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Using an Advanced Elements Convertible DS Inflatable Kayak in an RV

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Kayaking from a different perspective!
We get many questions on kayaks for camping, flying, traveling and RVs. Check out this cool video put together by David and Brenda Bott.  Tired of doing the same thing “day in and day out”, the Botts are now traveling the country in their Tiffin Allegro Bus 45LP RV Coach – in fact, for nearly the past year they have been living full-time on-the-road with their extended family of furry friends.
Of course, as one travels there are many nifty paddling opportunities. Tired of looking for rental kayaks, David and Brenda took the plunge with an Advanced Elements Convertible DS inflatable kayak. The maiden voyage was captured on video using a single GoPro3 with a clamp mount that was moved around the kayak for front and back shots. The aerial portion taken from a Quadcoptor using FPV, First Person Video.

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As David said, “I have been flying a UAV for three years … As we travel the country we try to capture video using the UAV and have some wonderful views … we also support the Seg4Vets Foundation which helps our wounded warriors by giving them back mobility via the training and use of a Segway.  The quadcoptor was used at the Alamo to document an award presentation for the veterans.”
They have also chronicled their first Convertible DS set up with video footage which took place inside their RV (lucky for them they have a long one – our little Boler is only 10 feet long!)
Follow David and Brenda around the country by reading their travel adventures at http://www.OutsideOurBubble.com! And check out their collection of Aerial Video Footage around the country on YouTube!
 

Original Source: AirKayaks >>

Product Review: New Chinook 2 Inflatable Kayak from Aquaglide for 1-2 Paddlers

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As mentioned in previous posts, Aquaglide, Inc of White Salmon, Washington has recently introduced a new line of inflatable kayaks for 2014. The Aquaglide product line consists of 12 models with MSRP pricing from $199.95 to $1099.95.
Our first shipment included the Chinook 2. Part of Aquaglide’s “pricepoint” series, the Chinook kayaks are economically-priced recreational models in two sizes – 10 and 13 feet.

Following is our writeup on the Chinook 2, a 27-lb, 10 foot tandem model selling for $399. Featuring multiple seating locations, the Chinook 2 can be paddled by one or two persons.
Getting Started with the Aquaglide Chinook 2:
We unpacked the box and laid out the pieces – inflatable kayak, drawstring duffel bag, instructions, repair kit, two foot braces, tracking fin and two seats.

Initial measurements showed the kayak body weighs 27 lbs, with a case size of roughly 29 x 16 x 16 inches, while the kayak with seats and braces weigh 32 lbs. Boxed up, the dimensions are 30 x 17 x 16 inches with a shipping weight of 40 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.)
Chinook 2 Kayak Inflatation and Setup:
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 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.
(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.)
With the base portion screwed onto the kayak body, and the top portion screwed open, locate the Boston valve adaptor on your pump (conical nozzle about 1/2 inch in diameter) and friction fit it into the valve opening.

We pumped up the floor until firm (1.0 psi with slight give) using a standard double action hand pump – this took about 25 to 27 pumps. We then pumped up each of the side

Original Source: AirKayaks >>