Sevylor K79 Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak

Comments about Sevylor K79 Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak:

We used this in the Current River in MO this summer. It went over some rocks, hit some logs and branches, and held up. Then we used it in a lake in KY and it was great
The first time you inflate it, give yourself some time, just to get the hang of it. Paddling in it is comfortable, several teenagers in our group tried it out and were able to navigate it fine. I used a baling sponge a bit on the river, since water splashed in a bit. I don't like water on the bottom at all. We DID buy the skeg for the Tahiti to help keep the kayak/canoe stay straight, and it made a difference!

Comments about Sevylor K79 Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak:

For what we paid for this Kayak we can't complain. It has served us brilliantly on lakes and rivers. Our last use was on a reasonable flowing river, it handed great and we were padding a few hours. We have had no problems with punctures etc. It packs up pretty small and inflates quickly with a good pump. We always take it with us when we go camping and store it in the garage with the life jackets and paddles when it's not in use. You MUST also buy the Skeg without it the kayak is uncontrollable and goes round in circles. We used this in Yosemite Park with great ease, it's light to carry and when it deflates it's not too large for one person to carry. We hope to get many more years of fun with this kayak, this is our second year of use.

Comments about Sevylor K79 Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak:

We bought this kayak three years ago and aside from minor issues (we've had to replace two seats, and do a few minor patches) it's served us well. We use it mainly around the local bays and rivers but it's been out on the ocean and this summer tooks us on a four day camping trip in Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior.

When it's not on the water, the Ducky lives in a duffle bag in our garage along with our life jackets and assorted paddling gear. It travels in the back of our subcompact car. No extra baggage charges for this baby! You can lash it to a packframe and trek it up to a remote lake. It's supposed to be certified for low level whitewater and kayak surfing but we've never tried it.

On the water, it handles well as long as you are using the optional skeg. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you don't use the skeg this boat handles like a giant beach ball skittering aimlessly over the water especially in high wind. With the skeg, it tracks well and is easy to paddle. We've used in in strong currents and high winds with no problems. The skeg costs about $20 and will make the difference between haveing a great time and wanting to throw the whole thing in the trash. Buy two. We had one break a while back from repeated dragging over rocks and sand.

The other downsides are about what you'd expect. This is a work horse not a race horse. It'll get you where you're going but not fast. Get long paddles. With it's wide pontoons it's kind of hard to keep water from dripping into the boat. Like any inflatable it'll bounce off rocks but beware stray fish hooks and jagged bits of metal. There's not a ton of storage space under the splash covers but by loosening them up and lashing dry bags behind the rear seat we were able to transport our camping gear safely. Finally, if you're sensitive to the comments of gearheads, this may not be the thing for you. Actually most kayakers have been curious and some surprised and even impressed.

Bottom line. Despite it's looks, this is an affordable, utilitarian boat that will take you where you want to go and not take up a ton of storage space.