What are you in the mood for today sir? The typical phrase uttered by some of the most famous butlers in television and movies. It is very empowering when someone approaches you with this phrase. Especially if they happen to use a British accent while doing so. No disrespect to the British, but when anyone makes us feel even remotely close to what it feels like to be the mythical Bruce Wayne we get really excited.

Apologies for the geek references, but with the product that came across our desk today we truly feel like we got something straight out of a movie or comic book. With this kayak, you can decide to either paddle, sail, use it as a fishing platform or even adapt an outboard motor on it. It really depends on what your mood for that particular day is.

We have to be careful though sometimes when products try to cover too much ground they end up not covering anything at all. Let’s see what happens here.

About The Product

The Sea Eagle 435PS Inflatable Paddleski is a kayak/catamaran that has the following measurements: 14′ 6″x 39″ on the outside, and 12′ 6″ x 16″ on the inside. It can hold 2 adults comfortably on its deck and a total amount of 650 pounds of weight on deck.

Of course, this is the size it reaches when fully inflated. When inflated it can easily fit in the backseat of a car. It comes with a bag for easy carrying. Just like you would carry a normal gym bag. It comes with a foot pump and can be fully inflated within 7 minutes. If you use the foot pump, you won’t ever have to worry about your kayak being overinflated. It is not recommended that you use an air compressor to inflate this kayak as that may cause it to over inflate.

Making it more susceptible to punctures and overall malfunctions. It comes with a quick row Kit, QuikSail, two 7’10” AB30 paddles, two deluxe Inflatable seats, two Scotty rod holders. Essentially the only feature that you would need to invest more for would be the off board motor. In that case, the necessary adjustments can be purchased through Sea Eagle.

Main Features

What We Like

We liked the versatility of this product. You can essentially store it in a small space and take it anywhere without needing to set up any extra accommodations in your car or having to tow it around. That versatility continues in the water as it can adapt to whatever you are in the mood for on a particular day.

It comes with the paddles and sails already so you don’t have to do virtually any extra shopping. It is actually quite long which also makes it a great fishing platform option. You can adapt the seats depending on the day, and also the holders can hold fishing roads or be used to help you when paddling. The main concern we always have with inflatables is their durability.

Sometimes these kayaks work fine, but a puncture and it all goes to waste. In this case, however, this particular boat seems to be made from very durable materials. It is important to pump at exactly the right pressure, if you use the foot pump you won’t have a problem there.

Most of the features work fine, which is rare in these types of items, so obviously it is a plus for the Sea Eagle 435PS. The design makes it very slick and lightweight in the water. So it is very maneuverable and will go fairly quickly without too much effort.

What We Do Not Like

The Sea Eagle 435PS has many outstanding features we are not disputing that. The issue is that to change from one feature to the next you need to buy extra adaptors and/or seats. That is not the worst thing in the world, but the problem is you have to carry them. So the whole portable and adaptable bonus that comes with this kayak kind of goes out the window there.

If you have a lake house or a large R.V. you won’t have those storage problems. However, if the whole purpose was to be able to pack light you won’t be able to go from motoring to rowing so easily. The actual mounting and dismounting of a motor, or going from paddling to rowing is actually fairly easy. You essentially don’t need tools to be able to complete these adjustments.

That is one of our worries, though! It seems way too unstable. Especially for the motor, if you don’t tighten the board properly, the motor could potentially fall out. We are worried that people may actually take it lightly and end up having problems because of this.

Where To Buy

This product comes with a lot of add-ons. So be sure to make a list of all of them before you buy so that you can cross-check that list with the actual product you receive. We hope that you won’t have any issues while shopping, but this sometimes happens, so it’s better to be prepared.

The problem most of the times is not with who actually ships the product, but the manufacturer. So we don’t see an issue with buying online, or in store. Whichever option you prefer make sure to cross check the item when you receive it.

Conclusion

This is a great inflatable option. It is even better for people who have lake houses, or R.V.’s. Since you can keep all of the add-ons close at hand. As a portable option it is still easy to carry, but in this case, it becomes less versatile. However, it is still a viable option for those of you who plan on traveling with it. Overall a great kayak option in our book!

Summer is right around the corner, and there are many fun days out on the water upcoming. At least that is what we wish for you and yours in the months to come. If you are looking for new adventures in the water going out and getting kayak may be a great option for you. For those of you who may be thinking it is too much work to actually be fun, we hear you! We had the same issue with a lot of boats out there.

They were great for fishing and chilling, but if you actually have to paddle, they become a huge hassle. In this case, we are talking about an inflatable kayak that works great for waters that have a decent current where you can easily glide through the water without too much effort. It’s perfect for all you who head down to the Colorado River, and/or similar areas. In this particular case, we will be talking about the Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak. It is a great kayak for people who are just starting to get into kayaking.

Also, it is a very safe option for those of you that want to bring your kids along for the ride. We don’t want you to think that we are giving biased opinions though so let’s get down to the facts!

About The Product

The Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak measurements are 10ft. x 35”x 16” when fully inflated. It comes with a hand pump that allows you to have it fully inflated within 5 minutes. It also comes with two aluminum paddles with ergonomic grip handles.

The paddles can be taken apart for more comfortable storage. The 2 padded seats also are included. The nice feature here is that the seats are actually adjustable. So if for instance, you are riding with your kid you can leave yourself more leg room.

Also, if you are going to be using it alone you can remove one seat and adjust the other one in the middle or back of the kayak however you prefer. A removable rear tracking fin allows you to adjust to choppy waters better. Other than that it comes with a travel bag and repair kit! It really doesn’t have any strange features that you end up not needing at all. All of the essentials are here including a repair kit to help you if you encounter any problems while out in the water!

Main Features

What We Like

Before we actually went out and tested this kayak ourselves we saw a video review of a man using this kayak with his small dog. We loved how easy it was for this guy to just get out on the water. He didn’t need to exert too much effort for the kayak to smoothly propel him forward.

When we go it out into the water, we noticed the same thing. It really doesn’t require too much effort to get you going in the right direction. We liked the padded seats a lot as well. First, because they are adjustable and not inflatable. Usually, the plastic inflatable seats that these kayaks come with make them very uncomfortable. They tend to get really hot and cause blisters on a hot day, plus sitting in them too long will become increasingly tiring.

Not in this case, plus you can easily make it a one seater and ride solo. Like we said in the description, you can adjust the seats to have more leg room or even balance the boat better. Overall we liked that it isn’t trying to oversell you things that you really need. Everything that is there has a use and a purpose on the boat. Not having any extra features that you are essentially not going to use makes it easier to deflate and carry anywhere.

Without having to worry about carrying any bulky add-ons. Even the paddles can be disassembled for easier storage. Allowing this product to be very enjoyable for kayak enthusiasts as well as newcomers. Besides, it is on sale at a very accessible price which doesn’t hurt!

What We Do Not Like

To be honest, we had a hard time finding out aspects that we didn’t like from this kayak. We looked hard and sure enough, we found a “negative” feature on this boat. Actually, a lack of a feature would be more accurate. The kayak is great, but it has no pockets or hatches to carry anything in. There are a couple of things like car keys and cell phones which we would normally want to keep dry and bring with us.

However, this kayak doesn’t offer that possibility. We decided to bring a small bag which we made waterproof, and we attached to one of the rings where the seats are attached. That is how we solved the issue, but if Driftsun would like to help us out next time we would certainly appreciate it!

Buying Advice

We tend to put some scary warning in this section, but this product might be the exception. Of course, you need to check that all of the features they tell you it comes with are in the box when it arrives at your home. However, in this case, you really don’t have to worry about tracking down to many features. So just follow the typical guidelines like test your kayak out before the warranty runs out, and buy from a certified seller. If you do that you should be fine!

Conclusion

This is a great kayak for anyone who wants to get out on the water. It is simple yet, it works as well if not better than more expensive options out there. It is perfect if you want an easy storage boat you can take anywhere without needing to tow it or put it on the roof of your car.

You avoid those hassles and have the same amount of fun on calm or choppy waters. It really only depends on how extreme you are feeling!

Getting great value for your money is something we are all after when we go out shopping. That may seem like an extremely obvious statement, yet we rarely give ourselves enough time and put in the right effort into deciding what to purchase. So many times we buy from certain brands, and particular places out of habit without realizing how many options are actually out there, that could give you more at a better price.

Of course, we understand that going bargain shopping once a week can get quite irritating and sometimes all you want to do is get it over with. When it comes to buying bigger and more expensive gear like let’s say kayaks! Which we assume you are all here for. We have seen people really divide into two groups.

People who have no idea what they are doing go out and buy the cheapest option and then complain about how not fun kayaking is. People who are into kayaks though fall into the other extreme view.

They are so meticulous, going over every aspect of each boat, and going over the numerous options out there. Today we got meticulous when looking over the BKC UH-TK181 12.5 feet Sit On Top Tandem Fishing Kayak. We really think this might be a decent option for both types of buyers!

About The Product

Like its name suggest this is a 2 person 12.5-foot kayak. The boat comes with very decent features like 7 possible rod holders! As well as two adjustable seats, and two aluminum paddles included. As well as adjustable paddle holders.

You can virtually adjust every feature on this, however, it is simple enough that you could simply take it straight out of the box and start using it immediately. All you really need to adjust are the seats. It can hold a weight of up to 450 pounds. So it isn’t an extremely heavy duty kayak to be completely honest.

You can though take all the gear you need for fishing and other activities. If you are going solo you could potentially even take a cooler with you. Here is where the adaptable seats come in handy. That way you can use all of the room the kayak however you see fit!

A Quick Summary

What We Like

We like this kayak as a value pick! It is a great kayak for that price. Many cheaply made inflatable options are actually really close in price with this kayak. Obviously, these kayaks are not as portable as inflatable ones, but they are an unpack and play item. You won’t need much assembly knowledge, or previous experiences using one of these to be able to get out on the water.

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One of the main features this kayak offers is the possibility to keep your hands free even while out on the water. This is great for fishing. You won’t have to worry about your paddles when you catch a fish or your rod while you paddle. You could bring up to seven rods on the tip with you. Another good feature is being able to adjust virtually everything on the boat.

Whether it be seats or holders everything can be made to fit exactly as you want it too. This makes it really seem like your own boat, and not just some stiff thing you rented out. Although it has the capacity to hold an average amount of weight it is not a heavy object. It is perfect for team lifting, and can also be handled solo without the need for superhuman efforts. Overall it is shaping up to be a very decent option.

What We Do Not Like

There are some concerns regarding this kayak, and we were not about to just let them pass us by. Some people have claimed that the kayak gets easily flooded. The issue is in the design. Since this is sold as a sit on top kayak the designers didn’t think it would be too much of a problem if your feet got a little wet.

So it seems they made this kayak modeled after a splash mountain log at Disneyland. It is no big deal for lakes and calm waters. However, it really does limit your options on where you can use it. We really don’t recommend using this kayak on choppy waters.

Most rivers are out of the question especially when the currents start to pick up, and well the ocean is not an option unless you were thinking of Cancun or something like that. The fact that your options become very limited is not something we like at all.

Where To Buy

In this case, there is really not a lot of options out there. These particular kayaks are only being sold through Amazon. At least at the time this was written. It may change in the near future. For now you don’t have the option of comparing in-store prices or anything like that. Other than the Amazon warranty these boats come with a one-year warranty directly from the manufacturer.

We suggest you read over those agreements before you buy just so that you can be safe. Other than that we really don’t think there is much to be worried about. Like we always recommend you should most definitely take your kayak out for a ride before the warranty runs out don’t buy it store it and then hope for the best.

Conclusion

Like we said, in the beginning, this is a kayak that can compete with a lot of the premier models out there especially in calm waters. Yet as it stands right now it is being sold at a very affordable price.

If you are convinced this is the best option for you be sure to snatch it as quickly as you can you wouldn’t want the price to suddenly come back up. Whether you are a picky buyer or not you still need to find the right fit. If you are looking for a calm water kayak with great features at a decent price look no further!

We’ve been looking over kayaks for some time now and we’ve gotten some emails from you asking what the are the best options out there to get started in the kayaking world. We typically recommend going with some of the more basic kayaks that are not going to cost you a fortune.

That way you can really test out the whole experience and motions of what it’s like. Once your hooked on kayaking though you tend to grow out of the less expensive options fairly quickly. Especially since you will probably want to experience more extreme waters and faster currents. As kayak enthusiasts we totally understand we’ve had that feeling too. Once you get to this point though you usually have a whole bunch of options on what boat to try next and it is pretty hard to decide which direction to take.

The worst thing that can happen at this point is that you end up investing a lot of money on a boat that will not meet your needs and expectations. This has actually happened to many of us here and that is why we feel the need to help you out. First off you need something that isn’t too complex.

Boating is great, but sometimes brands and even people make it too complicated. If you are still looking for a grab and go boat that can be used in any type of water we just might have what you’re looking for. The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a lightweight boat that can coincidently navigate great in all types of water!

About The Product

The Hurricane Santee 116 Sport Kayak is a very simple boat, yet it can handle a heavy duty way out on the water. It has a very roomy cockpit from which you can easily get in and out of. It can even fit a child or a small dog along with you. The cockpit has adjustable feet rest so that you don’t always have to have your legs stretched out all the way.

The seat is also reclinable and can fold into itself for storage or for travel. It comes with a bungee cord on the rear, so you can hold diverse items. It also has small storage spots so that you can keep items like your phone and keys dry. The seat is very well padded for a comfortable ride. Besides that it comes with thigh pads that also allow you to spend more time out on the water. The hull comes with a unique design that allows you to tackle even choppy waters.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

What really stands out in this boat is how overly simple it is. You don’t need to actually know anything about kayaks to be able to set it up. Durability is huge especially with something that is going to cost you this much. You are not going to want to buy a whole new toy each season out of need. This boat will not get worn down by the sun, so you won’t have an issue with storage from season to season.

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Not only that but since there are not that many features on this boat any way you won’t need to worry about replacing any of the parts any time soon. This will get the job done every time you put it in the water. Saving you time effort and money on things like repairs and upgrades. Perhaps our favorite feature though is the lightweight.

You can easily pick it up and put it in and out of the water in a matter of seconds. You won’t have to worry about it wearing down because of rocks either. A big step up from inflatable options obviously is that punctures are a thing of the past. You can ride really smoothly on choppy or calm waters and easily get in and out of the cockpit at any time. What else could you ask for right?

What We Do Not Like

Maybe a little too simple! We know this might sound contradictory, but really they couldn’t even include a paddle! It is a very simple thing, but can really end up driving some people away. Especially since it is being portrayed as a great kayak for beginners.

Think this through Santee if you are developing a kayak for people who are starting out where are they going to get a paddle? We had known about this issue before we got the kayak and really didn’t think much of it. Then we put ourselves in a newcomers shoes and were just amazed at how such a small lack of courtesy if you will, could really make sales dip. If you are a beginner the last thing you want to worry about when buying a boat is the paddle.

Heck, we imagine that a lot of people bought it without even noticing the lack of a paddle. Other than that we still like the lightweight and great overall maneuverability this boat has. It can serve as a great learning boat. Just buy an extra paddle and watch out stability isn’t great when you first start off and learn how to lean your own weight to help the kayak.

Where To Buy

The paddle issue might cost you more than expected if you don’t play your cards right. For starters, the boat itself does not have free Amazon shipping so this is one of the few times we would advise you to compare prices with your local stores.

If you still find that your best options are online, buy a paddle from the same store as the kayak so you can convince them of sending both products together. Otherwise, you may have to pay extra shipping and face the possibility that you are going to have a kayak without a paddle for a while. If you don’t want to do that just by a paddle with free Amazon shipping.

Conclusion

This is a great boat really a lot of fun out in the water. The issues have more to do with shipping than with the boat itself. If you can find it at a store with a paddle at a competitive price you should really consider this boat as a very decent option!

If you are one of these people that are into speedy lightweight items you might just become a fan of the hurricane skimmer kayak line. We had one of these to test out before we got to its brothers and we can confirm they make some pretty cool kayaks.

Their main focus is on kayaks that allow you to quickly get from land into the water without too much effort. Lightweight boats that can hold their own in the water especially when it comes to speed.

In this particular case, we will be talking about the Hurricane Skimmer 128 Sit On Top Kayak. We generally are more fans of the sit on top kayaks instead of the cockpit ones.

That is generally because we use them more for chilling than we do for thrill rides! However, in this case, the sit on top has pretty interesting features that make it suitable for both rough riding and chilling.

About The Product

As we previously stated this is a sit on top kayak that is built to be lightweight and allow you to cruise easily out in the water. How does it get that done, though? First off it is 12.9 ft long. It isn’t the longest thing out there, but it has a decent size. It is not a wide boat though at 28 inches wide. If you are looking for more of a fishing platform you might at as well look elsewhere.

This boat is purposely designed in a slim manner so that it can be a lot more agile and navigate through choppy waters. Its overall weight is only 47 pounds. Perfect for people who are going to be getting in and out of the water often. Besides getting it on top of your car won’t be a problem and it won’t feel like you are trying to tow a small house. This is overall more comfortable than the sports version of this boat. It has more hatches to store your belongings so that you won’t have to worry about things like car keys and cell phones getting wet. You can adapt a couple of rod holders on the sides, but it doesn’t come standard with them.

That may be a minor bummer for the fishing enthusiast, but it does come with a pretty large storage space in the rear. Held together for bungee cords, which is great for storing bait and fish.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

The design is again great from these guys. We really liked the fact that they were able to make a very comfortable sit on top boat that essentially has the same grace and speed that their sport’s version has. Obviously, another feature that gives extra comfort is the weight. Boating is great, but we can’t deny that you may end up extremely tired after a day in the water.

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The last thing you want to have to do at the end of the day is carry a 12-foot kayak weighing over 100 pounds out of the water and then have to muscle up to get it on the roof of your car. That won’t happen with this kayak. In fact, it is great for those people who do kayaking, rock climbing and kinds of extreme sports at rivers. This kayak also can be used on rivers, oceans, lakes, and basically any body of water you can think of. If you are just getting into paddling in choppier waters this is probably one of the best boats to start in!

What We Do Not Like

There are very few things not to like about this kayak, however, we were able to find a couple. One of these boats greatest assets is its lightweight high-performance capacity. In spite of that, it is a pretty decent sized boat. Saying that we believe a lot of the space this boat offers was widely under appreciated by its designers.

They could have adapted the boat with adjustable and even removable seats so that you could go from a one-seater to a two-seater if you wanted too. Without this feature, you are essentially getting a very long solo boat. Which puts it in a middle category. It is not a wide slow boat great for fishing, but it isn’t as agile as other boats better suited for just simply going fast. The lack of built-in road holders was also a bit of a turn off for us.

Yes, you can adapt them, but that eventually costs more money. This is a kayak with great unexploited potential. Whether it be better-appreciated space or some extra comfort features. We feel that the manufacturers could have done a lot more with this kayak. Instead, it is a get what you pay for kind of product. Which is not necessarily bad, but it might make you doubt buying this kayak because of the price range it currently sits in!

Where To Buy

There are not that many issues when it comes to performance with this boat. So that means not a lot of red flags to watch out for. Still be on the lookout. This is a kayak that is not shipped directly by Amazon, and the seller is charging shipment costs.

So maybe your best bet here is to try and find a distributor near you and buy it of them. If you don’t mind paying shipping costs, then that will be 60 dollars more than the retail price for it to arrive at your home.

Conclusion

Although we recently went over some negative aspects don’t forget the very positive upside this kayak offers. It still is very lightweight and durable, it is great for those people who love traveling light. Like we’ve only recently said with this kayak you get exactly what you pay for.

You won’t have to worry about cheap add-ons that won’t work. Since it really doesn’t have, any add-ons that don’t fit perfectly into the boat. If you are into solo riding and want to start hitting tougher water definitely look to this kayak as your starting point you won’t regret it.

Have you ever been to a store on a very specific mission? You know exactly what you are there to get and want to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible. So that you won’t lose time and have to put more quarters on the parking meter. A lot of times we spend more time at the store than actually using the things we buy. This is inevitable in some cases, however, when it comes to buying gear or things to go out and have fun this is something that just can’t happen, yet it still does.

There are great options out there in the kayaking world. Some products though are great in the water but are a hassle to transport or inflate. While others you practically need to rebuild them every time you want to use them again.

That doesn’t make them bad products, but you are going to have to work before you can start having fun. This is not the case though, with the Driftsun Teton 90 Hard Shell Recreational Kayak. This is a grab and go type of kayak perfect for those who don’t plan on working hard on weekends at the lake.

About The Product

This kayak is 9 feet long fit for a single person boating. It is perfect for fishing as it contains 4 rod holders that can be adjusted to make you comfortable out in the water. The padded seat can be adjusted to fit in multiple positions in the kayak so that you can perfectly balance out the kayak if you plan on bringing things on board like coolers that may tamper with your stability. Some of the main features this kayak offers are two hatches to be able to store multiple gadgets such as cell phones that must remain dry at all times.

Although it is a very lightweight boat at only 47 pounds, it can hold up to 300 pounds of cargo on board. It also comes with the very famous bungee cord storage that is great for keeping caught fish. Overall it is a boat that will perform great out on the water and can be taken in and out of the water easily and set for storage or transport without great hassle.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

We’ve been raving about how easy it is to take this kayak directly from the showroom to the water. So it is no surprise that we really like how practical this boat is. Even though it is practical it neither cheap nor one-dimensional. It is great for solo fishing. It is short and light enough so that you can transport it easily, but wide enough that you will be able to stand or sit whichever you please.

The 2 dry hatches are also a good asset. Sometimes you don’t know what to do with things like car keys or cell phones and they end up getting ruined or lost. Being able to keep them safe and dry is always a good thing. This is essentially the ultimate solo fishing kayak. We’ve been over the lightweight aspect which allows a single person to carry it easily.

It also includes 4-rod holders and at 32” wide plenty of room to put a cooler or keep the fish you end up catching. It can handle from calm to mildly choppy waters, so you can take it anywhere from lakes to certain rivers.

What We Do Not Like

Since we just called it probably the ultimate solo fishing kayak you won’t expect to see too many complaints on our part. There are a few, though. We are not huge fans of the hull design. At 32 inches wide we would have maybe liked to see a hull designed that emulated that of a fishing platform. The manufacturer went for a design that is much better for paddling and making great turns.

This is good but makes the kayak a little less stable than we maybe would have liked. The issue is if you bring things on board like a cooler you need to find a way to tie it down if you are expecting to make sudden turns. Since its weight could throw off your balance and stability on the kayak. This is maybe not a good enough reason to stay away from this kayak completely, but it would be wise of you to keep this mind when your shopping around. Besides that, we really like all of the features it offers and the fact that you can get in and out of the water very quickly.

Where To Buy

One of the great advantages of kayaks like this is that most of the features are already built-in. So there is really no issues that you would have to worry about if you decide to buy online. It is very unlikely that you will get a product with missing pieces since they are all manufactured with everything on them already. Also in the specific case of the Driftsun Teton 90 Hard Shell Recreational Kayak shipping is handled directly by Amazon so you get the Amazon product warranty. We had no issues with purchasing online if you are someone who needs to see before you buy you can check Driftsun’s official site for a certified seller near you.

Conclusion

Have more fun than work on the weekends. After all, we go to the lake to get away from work, don’t we? This is a very decent kayak for solo adventures you are probably not going to find many options that are this good at this price. Also, a big upside here is how practical this kayak is.

So if you are someone who struggles with transporting your boats and gear this is a great option. Getting 9 feet and 47 pounds of a kayak onto your car is a lot easier than trying to get a twelve foot 70 pound one anywhere. You will be getting good performance on the water minus the hassle outside of it.

No paddle no problem! When you are just starting out in kayaking or thinking about doing so definitely the paddling part is not something you are crazy about. Also as time goes by it becomes a motion that is more and more difficult for older people to do. That is why older people tend to go more towards motor boating or have to leave it all together.

Thankfully there are options out there. One of them just so happens to be a kayak we had our hands on this week. If you’ve ever been to a beach destination where they rent out boats that you have to propel with your feet sort of like a bicycle you will know what we are getting to.

The Perception Kayak Pescador Pilot is a kayak that is propelled by the user exerting a force on the pedals that make a small propeller turn and allow the boat to move forward.

This motion takes less strain on the body than paddling and allows for people of all ages to get out on the water. At least that is what the guys at Perception Kayak want us to believe let us see if its true.

About The Product

We know that it has a pedaling propeller system, but that is not all you need to know about this boat. It is a 12.5 feet long boat, with a deck that is 33.5 inches wide. The boat weighs in at around 95 pounds and can hold optimally around 475 pounds on deck. Which means that you are going to be able to bring plenty of gear along for the ride.

This kayak has a sit on top design that includes an ergonomic mesh captain’s chair that can be adjusted to fit anywhere along the deck so that you can ride and balance the kayak however you see fit. It has two bungee cord storage compartments at the front and rear of the boat that can be adapted to fit a cooler perfectly.

The pedal system can also be removed and you can go back to paddling at any time you like. It has a paddle storage on the side if you ever decide to use a paddle for help turning the boat. It is great for a day out fishing in calm lake waters.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

The fact that you can always have your hands free while on this boat and it can still be moving forward is a very cool asset. Especially if you are looking to spend a considerable amount of time on the water. It also has a lot of room to put your gear, and the kayak’s overall design is made so that you can bring a cooler without destabilizing your balance on the kayak.

It has multiple compartments where you can store all sorts of gear as well as a decent amount of rod holders. If you want to go kayaking, but are not too fond of paddling, this might be your best bet. However, there are a couple of performance issues we will get to shortly that you have to keep an eye out for.

What We Do Not Like

The biggest differentiating feature that this kayak has with regards to many of its competitors is the pedal system that is designed to propel the boat. Just like so many of the boats that incorporate this system we found that it wasn’t 100% reliable.

There are moments when you will almost inevitably have to paddle. So if you thought that you could throw your paddles out think again. If it was just an add-on feature that didn’t work properly or wasn’t 100% reliable we probably wouldn’t come down so hard on the boat, but since it is the main feature essentially we’ve become a bit skeptic.

Perception has since improved their design with regards to this system, and it is a little more reliable, but there is another issue. If you happen to have a problem with this system, they will send you a new one, but you have to install it yourself. We never like to touch are boats that much, because if you don’t install it properly your boat can begin to leak, and we definitely don’t want that.

Customer service from Perception is great if you have an issue they will stick with you until you get it fixed. We would prefer it not have issues and they promise that their 2018 model doesn’t let’s hope so.

Where To Buy

We ripped this kayak a little bit, but we had to make sure that all of the potential issues were out there. That being said we know that this will typically scare people off from making an online purchase. In our experience, we actually recommend an online purchase sometimes.

The warranties are sometimes better online so should anything go wrong you will probably better protected. If you have any issues, you could still head down to your local store and get it checked out.

So in our mind, we would recommend not shying away from online purchases. Just make sure that your product arrives as advertised if not don’t try to make any adjustments to it yourself. Contact customer service before trying any of those.

Conclusion

It is a good option, especially when you get the pedal system working properly. It has a bunch of cool assets, plus it allows you to fit all of your gadgets on the boat without it becoming too heavy to manage. It really allows the users to be very comfortable out on the water. Which, in turns, means more fishing time.

Even though it has its issues we could still recommend giving it a try. The initial investment is a little steeper than maybe other kayaks out there, but the other kayaks are just not as comfortable for long hours of use. We give this kayak a passing grade.

A lot of times when you start out in a new hobby or job you pay the price of being a novice in certain areas. When it comes to a hobby specifically sometimes paying the price means literally having to pay an extra amount for a product that just isn’t worth it. Sometimes we start in beginner products as a hobby and end up outgrowing them fairly quickly.

That comes with the territory and sometimes is just part of the process. When it comes to kayaks though you sometimes find it hard to really get to know the true top of the line products. These boats are sold on Amazon, but typically the companies that make them don’t spend too much money on ads as their potential customers already visit the stores and places where they are selling their products.

We’ve had experience with kayaks for some time now and we can help you get to know some of the top performance boats that you may not have heard of. Such is the case with the ​Hobie Mirage Revolution 13 Kayak.

This is one of the highest performing foot pedals kayaks out there. You are going to have to put down some pretty penny to get it, but in return, you will get a fast and durable boat that you will be able to use for years to come.

About The Product

As its name suggests the Hobie Mirage Revolution 13 Kayak is a 13.5 feet long boat. Although it is a bit longer than a lot of boats in its class it a lot thinner. With a width of only 28.5 inches. This makes the boat super slick and fast on the water. It comes with a peddle propelling system that allows you to move forward or in reverse without the use of a paddle.

The peddle system can easily be adjusted for the boat to go forward or backward just by pulling on simple levers. It comes with a paddle holder on one side, in case you need to use the paddle to hold your position on the water or to get out of water that may not be so deep. Also, two-rod holders in the rear that will allow you to have your hands free while riding if you choose to. It comes with three hatches for storing items.

One in the bow and two in the stern. It is a sit on top kayak the seat can be adjusted slightly so that it can rest directly on the floor of the kayak or rise above it a little bit for better leg room.

A Quick Summary

What We Like

A lot of times fishing kayaks tend to be much wider, and this makes them difficult to turn and actually get a good ride out of them. This is not the case with the Hobie Mirage Revolution 13 Kayak. This is a fast boat! You can make all of the tight turns you need to and the pedal propelling system works great.

You rarely need to take your paddle. Making for a kayaking experience that isn’t too hard on your arms. Quite the contrary to other options it allows you to have your hands free so you can do a lot more fishing than paddling.

Another asset is that you really don’t have to adjust this boat much. You can leave everything stock and it will work just fine. You have multiple storage options which are a good asset because since the boat is actually really skinny you won’t want to keep a lot of things on deck.

All of the storage hatches will allow you to keep your gear dry, or you could go the other way and keep certain things like bait wet or cool. IT really depends on what your needs are. The boat is very stable and can handle up to mildly choppy water which gives you more options when choosing where your next trip will be.

What We Do Not Like

This kayak is purposely thinner than most other options as it is made for you to be able to go faster putting forth less effort to be able to do so. This is a great asset, but at the same time makes the kayak seems kind of crowded.

We would have loved if the seat and the pedals where an adjustable asset. In our opinion, the position they are in makes it a little uncomfortable on your back and legs after riding around for a while. Maybe being able to move the seat a little bit farther back would help a lot of people out. Other than that we really don’t have an issue with its overall performance.

Where To Buy

If you’ve read a couple of our reviews on the site then you know that we typically encourage people to go ahead and buy online. The warranties you get from Amazon are sometimes a lot better than the ones you could get from most stores out there. In this case, though we understand that the investment may be a little too steep for a normal online purchase.

Especially when you have never actually seen the boat up close and personal. That is why in this particular case we would recommend that you pay your local specialized kayak store a visit and see if you can’t get a hands-on experience with this boat before you buy. It is a great option, but we do recognize it may not be what everyone is looking for that is why we recommend this beforehand.

Conclusion

Honestly, this is a very good option if you are one of those people that like to cover a lot of water when you go out. If you are looking for more of a stationary boat that you can easily stand in and put your cooler in this may not be the best option. However, if you are looking for speed and tight turns in the water don’t hesitate to look into this option.

We’ve had had the chance to look at various Hobie Mirage models by the time we got our hands on this boat. Naturally, this made us adapt to this boat very quickly and easily. It is one of the fastest pedal boats out there and will allow you to have a completely hands free fishing experience. One of the biggest problems with this boat though is that the investment you need to put into it is one of the highest on the market! This typically keeps a lot of newcomers and veterans alike away from Mirage products. We, however, want to give credit where credit is due.

These boats will undoubtedly give you a great experience in the water consistently! Plus you will be making an investment that will probably allow you to have a boat that you could use for years to come. Let’s get to the details, though!

About The Product

The Hobie Mirage 180 Pro Angler 12 Kayak Camo is obviously a 12-foot long sit on top kayak. It is 36 inches wide and with 4 horizontal rod holders and 2 molded in rod holders! Essentially, you can hold up to 7 rods while out in the water increasing your overall fishing potential. The pedal system has been perfected by the guys at Mirage and now you have an easy installment as well as a great performance from this system.

You can modify it to move forward or in reverse. This is a great asset when fighting against fish who want to pull you in different directions as well as fighting off tough currents! With the hands-free approach, you will never have to choose between paddling or fishing. The seat is also adjustable so that you can make it fit your liking or length. There are a couple of storage hatches that allow you to keep things dry like your keys or your phone. You could also use these hatches to store things like bait or drinks and food!

A Quick Summary

What We Like

This boat has a lot of really cool features that can really help out in the water. First off, even though it is one of the longer kayaks you will be able to find out there, it is not that heavy. You can get it in and out of the water by yourself without too much effort. This also applies to the kayak in the water. You don’t need to exert that much force into pedaling to be able to get the kayak to move forward. The multiple rod holders are a great asset. You can hold up to 7 fishing rods that may even be too many, but it all depends on how you want to adjust the holders as well.

One of the best features in this kayak is definitely the seat. It makes for a very comfortable ride. So you can be out in the water for multiple hours at a time. Also, it is adjustable so you could make the kayak fit your liking perfectly. Any time that you can purchase a product where performance is 100% guaranteed it is difficult to not make the purchase. In this case, though the price really makes it difficult to decide.

What We Do Not Like

We’ve said this with all of the Mirage products. They are good but very expensive! We know this before we even get a glimpse of the product, and it is really unfortunate. Not only is the price very steep, but you have to pay a high shipping cost. It just seems like a slap in the face no doubt! You not only have to pay top dollar to get the kayak they also ask you to pay a 250-dollar shipment.

We understand that most people are looking for a better deal than this. To be fully honest though the only thing that we could outright say we didn’t like was the price. We could say that the price will include great customer support and a product that you could potentially count upon to deliver every time. The initial investment is steep, but it will allow you to keep the product for multiple seasons.

Where To Buy

We’ve covered a couple of issues with this kayak’s price and a couple of buying issues. If you want to buy this product online you are going to have multiple issues to address. The shipping cost is through the roof as well as the retail price. Since we understand most people won’t want to trust Amazon with almost 4000 dollars online we recommend that you find a Mirage dealer near you. These kayaks are available in many sports and outdoors stores across the country so they won’t be that difficult to find.

Buying at a store also gives you the opportunity to test the kayak a little bit. At least sit on it on land and get the feeling to what it may be like in the water. This will also allow you to have a physical place where you can voice your concerns and clear up any doubts that may come up. That is very necessary when you putting forth that kind of money.

Conclusion

If you buy the Hobie Mirage 180 Pro Angler 12 Kayak Camo you will be getting a high-quality boat for years to come. There is just no doubt about that. We really don’t have an issue with recommending this boat. The only problem is that this is not an affordable boat. Which means that there are not that many potential buyers out there. Those of you still interested should definitely take the time to check this boat out up close and personal!

That is the only way that we feel like you can get a good feeling for the boat. Also, at this price, we think you need to be 100% sure about making the purchase without a doubt in your mind. The only way to fully get that done is to see it up close.

If you are into kayaks, I am just going to assume you are since you are reading this, so you know that there are a whole bunch of options out there. When you are in the market for a boat, you sometimes don’t know where to start. We can narrow it down to really about 3 steps. Number one would have to be what is your budget? Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, but also prices.

Don’t gamble more than you are willing to lose. Number two is simple. What is your main purpose for getting out on the water? Fishing, chilling, going fast on rough waters. All great excuses to get on out there, and you can find hybrid boats that will allow you to do more than one of the above. Ultimately though it is wise to choose one main feature.

If you have a pretty open budget and are looking for a fast, light boat, you can also fish in by yourself then we may have just the perfect match for you!

Today we will be taking a look at the Hobie Mirage Revolution 11 Kayak. We’ve gotten in the water with a couple of these hobie boats before and we can guarantee they are going to be a very decent option.

About The Product

As its name suggests the Hobie Mirage Revolution 11 Kayak is a one person kayak that is 11.6 feet long. It is on the shorter side when it comes to these types of boats. This makes it easy for you to put on top of your car and head out towards the water without any real prep work. The kayak is also quite thin at only 29 inches wide.

This allows it to be very quick and graceful out on the water, but it does make it a little less stable and difficult to stand in. Don’t worry though you probably won’t be flipping anytime soon on this boat even with that slight disadvantage it is made to bend without flipping allowing you to make sharper turns.

The Hobie Mirage Revolution line all come with a propelling pedaling system that allows you to take a new hands-free approach to kayaking. This system allows you to move forward or backwards reaching very respectable speeds and still be able to manipulate your fishing rod. It has 3 storage hatches one in the bow and the other in the stern that allow you to keep your deck free. This is big since the deck is not that big at all.

Main Features

What We Like

Speed and maneuverability are at an all-time high with this boat. The boat is so lightweight you can actually steer very easily just by shifting your weight around the boat. This allows you to keep the paddle in its holder and gives you more fishing time. The lightweight feature also makes this a great kayak to just grab and go. You really don’t need a whole lot of preparation for a day out in the water. The fact that it has pretty large hatches to store things in despite the kayaks overall small size is also a big plus.

Again this is as an asset that totally compliments the whole hands-free idea that this boat is trying to give out. We around here are usually not huge fans of having to spend a lot of time assembling stuff. One of our biggest concerns, when we got this kayak, was the assembly of the pedal system. To our surprise assembly was easy and we could even make some adjustments so that the user could fit on the kayak better.

What We Do Not Like

This kayak is just simply too small for some people. We could adjust the pedal system somewhat, but the seat is not very adjustable and neither is anything else on the kayak. Which means that it is going to be very difficult for people over 6ft tall to get on this kayak and have a comfortable ride.

If you fit that description and had really liked this kayak up to this point we recommend you check out the 13ft version from Hobie. We have already said that this kayak is a bit expensive for our particular taste. If you know Hobie, you are already expecting this so it shouldn’t be that much of a turn-off, but it is obviously still hard for us to overlook this.

The good thing about the negatives that this boat has is that they are fully out there. You know before you buy exactly what you are going to get. Which means that when you buy you are making a fully conscious decision.

Where To Buy

We have just alluded to this, and we think it is very accurate. There aren’t any hidden issues lurking inside this product. When you put down your investment, you know exactly what your getting. That may seem like something that should be a given, but in reality, it rarely is.

That being said just like with the other Hobie kayaks we really recommend that you try and get a chance to look at this boat before you buy. Especially if you are near that 6 foot range in height. The last thing we want to do is recommend a boat that you end up not being able to fit in! Other than that there are no real concerns when it comes to shipping or products arriving with missing pieces. At least not that we are aware of.

Conclusion

Looking for a small speedy fishing kayak? You should really consider this boat especially if you are a more experienced rider, and you are looking for a boat to adventure into rougher waters. There are a lot of boats out there that are less expensive than the Hobie Mirage Revolution 11 Kayak, however, they only work on calm waters, and are a real liability if you plan to take long trips. So yeah the initial investment is steep, but the reward is most likely worth it!