Tag Archives: tandem kayaks

Product Review: Island Voyage 2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak from Advanced Elements

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Earlier this year we received first of several shipments which included the Island Voyage 2 inflatable kayak from Advanced Elements.

Introduced in 2015, the Island Voyage 2 is a recreational model with an open-design – allowing one to easily switch from single to tandem paddling – yet economically-priced at $399. In the ensuing six years, the Island Voyage has undergone minor redesigns and tweaks, prompting us to update our previous reviews.
As the kayak kept selling out before we could snag one, we immediately set one aside from the last shipment. Following is our write-up on the AE3023Y Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2, an 11 ft 2 inch kayak that can be paddled by one or two people. Please note, some of this will be repeated from prior write-ups.
Getting Started with the Island Voyage 2
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, drawstring duffel bag, instructions, repair kit, tracking fin and two seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 25 lbs while the kayak with seats in the duffel is 31 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 25 x 22 x 16 inches inches with a shipping weight of 41 lbs.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
The included instructions are adequate on most steps and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple – unpack, unfold, inflate.

According to the instructions, the first step is to attach the removable tracking fin, which enhances paddling/tracking in deeper water.

Make sure the fin is pointing towards the rear of the kayak, then insert the front of the fin, pushing down and back, to lock the front end.

Move the fin back until the holes line up and replace the retaining pin. At this point, pull up on the fin to make sure you have it locked in position.

There are three inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the floor and two side chambers. Boston valves are two-part, screw-on valves. The bottom portion is threaded onto the kayak, the top valve is screwed open for inflation and then tightened shut after inflation.

Air is easily released by unscrewing the base connector. How does it work? A flap inside the valve opens when air is pumped into the kayak, and falls shut when not pumped so that air will not rush back out.
Please note: The Boston valves have a tether that keeps the valve attached to the kayak, ensuring that the valves don’t get lost after deflating. Make sure this does not get in the way when

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: Columbia Two HB Inflatable Kayak from AquaGlide

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We continue with our series on the new Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks. Our first two reviews focused on the Chinook price-point line. Our third and fourth reviews featured two in the flagship Columbia line of high pressure inflatables; the Columbia One HB – a high-pressure touring model for one paddler, and the Columbia Tandem for 1-3 paddlers.

We’ve  now moved on to the Columbia Two HB, a 13.5 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia Two HB:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin and two Pro-Formance seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 32.5 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 23 x 14 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 44 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 30 x 29 x 15 inches with a shipping weight of 54 lbs. As a note, we were able to also get the pump in the case, with the paddles stuffed into the mesh pocket.
The included instructions are adequate and include diagrams with inflation details.

Set up is straight-forward and simple  – unpack, unfold, inflate.
(AirKayaks Side note #1: When initially removing the kayak from the carrying case, take a good look at how the kayak is folded This is probably the most overlooked step and it is VERY helpful when trying to get the kayak back into the bag.)
There are two inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers – while the high-pressure floor features a military valve. There are two more small chambers with twistlock valves, for the seat bases. The floor is pumped up first.

The military-style plunger valve is simple to use – with your finger, twist the plunger slightly to the “up” position to inflate (air goes in but doesn’t come back out) and “down” to deflate (air comes out).

The Columbia Two HB floor requires a military valve adaptor, which does not come with most standard pumps. Here is where we came to our first issue – no military valve adaptor was included. We were aware of this from our previous write-ups and had one handy. (AirKayaks note #2: We spoke with AquaGlide. The first couple of shipments did not include the adaptor, but subsequent shipments will. We did obtain a number of fittings that we will be including with the first shipments.)
Lock the adaptor onto the conical Boston valve adaptor by friction fit, and then attach to the military valve with a slight twist. Since the main chambers are inflated to 2

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

New Video: Aquaglide’s Chinook 2 Inflatable Kayak for 1-2 Paddlers

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Check out our newest video on the Chinook 2 inflatable kayak from Aquaglide.
Perfect for one person with gear, an adult and child, or two smaller adults, the 10 ft Chinook 2 inflatable kayak is lightweight, rugged, fun and highly portable. And it’s available at a family-friendly price of only $399 including backpack.

For more details or to purchase, see the Aquaglide Chinook 2 product page at AirKayaks.com. Or read our Detailed Product Review of the Aquaglide Chinook Two Inflatable Kayak with Photos, here on our WordPress blog.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Special Purchase: Maxxon Express II Inflatable Kayak System now $399.

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Just arrived! Special Purchase on the Maxxon Express II, an open-design inflatable kayak system with three seating positions, allowing the kayak to be paddled solo or tandem. Originally priced at $699, the Express II package is now only $399 with paddles and pump.

The low profile, recessed seating well and built-in coaming area make it a perfect choice for slower rivers, lakes and calm waters, or for use as a diving/fishing platform. It’s also a great solo option for larger paddlers, or those wanting to take along some gear.
This kayak comes with 2 seats, 2 breakdown paddles, bellows foot pump, removable tracking fin, carrying tote, repair kit, instructions, 1-year warranty – everything you need to get on the water.
The Express II is 11 feet long, 37 inches wide and weighs 32 lbs. It is rated for a 440 lb. carrying capacity.
See our previous write-up Detailed Maxxon Express II review with photos.  For more details or to purchase, visit the Maxxon Express II product page on our website at http://www.AirKayaks.com.

Original Source: AirKayaks >>