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Name: FunN4Lo

Most Recent Reviews

My wife and I have been canoers all of our lives, with a little bit of kayaking thrown in the mix. I decided to look for an inflatable canoe/kayak for ease of transportation. I searched the web over to analysis paralysis. My choice came down to 2 brands that I was trying to pick a lessor of 2 evils. Then I found the Saturn Ocean. At 15ft it was large enough for 2, with room for lots of stuff, as I can never seem to travel light. It also can be easily configured for 1, as I occasionally paddle solo. My local float trips can include flat water rivers, lakes, saltwater bays, and the ocean. I do some white water rivers on vacation, but nothing regular. The Saturn Ocean has scupper holes for the ocean waves and my occasional (really occasional) white water. It stays very dry in the flatwater. Paddle drips find their way out of the supper holes. The IK’s central floor is raised and does not touch the water. This gives you a catamaran hull, with very little drag. I think it also makes it track much better. The IK comes equipped for a removable fin at the rear, and one at the front. I have only used it with the rear fin. Tandem or solo it tracks better than either of my canoes. The floor inflates very ridged, allowing you to stand. The catamaran hull is incredibly stable, seated or standing. I am not sure you could even purposely tip it.

The kit you get comes with absolutely everything that you need to get started except life jackets. The duffle bag is huge and tuff. I paid close attention to how the IK was folded from the factory. I refold it in that same configuration after use. I think you could get 3 of the IKs in the duffle bag. Which means lots of other stuff goes in the bag. In my case EVERYTHING can go in the bag. Two seats, 2 cushions, 2 life jackets, a hand pump, a foot pump,(bought extra) and a repair kit, my empty dry bags and more I am probably leaving out. All that still can go in the trunk of my wife’s Honda or the back of my truck. The IK also came with 2 break down kayak paddles. They are my only complaint. At 80 inches (200cm) they are way too short for a kayak of 34 inch girth, heavy, and the paddles are the only part of the kit that was not a quality component. I would have rather saved $40-$50 (or whatever they are worth) and not got them. I ended up buying 240cm paddles of a MUCH better quality. They move the loaded IK with ease.

The two included seats have a nice attached storage bag on the back. They hold lunch, sun screen, a camel back, repair kit etc. The seats attach to the IK D rings at 4 points with adjustable straps, and have a velcro removable bottom cushion. (cushions may have been a limited time promotional bonus, but I highly recommend them)The seats are very comfortable and supportive. The included hand pump is large so it pumps a large volume of air, pumping up the IK quickly. But large becomes a negative when you try to carry onboard. A patch kit is no good if you can’t re-inflate, so I bought a foot pump for a carry on. I also got a valve adapter for my Ryobi One+ battery operated pump. That saves my arms for paddling.

The other thing I missed from hard kayaks was foot support to push against when you really need to dig in. I solved that with a piece of PVC pipe placed inside a pool noodle, some buckle straps, and carabiners. (the review section really needs pics). The foot rests are an awesome addition. I give this IK a 10. I am really enjoying it. I have a few more MacGyver mods in mind, but you can’t go wrong with this IK. This is the IK you have been looking for.