Product Review: AquaGlide Columbia XP Tandem Inflatable Kayak for 1-3 paddlers

We continue with the second in our series on the new 2015 Aquaglide line of inflatable kayaks – our first review focused on the high-pressure Chelan HB Tandem XL touring kayak.
This year AquaGlide debuted the Columbia XP recreational line of kayaks consisting of three standard-pressure models – the Columbia XP One for solo paddling, the Columbia XP Two for one to two paddlers and the Columbia XP Tandem XL.

This review features the Columbia XP Tandem XL, a 15 foot long inflatable kayak designed for one or two paddlers, with extra space for gear, child or pet. (Please note: some of the information will be repeated from other writeups.)
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Columbia XP Tandem XL:

We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, backpack, instructions, repair kit, foot braces, tracking fin, two standard seats and a jumper seat.
Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs approximately 40 lbs, with a backpack size of roughly 27 x 22 x 18 inches, while the kayak with seats, fin and braces – all in the backpack – weighs 49 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 30 x 23 x 16 inches inches with a shipping weight of 59 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 and include diagrams with inflation details.

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

There are three inflation chambers utilizing Boston valves – the two side chambers and floor. There is one more small chamber with a twistlock valve for the jumper seat base. The floor is pumped up first.

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.
(AirKayaks Side note #2: 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 that the string does not get in the way when screwing on the valve base, and the valve is not cross-threaded, or you may have some air leakage. Also make sure the ring plate or “base” ring is also screwed on tightly.)

With the base portion screwed onto the kayak body, and the top portion screwed open, locate the

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

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