Chelan 120

I have used the Chelan 120 HB for several years, and have been pleased with its overall performance. I had decided to sell my composite 17' sea kayak, and look for something easier to travel with, be lighter, and be easier to enter and exit. I looked at a number of inflatables and was put off by their typical soft low pressure construction. The Chelan uses a semi-high pressure floor (6psi) with more traditional but sturdy side tubes at (3psi). I was amazed the first time I used it as to how well it scooted along. I can easily keep up with equal length rec. hardshell boats. The drop-stitch floor is the same as used for inflatable paddle boards, and you can stand up with no floor deflection, even a with a 220 lb paddler. The boat has some rocker, and I have found I keep it inflated most of the time, and transport it upside down on my car as I would a hardshell, of course suitably secured. The shape handling the wind well on top of the car. One downside is the seat. It has a low pressure inflatable pad, which puts the paddler fairly high in the boat. I don't mind this aspect. I have found I can comfortably use a 215cm high angle paddle with no problem, even with a beam of 36". I attribute this to the high position. But the seat offers questionable support. I fold a towel at the back of the seat to keep my hips from sinking too far rearward and it becoming quite uncomfortable. Mostly it is OK. One disappointment was the reality that I could not use the Greenland style paddle I had crafted and grown fond of with the sea kayak because of the wide beam. This may or may not prompt me to get an all drop-stitch boat with a beam of 24" to be able to try the Greenland paddle again. I like the fairly low weight at 24lbs for the bare boat makes it quite easy to hoist around. Leaving it inflated most of the time, I am never bothered by trapped water in the seams. The boat is quite dry when I return home. Overall, pretty high marks for this boat.

I began a search for an inflatable two years ago. I wanted a boat that would pack small enough to fit in a reasonable size car top cargo box. for extended travel. It folds to 25x9x21. I discovered the Aquaglide line and was impressed with the drop-stitch construction claims about the hull rigidity bow the Chelan HB 1. It inflates to around 6psi and is as rigid as any inflatable paddle board, easily holding my standing weight..

I am 6',#210, and the boat tracks well with the 7" detachable skeg and scoots along better than I thought it would. I do add about 10 lbs in the bow to help a slight zig zag. I come from about six years of sea kayaking at about an intermediate level with a 17' WS Tempest. I realized I could not get into as shallow water as the Tempest with its retractable skeg. This took some bumping into logs to develop a feel for the skeg. which is actually a bit awkward to install and remove, and probably something best not done after enjoyment of an adult beverage.

At 36" wide, I discovered I could not use my Greenland paddle, which I had grown fond of. Either you need to use a quite long paddle for low angle technique, or go to more high angle stroke. I use a 215cm, high angle paddle, which works fine.

The boat is so rigid I discovered it travels very well upside down on my car rack when inflated. With the rocker design of the hull it rides well aerodynamically. Properly strapped down, I have gone on the highway with it with no issues. I leave it inflated in J-racks in the garage. It does not lose pressure. I check inflation every few months.

The seating system is nice to use and very adjustable to suit the paddler, same with the foot rest. The partially enclosed bow and stern are also nice. It nicely manufactured. No issues with the quality.