Of all the kayaks I have reviewed, I am seriously excited about the Sevylor Tahiti Fishing/Hunting inflatable kayak. First check out this handsome canoe: It’s outfitted in that cool hunting green color and style that screams. “Let’s take this baby out for some fishin’!” All kidding aside, Sevylor nailed the design of this kayak (paint me vain). The color also helps blend in if you’re taking it out on a lake or marsh for hunting purposes.
Like other Sevylor inflatables, this kayak comes with their Airtight system that guarantees no leaks…. And those are the type of guarantees I love to have when it comes to these lightweight toys. The Tahiti is constructed of 26 gauge PVC (measurement for thickness of the material that the kayak is made of) and a tubular I-beam floor for maximum stability. It comes out to be 10 feet 9 inches by 2 feet and 4 inches and can handle a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds. Two adults should fit into this kayak very well or one heavy/tall person.
Note: If you’re looking for a hard shell option, the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS is a great option.
Sevylor Tahiti Fishing & Hunting Kayak Easy to Maneuver?
Maneuvering the Tahiti is as easy as maneuvering any other inflatable kayak. Once you test it out and get into the ‘rhythm’, you’ll find this Sevylor inflatable kayak glides quite nicely. However, we do recommend purchasing a skeg separately and utilizing it for a bit more maneuvering ease.
However, some people are stuck on this very issue. There seems to be an issue where the kayak may go in circles instead of going straight. This could be due to many reasons. It could be because the heavier person may be seated in the front causing the light end/the back to not anchor properly. It could also be wrong expectations transferring from having used a hard shelled kayak.
I do recommend purchasing a skeg for this kayak for added reliability.
Check out the Sevylor Fishing & Hunting Kayak on Amazon by clicking here!
Plenty of people have used this Sevylor inflatable kayak well and found it enjoyable. However, please do not take it where there is a lot of swell, wind or high waves. Inflatable kayaks are supposed to be enjoyed in calmer areas like a lake. Any area where there are tree branches poking out, rough rivers or lots of rocks—keep away from all such areas! Even though this kayak is built to take a fair amount of abuse, caution should be practiced. For this reason, always keep a patch kit with you. Some folks have found that their Tahiti did very well in areas that I’m cautioning you against.
Also, if you’re taking the Tahiti out for fishing purposes, then seriously consider taking a light anchor with you (for obvious reasons). This is one of the more well known fishing kayak.
Construction of the Tahiti Inflatable Kayak
This bit is something pretty cool I observed about the Sevylor Tahiti Fishing & Hunting inflatable kayak. There are three main compartments that need to be inflated to properly inflate it. These three parts are all separate: two along the side and one underneath you. It could very well be that if the sides deflated, you’d still float because of the bottom remaining intact. (Please don’t test this in dangerous conditions!)
Another neat thing is that the seats are adjustable so depending on your and your partner’s weight and size, you can move them as needed. Or you can position them to face each other.
Recommended Upgrades
If you have a little more spending money, definitely opt for more quality paddles. The ones that come with this Sevylor inflatable kayak (the Tahiti) work okay but investing in a nice pair will pay off. Another recommendation is buying a skeg because the main complaint people have had is they can’t get the canoe to trek straight (though I believe there are other reasons at play). Invest in a skeg and you won’t regret it!
Quirks Pertaining To This Sevylor Inflatable Kayak?
The only quirk that I’ve noticed is the folks who had issues navigating the Tahiti properly. As discussed in this review earlier, this could be due to inexperience or the lack of a skeg. Opt for a skeg! It only helps. Also, remember to use it in calm waters with light wind as it’s meant to be utilized in those situations specifically.
Sevylor Tahiti Fishing & Hunting Kayak Review Summary
With an average rating of 4 stars and a great price of under $130, this inflatable kayak is a great purchase. For another Sevylor option, check out the Sevylor Quickpak Coverless Sit-on-Top inflatable kayak.
