a high-pressure hand pump which is essential for every inflatable kayak. The kayak inflaton process might take some effort but it’s nothing too difficult using the supplied hand pump.
Also, the Sevylor Coleman K1 comes with a custom backpack carry bag to make it easier for you to transport and store the kayak. Even more brilliant is the fact that the same backpack can be turned into the seat support adding another level of cockpit comfort.
The backpack or carry bag is also adjustable to fit the collapsible paddle that is also included upon purchase. The collapsible paddle is one of the best ion the market today because it’s lightweight, durable and easy to store.
All in all, the Coleman K1 is definitely worth your money because not only is it affordable but it’s also very easy to use and more solid than other boats. It’s simply one of the best inflatable kayaks sold today.
- 5-minute setup lets you spend more time on the water
- Easy-to-carry backpack system turns into the seat
- 21-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
Pros
- The most appealing thing about this product is the fact that it is so flexible and user-friendly. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, this kayak will not fail at delivering exactly what you need from a kayaking experience.
- The build quality is definitely a big plus for the Coleman K1 as it is made to be virtually indestructible. Meaning, this kayak can handle pretty much anything. Don’t forget to be safe that’s all.
- Last, but definitely not least are the basic features of this kayak, making it fully equipped with everything you’ll need to man your boat and that is something you won’t see in most kayaks out there.
Cons
- The Sevylor Quikpak K1 tracking system is lacking. Nevertheless, this kayak will perform as good as any as long as you help it maintain a steady trajectory with your paddle.
See also:
Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak Review
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Sit-in Kayak Review
Last update on 2023-06-05 at 12:32 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
