Makai

by  Islander

This Product Has Been Discontinued

Makai Description

The Makai is a kayak brought to you by Islander. Read Makai reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Check out a few other kayak recommendations below or explore all kayaks to find the perfect one for you!

Islander
Makai Reviews

Read reviews for the Makai by Islander as submitted by your fellow paddlers. All of the reviews are created and written by paddlers like you, so be sure to submit your own review and be part of the community!

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4

I recently bought the Makai…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 12/17/2018

I recently bought the Makai and i've done so far about 20 kilometres from calm to choppy sea waters with my dog on it (we both weight 95 kilos) and some extra gear. Well, this boat does it well...it has good speed and tracks very well...the only issue is about secondary stability, if you are not careful you might end up in the sea when the sea is choppy...this is the only disadvantage i found...except for this everything else is almost perfect, it is easy to carry (19 kilos), has enough space for carrying things and is faster than most boats of its category...for persons up to 80 kilos it's a very good choice.

4

I purchased the Islander…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/10/2007
I purchased the Islander Makai with the thought of having an all around kayak with emphasis on lightweight and portability. At 9'-9 and 34 pounds, this kayak is easy to transport and handle for teenagers and adults.
I am 6 ft and 200#'s. I am probably at the upper end as far as stability is concerned. I have good balance, but found that this kayak is easy to tip in heavier surf or swells. That doesn't bother me, because its an SOT. I had no problems in most waters.
This little kayak tracks extremely well for its size and has good speed. The scuppers drain well. I found that the bow throws some spray in your face when in choppy waters facing a slight headwind. This may be due in part to my weight.
The seat well is comfortable, but you will need a back support if you paddle for long periods. It comes with a very nice 8" stowage hatch and ample rear deck space. This kayak is made with good quality parts and rugged plastic construction.
5

I have had this boat going on…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 7/5/2005
I have had this boat going on the second season now, and I love it. It is easy for me to handle alone which is why I chose it I am only 5' 3" tall. It is very stable and tracks very well. Try one you will like it.
4

I recently purchased the…

Submitted by: poowens on 10/2/2004
I recently purchased the Makai to add to my small fleet of kayaks. I am a 155 lb. woman and this boat is perfect for me. I use it on Class I & II rivers when I do not feel like using my WW boat. The Makai is great for surfing the rapids and ferrying across the river! (Of course, I do have the knee straps for additional control).
4

I am a fairly large guy…

Submitted by: paddler230770 on 9/1/2004
I am a fairly large guy (6',210 lbs.) and the Makai is not for me. This is a small person's boat. But it is an excellent small person's boat. My 11 year old son and small sized college age daughter love it. Stable, good tracking. Great for flatwater. Actually, I've used it numerous times and it works well; I just travel closer to the water than I might like. It actually outperformed my Moku for me in the surf because the Moku is so much bigger and heavier that I thought I might get killed by a wave if the boat hit me on the head. The Makai felt less threatening in the surf.
4

This is great for a little…

Submitted by: guest-paddler on 4/18/2002
This is great for a little boat. Lots more fun than a Swifty! It felt like I was getting somewhere when I paddled. It has a cooler-shaped hole behind the seat and a hatch for sunscreen and a jacket (not much else would fit). My feet got wet but the seat stayed dry. My wife wants one so she can throw it in the back of the SUV herself and paddle solo.