Really depends on the paddler but all of AE's kayaks are recommended to use at least a 230cm paddle. With the Island Voyage 2, you do sit up high enough that a 230 works for anyone from about 5'2" and up.
There are no foot rests. There are two seats, a duffle bag, a patch kit and the fin included in the box. I bought the air pump and it takes about 54 pumps to fill each side. I was able to unfold and inflate in less than 5 minutes. It seems very well constructed and can't wait to take the dog out on the lake.
I'm concerned on how it paddles though, as in an aluminum canoe, you are sitting much higher that this one. It will be like sitting on the floor of the canoe and paddling.
There are three seat locations, one in front, one in the back and one in the middle if riding solo.
Sharp hooks do not go go well with inexpensive inflatable boats. I've gone fishing on the ocean with zodiacs before - but zodiacs are made with much more robust materials. And we had wetsuits. For inflatables, you should also bring an emergency repair kit (or at least good duct tape), along with all the standard safety equipment required for longer boats.
Adding my review here, since I don't see a way to add anything on the Reviews tab.
I got mine last summer and only had a chance to use it once.
The weight limit is listed as 400 lbs. My wife and I are closer to 450 together, not including dogs and gear. Loading it up like that probably makes it harder to paddle and track, but it still works fine for us.
Also, I'm 6'4" and my wife is 5"10. After a couple hours paddling, we were still very comfortable. We only intend to use it for short trips and fishing on the lakes around here, I probably wouldn't want to take an all day trip in it.
Using the AE foot pump, I was surprised how quickly it inflated, and without much effort at all.
Allen, can you fit yourself and your wife and a dog into this kayak? My wife and I are each one size smaller than the two of you, and our dog is about 33 pounds. I've looked at this kayak before and thought that it would be too small for the three of us.
It may depend on how you planned to use it.
A dog would fit with us as well. But he would be in between our legs. For what we use it for, that's OK. Just on small lakes fishing, or to get across them to a campsite. But a longer trip or day trip would probably be uncomfortable.
Can you use a backbone with this? Does it need it? I realize not every boat that can use a backbone needs it, but I'm curious about whether a backbone makes for better handling.
I can personally atest to this being a good little inflatable. As with all inflatables, it's not going to track anywhere as responsively as a rigid kayak....meaning, it's gonna be slower to turn and require more effort.. Makes sense! If it were me, however, I'd find this thing used if I could, my buddy bought a nice one, albeit all scuffed up superficially and definitely smelled and looked like it was used, for $60. In my opinion, gear is meant to get used, not to look pretty though...so for $60 it does what it does well for the money.
This doesn't really answer the question, but I wanted to point out that I used an AE foot pump on mine. It only look a few minutes of pretty mild work to pump it up. The low pressure needed and high volume of the pump is a good combo.
It should take you roughly 10-15 minutes to inflate it with a foot pump. Your DC pump will not inflate this kayak for two reasons: 1) your inflator is meant for high pressure (car tires) the island voyage is low pressure (2 psi) & 2) the valve configurations are completely different.
Hi quick question, I am debating joining this drop but I have no experience with inflatables, I currently have a 10 ft rec, a 14.5 current designs breeze and a 17.7 Current Designs Solstice GTS.
I am looking at the AE Island for my kids on the local river, the Kickapoo in South Western Wisconsin. it is a slow beautiful river and quite shallow. Sometimes you will bottom out and it can be a bit rocky at times. Not jagged rocks but rocks nonetheless. So my concern is how tough is this kayak? I am thinking it is resilient enough to handle this as it will not be hitting rocks at a high rate of speed and most rocks are small. How puncture resistant is it?
I don't have this particular boat, but I have two AE kayaks, as well as some other-brand hardshells. This can handle bumps and dragging--at least mine has. I love how easy it is to get mine inflated and in the water, without having to unload a heavy boat off the roof of the car. There are things I prefer my CD Storm and Dagger Mamba for, but for sheer ease of use, in fun situations, my AE boats are at the top of the list. I got one of their four part paddles, too, and I've been surprised at how wobble-free it is, and how good the catch is. It's well designed. (And I don't work for AE.)
Looks like quite a deal. I was just at a sporting goods store like REI and it was $399.99. The sales assistant raved about the quality, but he was trying to make a sale. :)
I am interested in buying a Kayak, but am unfamiliar with the inflatable models. I will do some research but in the meantime, a few questions:
would this be an appropriate Kayak for a first time owner?
I'm assuming there is a "skeleton" and then the rest is inflatable. Does anyone know how long the non inflated "skeleton" is? I'm wondering how easy it is to transport and if I can fit it on top of my little Scion XD.
Thanks!
This is a great kayak for the first time owner...given what type of paddling you are going to do. Look for my reply on one of the comments below for what type of paddling conditions this yak is meant for or check AE's website to make sure it will fit your paddling needs.
As far as construction, there is no "skeleton". The boat is comprised of an outer fabric shell with inner air chambers that make the shape of the boat. So, there are no rigid frame components. It packs down into a duffel the size of a medium suitcase so you can pack it just about anywhere.
It can totally handle salt water. Just like anything involved with salt water though, you must rinse the boat with fresh water after use to help preserve the material from salt buildup and corrosion. It is rated for calmer water as you cannot skirt this kayak and it's not self bailing. This would make a great tender if that is what you are referring to with boat trips.
I have an Advanced Element Kayak (not the 2 person) and LOVE it. It's a breeze to inflate and deflate and very durable. I've owned mine for a few years and it's still in great condition because it's incredibly durable. Highly recommend this brand of inflatable Kayaks!