Killer Kayaks! - In-Depth Kayak Reviews + Destination Spots You'll Love to Kayak!

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 – A Reliable Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak?

From a company that has specialized in the manufacture of small lightweight water vessels, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a masterpiece worth reviewing. It is not majorly superior to others, and to an untrained eye, it is as casual as almost any other common fishing kayak.

To the trained eye, however, there is a little bit more to it than what is seen at first glance. For that reason, whether you are a fully skilled or trainee kayaker, you need to read through this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review.

Check out our list of top 5 Sun Dolphin Bali Kayaks!

Framing Construction of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is a 12-foot long, rigid, high-density polyethylene kayak specially formulated for this brand. The Fortiflex material gives the boat high UV resistant qualities. It also gifts the deck of the boat with anti-scratch and anti-crack qualities, which are crucial, especially when kayaking in rough waters.

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The Sun Dolphin Journey 12’s length, combined with its 29.5-inch width, augments its spear-like shape, enhancing the ability of the boat to cut through the water with very little challenge. This sit-on-top kayak’s height comes to about 14 inches, which will serve the user quite well in rough waters while avoiding unnecessary water splashes into the boat’s cockpit.

This fishing-tailored kayak is also considerably light due to its material and minimalistic rigging. At just 48 pounds, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is quite an easy fit for all levels of kayakers to contemplate using. For color diversity, you will get the kayak in two colors, olive and sand. This makes it especially easy for the user to blend in if they’re fishing in murky water.

For its overall build outlook, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 maintains a simple deck streamline. It has an almost horizontal lining all through it from the aft to the stern. The aft and stern overhangs are also not overly done, which creates stability, even for an inexperienced pair of hands.

Check out our information analysis on the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS kayak here.

The deck curves into a well-planned cockpit area. Regrettably, the cockpit area does not embrace an extra lining of cushion, which can become a little uncomfortable, especially after a long period under the sun.

Features of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Kayak

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS has a nice pair of tough thread nylon handles, fitted with a cushy rubber grip to prevent injury during tows and carrying. The pair of handles, contained on top of the fore and stern deck areas, are retractable.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

This solo vessel is capable of accommodating up to 395 pounds, which is a very good standard for almost all sizes of kayakers. This also makes it suitable for long fishing expeditions. To top up the wide range usability feature, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has simple, but comfy form seats.

The standard seat fits well within the wide cockpit to allow for easy maneuvering. However, there are a few people that may find the standard seats to be a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, you’d have to buy seat pads at an extra cost, if you’re going on day trips.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak here.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

Apart from the comfort offered by the open cockpit, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 also comes with thigh pads. These pads are a plus, especially for people who tend to suffer from muscle pulls due to having their legs in such a prone position for long periods.

Adjustable foot braces will keep your legs in place for whichever water conditions you want to experience. The braces have a significantly long tweak, making them capable of accommodating various ranges of leg lengths.

Storage

True lovers of fishing kayaks start with the storage space, then aim for the aesthetics. The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is not at the top when it comes to storage space, but it has enough for an ordinary catch. There are two storage areas, the first being a dry storage compartment. Located on the fore deck of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12, it offers space to carry a few essential items for a good ride. A molded-in front bungee compartment works as an alternative spot for the storage of ‘easy-access’ items such as nets and bags.

The stern of the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS, on the other hand, contains a portable accessory carrier, which can be used as an extra storage container. In order to ensure that you do not lose your items, both the aft and stern deck regions are retrofitted with tough elastic shock cords. These cords are stretchy enough to allow for the pulling of bags in the bungee sections and the removal of the PAC too.

As a fishing kayak, the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 has two flush-mounted fishing rod holders. These rod holders are strategically placed just behind the kayaker’s seat. This makes it convenient for the kayaker to adjust the fishing reels.

The center cockpit area features a nifty swivel fishing rod holder, which goes a long way in making the fishing experience more pleasurable. The positioning of the swivel rod holder is the single most innovative thing the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 carries.

Pros

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 is light enough for one person to carry
Cheaper than most kayaks offering the same functionality
Easily stabilizes in rough weather
Ideal for beginners, as we’ve alread learned in this Sun Dolphin Journey 12 review
Addition of a P.A.C creates extra storage space

Cons

Blatant lack of hatches takes away from its ‘fishing capable’ feature
Material can be brittle, so no dragging it on the ground during storage and transportation
Seating is not suitable for all users, so extra pads might need to be purchased

Sun Dolphin Journey 12 Review Conclusion

There is on thing about Sun Dolphin models that never sits well with most buyers, and that is the material. Lightweight as they come, they always seem to suffer the problem of brittleness. However, that is a problem that is also reflected in a good number of polyethylene kayaks.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Journey 12 on Amazon!

The Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS is still a good vessel to fish in, and one that a newbie can learn to kayak in. If you are graduating from total inexperience in kayaking to a beginner’s level, this boat is one that you should consider looking at.

Having 2x The Adventure With Origami Kayaks AND Bikes!

Do you love to go biking and kayaking, but never have the room in your car to take both? Well, there is a way to do that, and it’s with both folding kayaks AND folding bikes! Today, we will be discussing origami kayaks AND origami bikes, though “folding bikes” is the proper industry term. Hopefully, you get the idea.

You can conveniently fit both a folding bike and a folding kayak in your trunk or back seat, and also have room for your other gear and friends or family. Life can be pretty simple and amazing, if only we think outside the box. Why take up more space than you have to, when more compact items have been created to make things easier on us?

You could ride a bike for a nice leg workout, and then fold it up, put it in the car, and carry your kayak to the water in a backpack, or the other way around: all thanks to origami technology.

Let’s take a look at the two in closer details:

History of Folding Bikes

Folding bikes, which are designed to facilitate easier storage, as well as transport, have a history that can be a bit confusing. That’s because a lot of people mistake actual folding bikes to bikes that are merely separable or portable. While William Grout is often credited for creating the first folding bike, his creation was more of a portable bicycle, since only the front wheel could be folded and the frame had to be disassembled.

It is Emmit G. Latta, an American inventor, who created the first documented folding bike. He even had his invention patented in the U.S., which was successfully granted in February of 1888. Following that, he sold the patent for his folding bike to the Pope Manufacturing Company. However, no one really knows if Pope ever produced bikes based on Latta’s patent.

Aside from Latta, American inventor Michael B. Ryan also invented another version of the folding bike, the patent for which was granted in April of 1894.

However, it is to French military officer Captain Gérard that the invention of the first folding bike is often attributed to. The only problem is that Gérard’s prototype didn’t really work. Charles Morel, a wealthy Frenchman who was completely sold on the budding bicycle trend, and Gérard then got the help of a mechanic called Dulac to perfect the design. Once it has been perfected, Morel and Gérard started manufacturing and commercializing the folding bike.

Morel and Gérard’s joint venture was a success and soon after that, even the army bought into the idea of using folding bikes. Gérard was put in charge of a regiment of soldiers using folded bikes and was eventually promoted to Captain. Later on, Morel and Gérard had a falling out due to an issue with profit shares. The patent for the bike was then sold to Peugeot, Michelin who took over the production in 1899.

It can be said that while it was Captain Gérard who made the folding bike famous, it is still Latta who created the first documented folding bike.

So, how did such a cool invention come to be? Well, here’s a succinct video:

A Fine Example: The Montague Paratrooper Highline 20 Speed Bike

Designed for the country rider, this rugged folding 20 speed mountain bike is a favorite of many. Foldable within 20 seconds, it can easily fit in one’s truck or car, a closet or any small storage area you choose. It really is a convenient bike for many. This means that you can ride up to your destination and fold it to either walk with it or put it in a case or backpack for carrying.

The Paratrooper Highline comes in two sizes: medium for riders who are 5’7″-5’11” and large for those who are 6′-6’4″. The medium has an 18″ frame and the large has a 20″ frame. When the folding process is complete, the bike measures out to be 36″x 28″x 12″, and it weighs about 30 pounds.

The frame is aluminum and the rest is alloy and steel, with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes. It’s perfect for mountain biking and areas where there a lot of rocks, as the 27.5″ tires allow you to roll over them easily.

History of the First Origami Kayak

We have to firstly thank Anton Willis for inventing this amazing product: the Oru Bay line of origami kayaks. Boats can be big and occupy a lot of space, and that’s where the origami kayak comes to the rescue by being light weight, easy to fold, strong and can carry up to 300 pounds or more.

Origami kayaks are made up of a single sheet of polyethylene which, when folded, becomes a single box with straps. That means that the boat becomes the box and the box becomes the boat! The folded kayak can easily be carried on one’s back as a backpack or as a shoulder bag.

Of course, there are a couple of other origami kayaks including the MyCanoe.

Imagine Cruising Freely Alongside The Water…

Picture this: You are riding your Montague Paratrooper Highline bike alongside the water on a trail. You are beginning to envy the thrill of the people on the lake who are kayaking as you watch. So the idea hits you, why not kayak too?

Instantly, you remember that your kayak is in the car, so you decide to ride back and get it. You could strap it onto your back and head back to the spot where you want to go kayaking. Then unfold it from its case, stretch it out and lock the parts into place.

You can fold your Montague Paratrooper Highline, put it in its bag and take it with you wherever you want to go on the water, it’s just that easy.

But The Origami Kayak Is Too Heavy For Me!

Not all of us have those biceps and muscles to even lift the cases of either the folded bike or the origami folding kayak. In that case, take your car to the kayaking spot instead of riding the bike to it, if that’s at all possible. When you reach your destination, decide which activity you would enjoy doing first. Many people would rather go biking first. Once the hot sun shines on you for a while, you will need the refreshing breezes of the lake while floating on the water.

Once you are through with riding, come back to your car, fold your Montague Paratrooper bike and put in the back. Remove the origami kayak, strap the case onto your back and walk over to the water and start the assembly. You could always do it the other way around as well. When you get tired of kayaking, carry it back in its case and get your bike out of your car.

Is It Safe To Carry My Folded Bike On A Kayak?

The following would be the scenario if you can carry the kayak on your back while riding the folding bike, then put the bike into the assembled kayak and go out on the water. If that’s not possible, there are inflatable kayaks as well that fit into smaller backpacks, but might not have room for a bike case and could be more prone to punctures. But for now, let’s take a look at this particular combo.

The folded Montague Paratrooper bike weighs approximately 30 pounds. The Origami kayak can carry up to 300 pounds. Adding an average person’s weight of between 130-200 pounds, it means that the total max weight loaded onto the kayak would be 230 pounds. So it is definitely possible to take the bike on your kayaking trip.

Just fold it, put it in its bag and load it into the storage area of the kayak or between your legs and off you go. Make sure the bike bag is stored properly so that it doesn’t scratch the surface of the kayak.

Important Tips For Using Both Vessels Together

1. The folded bike is made of aluminum. Be careful when putting it in the kayak, so as to avoid scratches. Also, the bag for the Montague is water resistant, so a few drops of splashing here and there should not be a problem. It’s a somewhat risky venture to take the bike, but some people need to do that if it’s a long adventure.

2. The Montague Paratrooper Highline 20 speed bike comes with 27.5″ wheels. These are very strong and sturdy on the road, providing a firm grip. You can ride along with no fear of sliding or skidding while carrying the folded origami kayak on your back.

3. The need for lightning fast brakes is taken care of in the Paratrooper, with hydraulic disk brakes. This is essential, especially when on country trail rides where emergencies can appear at any moment.

4. The Oru Kayak Beach LT is very sturdy and lightweight, with more room than the other Oru models. The material that is originally used to make the kayak is designed to accommodate both heavy weights and light weights while being streamlined. The weight is distributed evenly across both sides. With its 12′ length and weight of 26 pounds, it is easy to paddle through water, even when carrying the case containing the folded mountain bike!

CONCLUSION

Yes, you can interchange both mountain bike riding and kayaking. You do not have to worry about when to carry each on your trip. The Montague Paratrooper can be folded easily into a case and so can the origami kayak, which can be folded into a box itself and strapped onto one’s back, if not shoulder carried.

The good thing about both is that they are designed for the sporty person who wants to enjoy life to the fullest. Go on, switch between kayaking and mountain bike riding, and experience double the thrill!

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem – Solid Room Or An Uncomfortable Fit?

Reviewing the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem kayak is not the hardest thing to do. Why?

Because within Sun Dolphin’s range of kayaks, there are a number of more attractive and handy choices. That statement, however, should not be misinterpreted to mean that this sit-on-top kayak is not up-to-par to its siblings. In fact, it’s far from it, as this boat provides much more than you would expect from just taking a glimpse at it.

Let’s take a look at what that means in the following Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem review.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem on Amazon!

Find out the top 5 Sun Dolphin Kayaks!

Frame of the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Kayak

As you might have guessed already, the 13.5 in the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem denotes the length in feet. With that length, it is okay for any prospective owner to expect more than a handsome looking cockpit. Measuring 34 inches in width, the boat has enough wiggle space, comfortably accommodating up to three people. However, it works best when used by 2 people, and can function as a solo kayak with just the middle seat.

The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s hull is made of UV-protected HDPE (high density polyethylene), as are all Sun Dolphin boats. This material protects the kayak from big scratches and dents. The use of polyethylene goes a long way in granting the user a lightweight, yet tough vessel, making it ideal for all categories of kayakers.

Rinsing it off after use, especially in salt water, will make the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem retain it’s strength and it will therefore last longer.

The kayak’s hull is well shaped to cut through the water with acuity. At a hull depth of 17″, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s overhang is commendably done and leads to an upraised bow area. As such, when paddling in rough waters, the kayak’s bow area sheer lines are still retained way higher than the waterline. This negates the need to get skirting to prevent front water splashes. Additionally, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s angular stance while in water gives it a self-bailing capability, which enables the ejection of water from the cockpit.

The cockpit area is not dull either. Even before rigging, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem provides a glimpse into a well thought out style. For starters, the three seating areas are done in a stress-free fashion, perfectly situated.

There is a long depressed area that sits up to two people. The stern section, on the other hand, is a little raised to provide for the last kayaker. Also within this last area is space for an open cargo holding area.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem on Amazon!

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Features

The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is sold as a three person kayak, but its maximum capacity threshold would not be conducive to carry three adults on a serious fishing expedition. The kayak is only able to accommodate up to a maximum of 500 pounds, which translates into three average weight adults without fishing gear and other items. As such, it is safe to assume that the third seat could accommodate a child, dog, or extra gear. Fully rigged, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem weighs only 70 lbs.

The seats that come with this boat will serve you pretty well. The adjustable foam padded seats are accompanied by a wide backrest. To hold them in place, they are restrained by strong shock absorbing straps attached to D-rings that are fitted on to the hull.

With the understanding of how tiresome paddling can be, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem has two pairs of adjustable foot braces. Should you wish to go on a solo adventure, you can detach one seat and set your seat in the middle position.

Sadly, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem only comes with two seats. If you want to add one more person, you need to purchase an extra seat. Also, the bottom padding is not that thick, so if you want extra comfort, you’ll need more padding as well.

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem on Amazon!

Rigged onto the boat’s hull are four carry handles, with two of them located on either side of the hull. The kayak’s posterior and anterior are also fitted with low slung horizontal bar handles. Thus, carrying the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem does not present a challenge to its users.

Storage

The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is fitted with three storage points plus the molded in storage platform. The front storage hatch is located just in front of the forward kayak seat. The middle storage compartment, which offers a larger space for more gear, is situated close to the middle seating position. The rear hatch follows the same suit as the front hatch positioning, being situated in front of the last seat.

The stern storage platform is fitted with bungee straps to make sure that your nets, damp wetsuits and bags hold during turbulence. Unlike a good number of similar sized kayaks, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem’s storage platform is a little smaller. So you might be forced to be economical. Both storage hatches are accompanied by tightly fitted flip lids. Conversely, the middle storage compartment is fitted with an easy turn-and-lift lid. This makes it idyllic to use even in rough waters.

As for extras, you get a nice pair of retrofitted paddle holders. The paddle holders are situated on either side of the hull next to the front and back seats. In addition to the holders, each seating section on the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem has a single molded cup holder.

Pros

Easily accommodates tandem and solo usage
Offers a fast means of rigging, with very little additional effort
Perfect way to introduce your children to kayaking with the third seat available
Sufficient storage space for a light fishing expedition
Comfortable, easy to use and maneuver, even for inexperienced users

Cons

Not an optimal fishing kayak, lacks devices like transducing spots, fish rod holders, etc
Prepare yourself for water splashes, common for sit-on-top kayaks
This Sun Dolphin kayak may prove to be less watertight than expected

Check out the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 on Amazon!

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem Review Conclusion

Just to reiterate, the Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Tandem is not the superstar of its league. However, functionally, this 13.5 feet will be great for a good time out on the water for a few hours. It is made for the type of person who embraces high impact kayaking, interspersed with some light fishing.

If you are the angling, ‘basket has to be filled’ type, then the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak might be a better choice for you, although it is not a tandem. But since we all have to start from somewhere, this particular Sun Dolphin kayak gets the green light, especially for beginners.

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl – Considerable Improvement Over Previous RL Models?

Sea Eagle Boats has made a name for itself in the inflatable boats market niche. A lot can be written about the company’s keen attention to the quality of its boats without specifically zeroing in on any particular model.

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl review below seeks to concentrate on this lightweight tandem kayak as one very competent boat, both in sight and functionality.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Frame

For starters, this kayak is space-centric, like most of the best kayaks on the market. Measuring at a length of 15’6″, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 rl inflatable kayak is long enough for tactile functioning. Its width of 2’6″ gives it a narrow build which enhances its bullet shape. Those two factors are good enough to make the boat cut through water more efficiently than other kayaks within the same category.

[Check out our other Sea Eagle articles here: Sea Eagle 370, Sea Eagle Fast Track Tandem, and Sea Eagle Stealth Stalker.]

Important to point out are the tough plastic molds that make Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s stern and bow. The good thing about having such a build is the fact that you can be sure that those rocky spots won’t cause you any worries. Additionally, the double concave build on both of the molds gives both of them a heightened water cutting ability which is commendable for an inflatable kayak.

One good thing about inflatable kayaks is their lightweight attribute. The 1000 denier material (quite tough) does not betray the boat’s lightweight nature. The drop stitch technology also makes the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl very tensile. The 3 chambered body is composed of the starboard, floor, and the side hull.

All this leaves the inflated boat’s hull weight at just 43 lbs, which is light enough for one person to carry it. In conjunction with the boat’s build, this helps to increase the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s ability to maneuver through the water. For your air needs, the kayak’s hull holds three air valves, one for each chamber.

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473 rl inflatable kayak interior is as clean and spacious as you would expect of a respectable vessel. Made of the same materials as the exterior, the interior space measures 14’10” x 21″. The space on this kayak is enough for the accommodation of up to two people.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

The interior tubing is quite thick too, to make sure that the boat’s occupants do not suffer the cold effects of the surrounding water. Gauging 10″ high and 4″ thick, you are well covered. To provide further protection from the water, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl also comes with bow and stern spray skirts.

Check out our list of the best kayaks of the year here.

How handy is this kayak? It comes with two drain valves, which renders it way better than most other kayaks, which hold only one drain valve. Sea Eagle does not boast about it, but the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s straight hull build provides it with almost the same build reflex found in rigid non-inflatables.

For extra stability, you get yourself a nice slide-in skeg. However, the Razorlite lacks its own pair of rudders or motors to warrant the handy skeg it comes with. However, it fits in well with providing anchorage for those downwind and upwind movements. For portability purposes, the boat comes with a comfortable pair of handles.

Features of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl has one of the most comfortable seating spots available for inflatables. The high back thermal molded foam seats are decent for both long and short kayaking experiences. Moreover, they support rigorous back movements during paddling.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

The seats are tied down to the kayak’s floor using a tie down seat strap. The straps are attached to a set of D rings, which are in turn are retrofitted to the kayak’s interior sides. The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl can be used in both tandem and solo forms.

For the solo form, you only need to position the seat within the middle-most point and tie it to the middle D-Rings.

For enhanced comfort during paddling, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl comes equipped with two parts of removable footrests. The footrests are also adjustable to allow for all leg lengths and comfy positioning. Paddling, on the other hand, is expected to be very easy on this kayak. Two standard detachable spoon paddles come as part of the package. Each spoon paddle is composed of two asymmetrical blades and two shaft rods, which are joined using interlock mechanism screws.

The shafts of the paddles have feather holes on them which reduce the effect of the wind on your paddles, even as your struggle with the water. This makes the paddles good enough for speeds of up to 6 MPH. The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl derives its carbon tag from the use of the lightweight carbon fiber build of its paddles. As such, you can get an idea of how much the paddles are instrumental in the kayak’s full functionality.

A standard feature also is the availability of a hand pump. The hand pump, we have to admit, is not the best on the market. The addition of a foot pump would have gone a long way in making it more handy. Nevertheless, this minor setback is offset by other factors.

The boat’s build allows for a faster inflation. The one-way valves make it easy to pump air into the kayak no matter how ineffective the pump is. The mesh material of the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl’s hull also makes it quite handy when it comes to air filling.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Those factors give the boat an 8 min setup ability. Should you feel that your hands can’t do with the hand pump, you can get yourself a Sea Eagle BP 12 electric pump, with a car rechargeable battery. It should be pointed out though, that high-pressure air compressors should not be used on the RazorLite.

Apart from the the areas mentioned above, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl also comes with a backpack carry bag and a repair kit. The all purpose carry bag not only accommodates the deflated 30″ x 19″ x 9″ hull, but also carries any extra pieces of the boat within it. The repair kit, on the other hand, is composed of a strong adhesive, prick needle and PVC patches and is only meant for minor repairs.

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Storage Space in the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473

For storage purposes, the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl does not feature any hull attached hatches. The seats, though, have their own pairs of storage pouches at the back. These zipped storage pouches do not account for much in term of space, but they can be used to carry a few necessary items such as first aid essentials, a flash light, sunscreen tubes and your repair kits.

For other items such as rod holders and hatches, you might need to seek different alternatives.

Pros

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl is very light and easy to maneuver
NMMA certified, which is proof of its adherence to safety standards
Quite easy to setup, about 8 minutes
Swept Back Rear Skeg, which can be removed
Backpack carry bag
10 psi inflation pressure
750 pound load capacity
2 AB40 paddles included

Check out the Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl at Amazon!

Cons

Lacks sufficient storage to make it an angling or long trip vessel
Sleek build may prove challenging to use

Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Review Conclusion

The Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl Pro Carbon Kayak has a lot going for it in terms of speed and sharpness. Its lack of storage is not a good enough reason for you to ignore it. Looking at the high number of customers who have praised it, there is little that they don’t like.

In this Sea Eagle Razorlite 473rl review, we have learned that this inflatable kayak is very strong, is NMMA certified, quick to set up, holds more air than other kayaks for rigidity, and cuts through the water effortlessly. This is the perfect kayak for a day trip

Ancheer Inflatable Boat – Game Changing Roomy & Comfortable Raft?

For water lovers who need a wider space, adventure dinghies should be your vessel of choice. A boat that is quick to assemble, such as this Ancheer inflatable boat, is a heaven sent opportunity. The Ancheer Inflatable Boat has also made its mark as a good emergency boat for cruise ships and yachts, and for good reasons.

If you know anything about assembling boats, then you have to know that deciphering the parts that compose a fully rigged boat is key. This raft passes the test in regards to that particular challenge, as you will find out in this Ancheer inflatable boat review.

The Ancheer Inflatable Boat Frame

The Ancheer’s four-chambered PVC hull is as good as any dependable boat should be. The 0.9 mm material on the triple layered hull is not only tough, but is also UV, puncture, stain and oil resistant. There are a good number of two and three-chambered rafts but the Ancheer inflatable dinghy has four chambers that accommodate a pressure of 3.6 PSI.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

Three of the chambers are independent, allowing for the boat to provide continuous support to its users even after one chamber has been punctured and deflated. Each chamber is equipped with its own one-way valves, increasing air retention during pumping.

Check out our best inflatable kayaks here!

Measuring 7.55′ x 4.13″, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat shores up enough space to support 2 people, but the 10.8′ model can hold 4-5 adults or a weight of up to 880 pounds. However, for a smooth ride in this sized model, it is recommended that you restrict the number to three grown ups.

At the rear end of the boat, there is a pontoon that aids in stability. The pontoon maintains the boat’s balance without exposing the user to extraneous listing conditions.

To increase the user’s stability, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat comes with aluminum flooring, and although its use is not necessary, it is advised that you use it.

Apart from providing you with secure footing, the aluminum floors will give your boat a solid deck. The good thing with the aluminum flooring is that they are way easier to assemble than most other boats that come with the choice of an alternative floor. It also acts as an anchor for your fuel tank and battery box.

Commendably, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat is fitted with a reinforced transom for the addition of an outboard motor. This ensures that, should you feel the need to have a swift water ride, you will be set.

When it comes to transporting the Ancheer, this vessel’s hull is retrofitted with D rings which allow for the addition of towing ropes. Lifting and transporting the boat out of and into the water should not be hard either. The Ancheer Inflatable Boat’s sides are fitted with two pairs of comfortable plastic grip handles, a pair on each side.

For additional stability, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat provides a 360 degree crash barrier to protect you in the case that you have an accident. The barrier is nicely done, fitting well with the rest of the hull without reducing its function. Life lines on the side of the boat come in handy for those accidental slips into the water.

Meanwhile, at the furthest stern of your cockpit, just below the transom, there is a drain valve to let out water from the cockpit’s floor. The Ancheer inflatable boat has a backward slant that helps ensure that the water is let out naturally.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

Bold Features of the Ancheer Inflatable Boat

Fully rigged, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat has a load capacity of anywhere from 616-880 pounds, depending on the size of the boat. That weight includes the motor, passengers, and luggage. If you want to bring your family out, then the 10.8′ dinghy would be a better choice than the 7.55′.

The Ancheer Inflatable Boat’s seating arrangement is not very appealing. With two backless aluminum benches, it could get uncomfortable if you have back issues. However, it is because of the aluminum benches that the boat can retain its lightweight structure.

To hold the two benches (the word ‘bench’ does not fit well with boats) in place, the boat has two pairs of fabric deck holders. This arrangement gives the boat a very casual look. If you are alone on the Ancheer Inflatable Boat, you can remove one the bench for more room. Moreover, you can even choose to do away with both benches and sit on the floor for a more athletic rowing stance.

Speaking of rowing, the Ancheer Inflatable Boat comes with two handy aluminum oars. The oars are lightweight enough to float on water, so if you lose your grip, you can still recover them fast. Nonetheless, the chance of losing the oars is almost nil, not with the hull-fitted oar locks on the boat. Whenever you are not using them, you can let them rest in place. To make sure that the oars do not fall while resting, there are two firm oar holders on either side of the boat.

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With the purchase of the Ancheer Inflatable Boat, the first thing you get is a reliable foot pump. With this cool pump, you do not have to tire out your arms. Spare that energy for the rowing. The boat also comes with a sufficiently spaced fabric and nylon carry bag. So when you feel you’ve had enough for the day, just deflate your boat, pack and leave.

In addition to all that’s mentioned in this Ancheer inflatable boat review, you also get a repair kit to handle those little punctures. Underline the word ‘little’ because for more serious rips, it is highly advised that you send your boat back to the manufacturer. Nevertheless, considering the tough material, you are not likely to get to that point anytime soon.

Plenty of Storage in the Ancheer Dinghy?

In terms of storage, Ancheer Inflatable raft has very little to write home about, with no hatches or rod holders. This is rather understandable, because the boat is not inherently built as a fishing or long trip vessel. Do not fret though, because the dinghy’s open cockpit floor can act as a wide ranged space for equipment, bags, and gear.

With so much discussed, we have summarized everything into the next pros & cons when it comes to the Ancheer inflatable boat. Here you go:

Pros

Multiple-capacity larger model makes it an interesting boat to have
Can be used on both fresh and salt water
Easy to assemble with an easy to understand manual
Stress-free maneuverability

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Cons

Seating benches might not offer the best boating experience
Quite bulky for two people to carry
Lack of storage space with more passengers

Ancheer Inflatable Boat Review Conclusion

The Ancheer Inflatable Boat is a respectable functional raft. If you’re looking for a fishing kayak, this boat should be at the bottom of your list. There are better inflatables for that. However, if you are the Saturday afternoon drift type of person, this is an idyllic choice.

Check out the Ancheer Inflatable Boat on Amazon!

For large yacht and small cruiser owners, the Ancheer is a convenient, sturdy emergency dinghy. Go ahead and compare it against other inflatable rafts and see if it fits your needs.