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Name: mdenson

Most Recent Reviews

I purchased this kayak (SE370) so that my wife and I could enjoy the waters when we go out in our RV. Just so you have perspective, I am 6'2" - 270lbs and my wife is 5'8 - 180 lbs (don't tell her I told you that!). I only give that info because I think it's relevant.

I agree with others that it is easy to set up the kayak and seats. We purchased the SE370 Pro Package with the upgraded seats, paddles and foot pump as well as the storage bags. When you get all gear together with kayak inflated, is is heavier than the 32 lbs advertised - that's the boat alone. It is a bit more porting it all together. We decided that is was easier to take the seats out and throw them over the shoulder or carry in hand with the paddles. That way the boat is at it's lightest.

The kayak is easy to enter near the shore, but after several outings, it became evident that the more water and sediment we got off our feet before the feet entered the boat the better. One in the boat, the seats are comfortable and the boat feels secure. I am wide enough that with my seat in back the side tubes in the boat do not meet my wife's seat on the sides which makes her seat somewhat less stable, but my feet are usually against the seat anyway in some fashion. We could probably use about another foot in length, but there is plenty room as it is and we can both put our feet up on the sides to stretch out whenever we want.

The kayak is easy to steer and seems to track well, even in relatively choppy water. i would say the wind is a bigger factor in directing the boat than the chop in the water.

Storing is a breeze, but if you put all items (boat, seats, paddles and pump) in the bag, it's pretty heavy. The bag; however, does have a carry strap with a small shoulder pad that helps. I can carry it, but my wife would struggle greatly. If we need to carry it far deflated, we would separate some items into another bag (seats, pump and paddles) and both carry.

We do get stuck occasionally in low water (less than 12"), but usually it's as simple as pushing back and re-directing. The material (K-80 POLYKRYLAR) is very durable. The white color gets dirty easily, but it also cleans easily by simply wiping down with a damp cloth. I do use a small amount of liquid dish washing soap on the covers of the seats to get out dirt/sand as they will not come clean otherwise. I have noticed that at least for me, it's very difficult to stay dry when paddling. The sides are high (more like a canoe) and one has to paddle "high" dripping lots of water on the sides and often legs. I may get better as time goes on but I suspect I will never really stay dry in the 370.

All in all, for a leisure boat (we haven't done any whitewater), and for the price - I think it's awesome. I would recommend this to anyone for a first kayak, who wants a truly portable kayak, who has little storage space, or just wants an inexpensive way to get into kayaking! We are likely to buy a second one (330) so we can have our own when we want and also be able to tandem as we have been so far.