AdvancedFrame Convertible

We bought ours used in April 2020 and used it a bunch over the summer and into the fall. We live in Michigan where there are many small lakes and rivers to take our kayak on. We haven't had any trouble with it. The material quality seems very good. We've used it on a river with some mild white water and even hung it up on a large round rock with no damage to the bottom. I really recommend getting the double action pump with the pressure gauge. If the kayak is correctly inflated it is very stable and easy to handle. The tracking is good and it rides in the water well. We liked it so much that this spring (2021) we bought the drop stitch floor and really like the more rigid feel. It seems to ride a bit higher in the water too. My wife is about 5'4" and I'm 5'10" and it fits us well. It takes 10 to 15 minutes from out of the car into the water and about the same to get it back into the car. We don't bother to fold it into the bag each time we use it. We wipe it down, fold it in thirds, toss it in the back of our Honda Fit, and spread it out on the driveway to dry when we get home.

I purchased the tandem AE kayak in 2019 and have had it out several times with my wife; I wanted a two person kayak that did not take up the whole garage! It arrived when they said it would and I read the directions before inflating as the sequence is very important. I have owned and also built strip built kayaks and canoes. I bought the complete package because I wanted all the accessories all at once since I have made the mistake in the past of waiting and not being able to get them at a later date for other products. The AE tandem kayak checked off my list of 'wants' for an inflatable kayak or any kayak for that matter, I have listed below for easy reading. 1> compact and easy to store (we store it under the basement steps) 2> 2 place, convertible to 1 place 3> converts to single paddler by moving the set to the middle, this is a big plus as most hard two place kayaks do not offer this and paddle badly from the back position 4> the deck can be zipped in or out as needed and I have the single paddle deck too 5> we upgraded to the rigid floor, I think this is a must upgrade> 6> lumbar support! I'm 6'3". Also I have plenty of leg room 7> lots of on deck storage and some below front deck 8> fit and finish are excellent, not to be overlooked at this price! Paddling it is very enjoyable, tracks straight *(see below on this) even on a windy day and has very little weathervaning problems. you're probably not going to win races with this but it moves along faster then I would have guessed. Inflation time is said to be about ten minutes, weellll maybe 15 to 20 but I'm getting faster each time out so maybe this is not too far off. *If the kayak has been stored for a long time the skeg can get bent and you will go around in circles, ask me how I know, so to remedy this after inflating turn the kayak over and let the sun heat it up a bit and use your hands to knead it back to straight, this is not hard to do and should be done each time out. I think stars are silly, except the one that keeps us alive but ok I give it a 5.

We purchased an Advanced Elements DS Series special (color) edition from AirKayaks before heading out on a 3 month, 8,500 mile multi-state RV trip. Everything compacted perfectly in one of our RV "basement" bays. Setup just gets easier each-and-every time we take it out. We love the immediate flexibility it gives us (our blue version from AirKayaks comes with the two-person zip-in deck and solid drop-stitched floor). Everytime we take it out someone inevitably stops to ask "is that an inflatable?!". It just doesn't Look like most other "tub-boat inflatables", because it's so Swift, Slick, and Sharp. I'm confident we'll still be using our Advanced Elements DS for years after we finally "retire" the RV.

I reviewed several makes of kayaks before making the purchase. Several friends who also own AE Kayaks strongly suggested their value for money. Sales staff were very knowledgeable about their product & I ordered the AE Tandem. Again, on a suggestion from a friend, I did the initial setup of the kayak at home so I would understand the process & that everything was working properly. There is a 'trick' to getting the drop stitch floor inflated properly but there are very helpful youtube videos clearly showing the process. The kayak itself seems to sit low in the water however, it's as sturdy as a Coast Guard ship. I've been out in fairly rough water & didn't have an issue. My next purchase would be the deck cover. I did experience a hole along the seam & AE (once informed), immediately sent me a replacement. Top notch staff. So if you're looking for a great kayak and don't want to buy the additional roof racks etc, this kayak is for you!

I purchased this boat 2 years ago. When I purchased it, it came with the drop-stitched floor. Overall, I like the boat. But, it has some blemishes.

The good: This is a nice boat. The boat looks great. Advanced Elements has, by far, the best looking inflatables I've seen in the market. They just look great, and half the time no one would have a clue you're on an inflatable until they get up close. When you're setting it up, you'll have a bunch of folks drop by to ask questions about it.

The build is rock solid. AE uses the same materials as rescue rafts/whitewater rafts in construction so they can take a bit of a beating.

With a 550lb capacity, you could definitely use this to packmule for a group of boaters. You could also use it for a fishing trip with a buddy.

You'd have to do something incredibly stupid to tip this guy over. I've literally laid my body off the side trying to make it tip, and it refuses to. You may as well be on a great big raft. If you want that stability, you'd be hard pressed to find something better.

The bad: I personally don't use this boat much because it takes awhile to set up. You're looking at 15-30 minutes of pumping to get it fully assembled. Sure, you can use an electric pump, but then expect annoyed looks from everyone around you as the pump screams over the quiet launch area. They also sell foot pumps, but I haven't had a chance to use one.

Same thing for teardown. While your buddies can wipe off their hard bodied kayaks, throw them on the roof, and go in about 5 minutes, you're going to be deflating for a good 15-30 minutes, then carefully folding, and stowing. Add in even more time to both setup and teardown if you add on a rudder.

I've also found that with the drop stitch floor, if everything isn't PERFECTLY centered and lined up prior to full inflation, you end up having tracking problems. This was surprisingly hard to do consistently. Constantly having to correct a big boat gets exhausting after awhile. Also regarding the build, the rubber skegs that are built in sit directly where the manufacturer tells you to fold the boat. They will develop creases from being folded over time. These will probably self correct if you leave it unfolded for awhile, but since mine mostly lives in the bag, they never get a chance. I think this contributes to tracking problems.

Because of constant corrections for tracking issues, I find myself always falling behind my other buddies on little their 10' kayaks. I ended up purchasing a rudder for it, but the rudder from AE only provides cables for one configuration, so you'll need to choose either tandem or solo and stick with it. You can purchase an extra set of cables, but those aren't actually sold by AE - they redirect you to a 3rd party seller (warning flag to me since it means they most likely won't provide support if there are issues).

It's a big boat for solo paddling (my wife doesn't like tandem boating). Because of this, I ended up purchasing a solid body boat that I can throw on the roof of my car for faster setup/teardown, and fewer tracking issues. For now, I am going to see about using this boat for fishing trips with a buddy of mine, since we won't be moving around too much. Then the tracking issues are less of an issue, and I'll have a second paddler to help correct.

Definitely give this guy a shot on the water before purchasing if you can. It's a great boat once you get used to it, but it can be tiring for longer trips, especially if you happen to misalign the dropstitch floor.

This is a great multipurpose kayak. I use it for both solo paddling and paddling with the family. It inflates quickly just using the foot pump. I use the backbone accessory for increased rigidity and find it really improves tracking. While it is a good kayak for all it's intended purposes, it doesn't really stand out in any single one.

We've been very pleased with this kayak. I previously had a 17-foot Prijon Kodiak kayak and loved it. Since my girlfriend was interested in us kayaking a tandem, and we didn't want to have to deal with a kayak rack (been there, done that,) I started looking into folding and inflatables. This kayak came up with top reviews and I have to say I've been very impressed. Having been used to a rudder, and a rigid kayak, I had low expectations and I'm pleased to report it has exceeded my expectations. That said, we haven't been out on a windy day, when you would expect the lack of a rudder to be an issue. So, far, so good!

I love this inflatable. I have used on rivers and lakes. Tracks real well even with a single person in the rear position. Will float in as little as 5" of water. Takes about 20 minutes to setup using the backbone and the durafloor. Easy to repack back into the case. I can fit seats, pump, boat and the floor in the case no problem. Had I known about these inflatables before I bought my hardshell I'm not sure I would have bought a hardshell. The convenience is awesome. This one weighs around 55 lbs or so with the backbone and durafloor in it. I have both tops (single and tandem) and also bought the lumbar inflatable seats.

Short version: with a few add-ons, a very respectable recreational tandem that doesn't require a roof rack.

The Good: it packs down to the size of a very large suitcase - you could fit 4 of these in the back seat of the average mid-size car! With the Backbone, it performs very much like a 14ft hardshell rec tandem. And it can be rigged as a single if/when desired.

The Bad: It does take time to set up (every time), and the Backbone is an absolutely essential "accessory" not included in the base price (the boat is pretty sucky without it), also not included are enclosed decks - even so, you're still a bit below the typical hardshell price even after adding those options.

Ugly: nothing really awful, although it does need to be dried after getting wet, and you will need wide paddles (230cm is not really wide enough).

Verdict: a recreational tandem equal to rec hardshells in the same price range (once you've added the Backbone), without the need for a roof rack, but requiring some setup time every time. A very good starter kayak for couples starting to investigate paddling but not ready for a "serious" boat (and the investment required).

We bought the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak last fall. We love it! We actually used bungy cords to strap it to the top of our motorcycle trailer and took it with us on vacation. WOW how cool is that! We weren't sure how long it would take to pump up but we did a trial set up and we were very happy that it only took less than 10 minutes with a hand pump. It was easy to carry down to the launch from the parking lot.

The triple-layer polyester material with double PVC coating gave us a high degree of confidence as we set out on our maiden voyage on Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The kayak was very stable and extremely comfortable. Our trip ended up going 6+ hours so we appreciated the comfort. Kurt has long legs and he had plenty of room. As I mentioned it was a long day and I am a novice so I appreciated the tandem design so I could leave all the paddling to Kurt when I got tried in the final stretch. We packed extra gear and plenty of water since the conditions on Lake Superior change quickly. There was lots of room for everything while we got loads of fantastic pictures.

We had no problems packing it all back up and putting it back on the motorcycle trailer. It dried out easily when we got back home. I am glad we made the purchase it was perfect for the way we like to travel and play!

I have been using this kayak for almost a year and have taken it on the water about 20 times now. Each time has been an adventure thanks to this boat! I have used it both as a tandem and solo kayak (tandem only 3 times so far), and it works excellently for both.

I purchased a special edition of this kayak online that came with the dropstitch flooring, single and double zip top decks, paddles, pump, high lumbar seats, and backpack which ended up driving the price to exactly $1200 but made the experience worth it. The dropstitch flooring improves stability while out in any swells or running into the wake from large boats/ships. Another option to improve stability is the backbone, which is also cheaper. I chose the flooring because of the convenience. The high lumbar seats are much more comfortable than the regular seats. This is really important if you are looking to take this kayak out for more than just an hour or so.

Setup can take a couple times to get used to but is easy. It took me about 20 minutes to prepare everything when I first took it to the water, but now takes me about 15 minutes to pump up the kayak and set up the zip top deck. Once out in the water you can feel how stable this boat is. While it is big and bulky it moves quickly in the water. My friend has a 14 foot hardshell and I was able to fly right past him.

This boat has been great on long trips. The longest I have taken it out was for 6 hours and it handled excellently in salt marshes of Long Island, the Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay, and the New York Harbor. It tracks excellently and has plenty of storage under the zip top deck for a solo trip. When riding tandem your storage space becomes limited to any deck bags or anything tied down to the bungee cables on top of the kayak. I have bumped against some rocks and scraped along rocks underneath and have only received some light scratches on the outer hull. This thing can take a beating and you still feel safe in it.

The only con to this boat is that it is heavy. At 56 pounds, carrying the kayak in its duffle bag over one shoulder can be painful. I recommend purchasing the Advance Elements backpack to help even the load on to both shoulders. It can fit the boat, paddle, seat, PFD, and zip top deck all in the bag. The backpack straps are wider and more padded than the original bag's straps. I know a few people that would consider the weight of the convertible to be a deal breaker and I can't blame them. A long walk can seem much longer with a big pack like that strapped to your back. I have seen online that many people have purchased a dolly cart to help transport the boat around. I personally can handle the weight so don't mind the walk but it should be a major consideration when purchasing this kayak. It also takes some time to dry out if you get it wet but if you leave it out in the sun for a while it will dry out.

I really like this kayak and if I had the choice to go back and purchase anything else I would still pick this boat. Being in an apartment and not having a roof rack on my car this has given me the ability to kayak when I want and where I want without losing anything in the paddling experience. I will be taking it out many more times and hopefully can get my friends out to take advantage of the tandem use a little bit more.

I like the performance of this boat. It does well both solo and tandem. It is stable and comfortable. It tracks well, but also turns well for its length.

Speed - when fully inflated, this yak cruises nicely (especially for an inflatable), even with the standard low-pressure floor and no back-bone. Tandem paddling achieved 3.9 to 4.7 mph w/ steady to firm paddling, and up to 5.5 or so at a sprint (subtract about a half a mph for solo). Adding either the drop-stitch floor or the backbone should increase that capability. Note that if it is under-inflated, it will under-perform. Really, Advanced Elements should include an accurate, low-pressure-range gauge with the necessary adapters with each boat they sell to ensure proper inflation. Note also that if it is properly inflated, their customer service said that when you lift it on one end, it should have minimal sag in the middle.

Portability - I recently was checking out what it would take to take this on an airplane, and it seemed pretty bulky, so we took a smaller one along instead (but you could make it fit within the dimensional limits).

I actually use inflatable Sea Eagle seats in this boat at times as they are more comfortable, especially for the front paddler. With our inflatable kayaks, at times we like to lay back and get really comfy if we are not in a hurry, or are enjoying the full moon, etc. With the standard AF seats, the rear paddler can adjust the seat back so he can lay against the back tubing - but the front paddler can't really lay back as there is not enough support unless vertical.

Their bright orange color is almost gaudy, but it does make it look pretty striking. Likewise, the boat does have a rather slick appearance. Boat seems very durable. One potential drawback is that it does take a while for it to fully dry out after use. Another could be that there is no drain valve.

Overall an excellent boat and certainly a keeper!

The previous reviewers did a great job of describing all the great features, and some of the shortcomings, of the convertible (15 footer). My wife and I have one of these and an Expedition (13 ft., solo). We love them both. We bought the seats with lumbar support and highly recommend them. I also use an inflatable seat (REI) behind my back for added support for my upper back. The seats, when properly positioned offer great seating for every need from aggressive paddling to relaxed lounging. One of both of us can easily fall asleep on a warm day on a lake or slow running river. I started paddling canoes in 1952 and have canoes almost continuously since then until last year when we sold our Kevlar We-no-nah. We love our new AE Convertible so much more. It's easy to store and fits inside our Toyota van. In fact, both kayaks easily fit in back with all the gear we need for camping. It's a relief not having to load and unload and transport a canoe strapped to the top of the car. I put a closed-cell foam pad on the bottom last weekend and took our 12-year-old Golden retriever on a 4-hour paddle. She was a bit skittish at first but settled down. The AE is SO stable that I never had to shift my weight around to compensate for her movements. Not so with a canoe. We've used the kayak as a floating platform for swimming offshore. It's so stable we can stand on the gunwales and dive into the water and it would appear to be almost impossible to tip it over. Getting back in is simple. This would be a great floating dock for children too. Just anchor the kayak in deep-enough water and let the kids jump all over it. The kayak appears slightly more stable with the backbone in, though , given how rigid it is when inflated properly, I hardly notice the difference. I bought the AE handpump with pressure indicator. The indicator works when inflating the floor, but not the main bladders. I have the decks but have never used them. I get a little wet when paddling, but usually cover my legs with a towel when it's hot to prevent sunburn so I don't mind the water. When it's cold I wear neoprene leggings and top so I don't feel the water then either. The kayak paddles easily and tracks at least as well or better than any hard shell I've ever paddled. I'm 5'9" and have a 230 cm paddle. I'd prefer a 240 as I start scraping the side of the kayak towards the end of the day when I'm tired. Buy the lightest paddle you can afford! All the shortcomings other reviewers mentioned are there but they're of little consequence to us considering all the great features. I can't recommend this kayak highly enough.

Very very nice inflatable.
Use it since 1 year on lakes in Switzerland and now 10 days on the sea (Sardinia) and very pleased with the boat. Inflates in a few minutes, and quickly is ready to use. I'm 1.70m tall and 90Kg and need more place in width then for the legs but the 'Convertible' has enough room for me and my passenger and there is still place for stuff (water, pump, towels and so on).

Nice to use in winter and summer due to the convertible top, in summer for shorts coastal tours you just paddle without the top and enjoy the sun, in winter you close the top and wear a spray skirt and everything will stay more or less dry and warm. I must say that this one is my first kayaks and I'm very happy.

Pros: easy to set up, pretty solid, nice color, in junction with a backbone very stable and fast enough, fun alone, fun for two and sometimes very fun for three. can be used on small to middles Mediterranean waves

Cons: lot of small pieces to carry with you when traveling, takes long to dry. pretty heavy when packed in his big bag but ok for a 2 places kayak

Will now look for a rigid solo kayak after 1 year experience with the AE AF and keep this for passengers and/or traveling. Would I buy it again?? oh yes!

Ordered this AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak and got a little nervous. It came and it works great. Bought the drop stitch floor. Love it. Also put on the spray deck. Came in totally dry. No problems whatsoever. Wipe down the outside and done.

There are two tubes called the main chambers that go all the way around the kayak. These take the bulk of the pumping and it is no big deal. Not worth a DC car pump. That leaves just the floor and some accessories to pump up. The floor takes less than the main chambers and the little stuff only takes a couple of pumps each. Very quick and easy. The thing is the two main chambers share the same pocket so they have to be equally pumped. Not real simple. But doable.

I was interested in the Sea Eagle 385 but could not find a single consumer review after several exhaustive searches. What's that about? I don't want to play! People are lined up to write of their experiences with the AE Kayaks.

We could not find an air gauge for Kayaks locally. You need to get one on a pump or buy a separate in-line gauge. The search for a "best" pump gives me a headache. The good news is there is little pumping to do and any one of them will do fine.

I researched this to death and considering the weight capacity and the width of the vessel, I think this is the best you can do. I don't think I would like to paddle a Kayak that is 38" or more wide. This is a good looking, classy and brightly colored boat that cuts through the water nicely and my and I love it.

My wife and I are both new to kayaking so we did lots of research last fall before deciding on the AF convertible and are completely satisfied with our decision. We also purchased the optional 2 person deck.

Usage:
Our usage the kayak is recreational - day trips in calm lakes and smaller/calm rivers with only mild current. We've already been in shallow water in an upstream river (about a 1 foot of water) and the kayak performed very well. We do keep our eyes open for underwater obstacles when we are in low water.

Size/Storage:
My wife is 5'and I'm 5'7" so we fit inside with no problems. We also have a good amount of room left for cargo bags which is great since we tend to over-pack a little for day trips. We have a 10L deck bag on the front deck under the lash cords, an 8L dry bag under front deck at my wife's feet. There is room for another 8L bag at my feet if we don't use the thwart (which we haven't so far). We also keep a foot pump behind the rear seat in the event we need some extra air in the middle of a trip.

Performance/Comfort:
Stability of the boat is incredible. We have no feeling of tipping at all. The boat tracks well and paddles very easily. I do most of the paddling work from the rear seat and my wife adds where she can. We tend to avoid windy conditions but I've been able to handle a little wind with a little extra effort too. Comfort is also incredible. My wife has some back problems so were a little concerned about that but everything has been fine there too.

Setup:
After setting it a couple times the process becomes very easy. We use a small rechargeable pump to get the bigger chambers inflated 1/2 to 3/4 way up then top off with the hand pump. The rechargeable pump really helps out and saves time and effort.

Normally we look for a grassy area near the launch to setup. We have a tarp in the car in case a site has nothing but dirt but so far we've always been able to find a grass area. If there is a distance to the put-in I have found that I can carry the inflated kayak myself by unzipping the deck to gain access to the far side. I pull the kayak up on to my shoulder (resting the big gray tube on my shoulder) and it's pretty easy to just walk around with it. The whole setup process takes about 10 minutes.

Break-down:
Deflation is easy too. I use the hand pump in deflate mode to suck out any remaining air. We pull out the floor and wipe down inside with a towel. Then we fold and wipe/dry each section of the underside.

We've decided not to put the kayak into the bag. I know it can be done but for us it's just easier/faster to wrap the folded kayak with 2 adjustable fabric straps (the general tie-down straps with adjustable slider). This method makes it very easy to carry the folded kayak and load into trunk too by grabbing the 2 straps like a handle. It might help to air things out a little too with this outside the bag method. We do use the bag to carry all of the accessory parts - the deck, the seats, the floor, the pumps etc. The whole break-down process is also about 10 minutes.

Summary:
The only small modification we have done is to add a few bungee cords across the rear deck tying them to the 4 D rings that came attached to the deck there. It helps to hold down a small item similar to the front deck elastic cords.

Overall we are thrilled with the kayak and are having so much fun. All the materials are heavy duty quality and the boat is great looking on the water. Many people ask questions about it while we are setting it up or breaking down. Great job Advanced Elements, thanks!

My Advanced Elements Convertible is the first Kayak I have bought and I am in love with it. I am a very small person (about 110 lbs) and it was very easy for me to handle and carry. My maiden voyage was on the Yellowstone River this last weekend and I was very impressed as to its durability and handling on the small rapids. The only thing is that I had to re-adjust my gear because it wanted to keep turning to the right, but after a little adjusting it tracked perfectly!!! I am in love with this Kayak! Every woman should have one!!!

I agree with the review below.
I have a truck camper whose roof is too high for a hard boat; the AE convertible fits nicely in the back seat of my truck. Although it is a fine tandem for short trips with small to average size adults, it is more comfortable as a solo for long or overnight trips.

I feel that the optional spray decks and backbone are a must. I would add that I use a light fold-up luggage type cart with big wheels to move the boat and accessories down to the water.

This is a great kayak. It gives the maximum value for the combination of price, durability, speed, and ability to store. This kayak opens up broad horizons for someone who has very limited means to store hardshell kayaks. We got it for my father, and he is most happy with it.

If deflated properly, it is very easy to put it back in its bag. Some shortcomings - takes long time to dry out, pretty heavy to carry in the bag, and it lacks foot braces, however, it's perfectly possible to work around these limitations. In addition, it looks beautiful - something that all other inflatable kayaks lack. For its price in US, its a steal, and a great value. Highly recommended.

I have used this kayak over the past year. It is perfect to carry in my truck camper, since I can not get a hard boat on the roof. I have both the single and tandem spray decks, but I prefer open in hot weather. I recently got the stern to bow brace and it really makes the boat stiff. I find that I can easily keep up with hard boats even in wind and chop. I also made a protective floor out of close cell foam pads from Walmart. I have used the boat from Utah to Nova Scotia and love it.

This was my first kayak.

My requirements: (1)No toy inflatable (2) no need to strap down on roof (3) capable of lake/pond, and lite ocean paddling. (4) A company that would stand behind its product and had a good reputation in the market(5) Would work well as a solo or tandem. (6) Technically current for its price point (7) Family/Friend Friendly - I can let others use without freaking out.

OK -- Did a lot of checking out...and for the money, honestly do not think anything can touch this. Not the lightest kayak offered but packs up great and light enough to heft into my trunk, unload at some Cape Ann, MA locale, pump up and off I (or we) go.
As known, does not have the speed of rigid kayaks...but not a slug at all. As another suggested, if purchase inflate the main tubes. I was told that the test was for one to pick up in front and another in back, and it should not crease.

The real test: After the initial weekend using, took out in a Cape Ann inlet with my dog...and over the next hour found myself starting to hum a song from a child hood movie favorite "Babes in Toyland". (slowly, slowly, he sank into the sea...) Fortunately there were two air channels so made it back to shore, but quite the scene with my my first mate being my dog who has guilt about abandoning the ship (over and over!!). After I got back -- was pretty angry when discovered a seam leak. So, called Advanced Elements, and waited to see how they would handle. I was most impressed. They immediately sent me a new one, even though I was able to repair the current one. The guy was not defensive, very apologetic and let me know how much they are focused on quality (already knew that as they include a very detailed factory quality tick sheet that had the factory initials at each step).

Oh, while it retails for $600, with a little hunting, should be able to pick up for less. (think annual REI 25% off one item sale, ebay, after establish reputation of vendor). Have yet to determine if getting the backbone -- again the guy at the company was very open about which models it seemed to help the most - and he relayed that it was not the clear step up that it is on a couple shorter ones (If you have one with this kayak -- share your thoughts!) although it appears to add some rigidness.

Taking it to the Adirondack's next week for a week...(lake and stream) may add more after that. Finally, thanks to paddling.com - you all rock for balancing often conflicting needs - hosting solid unbiased information vs. the need for legal tender.

The AdvanceFrame Convertible is a very well made kayak, there are some short comings that I have noticed though, for instance there is not enough Velcro to fasten the foot brace at different positions. During the manufacturing of this vessel there should be a meticulous quality control of measurements where the inside tubing fastens to the shell, this would make an extremely even vessel. The Back Bone should have pockets so there is no guess work of placement. I believe this company has a great product and I foresee them going very far if only they will listen to the end user. I certainly see myself using this kayak in an expedition in Greenland sometime soon.
I will continue with my observations as I get to know the kayak more and more.