Inflatable Kayak Blog

(The following is a review of the Outlaw Assault frameless inflatable pontoon that was sent to us from Jim Williams in Utah.)

Sometimes, a person can just fall in love all over again. In my case, it’s with my new North Fork Outdoors “Outlaw Assault” pontoon/raft. I’ve owned and used other pontoon boats like the NFO Renegade, Water Otter, Bucks, and Outcast’s Pac 800, to name a few. However, this new Assault is a different breed for floating western rivers, and will excel everyplace else as well. The look, feel, and function are unparalleled. It’s frameless design and integrated oar system set it apart from most others right out of the box.

How else does it compare?
The most noticeable difference on the water is the low profile of the pontoons. With the generous side bags in place, I still have lots of elbow room to cast without needing to elevate my elbows like in larger pontoons. I have more casting freedom. The short, 5-foot standard oars seem to “fit” and work fine on the Assault. The integrated oar locks eliminate the need for longer, heavier 6-foot oars like I needed on other pontoons. The storage clips on the pontoons make securing the oars quick and simple, both on and off the water.

The maneuverability in current is amazing. I popped this little thing behind every rock and into every eddy on the “A” section of Utah’s Green River recently.  I parked it behind boulders right in the middle of the rapids, and it performed like a little inflatable kayak, only with oars. I ran right down the center of all the rapids and stayed mostly dry, drier than in the Renegade or other pontoons with an open front. The river was up (around 2,600 cfs), so the current was strong nearly everywhere. However, I was able to slow the boat down enough with swim fins to cast flies to the bank and into eddies all the way down. It is A LOT more maneuverable with only the fins than the other “kick-boat” type pontoons. I can control my drift, dodge obstacles, and ferry from one side of the river to the other with only the fins. Using the oars, it’s like a sports-car! It dances wherever you want it, quickly.

The closed bow makes running rapids drier. It also is a place to lay down a rod straight in front of me, with the reel/handle in my lap, and without worrying about the tip falling in the water like I did on open pontoons. Netting and landing fish is easy due to the smaller pontoons being close to the water. Stepping in and out is easy due to the lower height of the pontoons. In deeper water, I just pick up the bow, and move the boat over my head instead of stepping over anything. I use a Scotty anchor bracket strapped to the stern for my anchor, which I use to stop on rising fish or just stop my drift down river. There are two small holes in the rear floor that are designed for the straps on the bracket to run though and around the stern. A removable foot brace provides a foot-rest and additional rowing leverage.

The inflatable/adjustable seat is more comfortable than any other kayak/canoe/pontoon boat seat I’ve ever sat in. I topped it with a Therm-a-Rest folding seat, and it’s almost too comfortable! It’s not only perfect for a long day of floating and fishing, but not too bad for a quick nap either. The inflatable seat is attached above the water line, and rides dry. Storage behind the seat is close and convenient. The included side bags have outside pockets that work perfectly as fly rod holders, and they also have functional drink holders. Extra rod holders or holders for conventional tackle could be easily strapped to the pontoon, as well as other accessories.

And finally, and probably the biggest change for me over the other pontoons I’ve owned–It fits “quick and easy” in the back of my step-side F-150 (small bed), between the wheel wells, fully inflated. The Outlaw Assault only weighs 26 pounds!

What could be better?
It needs a few more D-rings for convenience and adjustability of the gear bags, and perhaps to attach more bags and secure other items. Other than that, it’s the perfect one-person floating craft. Look no further for your next ride down the river. Many others are good, but this one’s great.

PortableKayaks.com provided unbeatable customer service from my first call prior to ordering until I received the boat and accessories from UPS. They monitored and checked on the shipment regularly, sent me email updates, and made sure everything was, as advertised, in a timely and professional manner. First Class.

Capt. Jim Williams, Flaming Gorge, Utah
www.FishFlamingGorge.com

By Sabrina Marx

Hello my friends, this is Sabrina Marx, coming to you with another product review just in time for fall fishing trip plans! That’s right…fall is here! Leaves are changing colors, temperatures are starting to cool and it is the perfect weather for outdoor activities, including fall fishing. So today, in honor of my favorite season, I am sharing a summary of the reviews for the Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon. The Colorado is a one person pontoon that comes in two colors, pumpkin and green. It is one of the largest selling pontoons on the market.

Features and Benefits- The Good and the Bad
Consumers posting Colorado reviews on Amazon.com gave the Colorado Pontoon an average rating of 4 stars on of a scale of 1 to 5. Many folks found this pontoon to be a great bargain and felt their customer service department was friendly and helpful. However, leaking in the left chamber may be a consistent manufacturing flaw and a separate anchor will more than likely be needed.

The Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon “Plus” List:
Great Bargain
Dual air chambers provide floatation even in instances of a leak
Excellent Customer Service
Great for beginners
Oars break down for easy storage

The Colorado Inflatable Pontoon “Minus” List:
Rock Anchor bag not sufficient for holding pontoon still
Left chamber has developed leaks for several customers
Difficult to use a trolling motor behind you
Oars can get eaten up by the oar locks

Inflatable Pontoon Review Summary:
Overall, most consumers agreed that the Colorado Pontoon is a great beginner boat and perfect for small lakes and rivers. Many touted it as easy to transport and store and one purchaser even raved about having had his boat for more than 5 years! If you are searching for a reliable inflatable pontoon, the Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon should be at the top of your list.

Well, that’s all I have for today on the Colorado Inflatable Pontoon Boat, but join me next time for another in depth summary review. Until then, fellow paddlers… keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

By Sabrina Marx

Hello my water loving friends! It’s your favorite kayak reviewer, back with another exciting summary review. This time, I am checking out the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Kayak. And I must say, this inflatable kayak is being touted by reviewers as the BMW of kayaks!

The AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Kayak got consistently rave reviews on Amazon with 4 and 5 star ratings. People loved the adaptable design elements, highlighting the ability to transform the inflatable boat from a one person with lots of storage space, into a tandem kayak so you and a friend can both enjoy a day on the water.

But don’t take my intro as the sole selling point, check out the plus and minus list below and see what consumers had to say about this wonderful product from Advanced Elements.

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Kayak “Plus List”:
Aluminum ribs built in for defining the stern and bow
Can be used for solo or tandem kayaking – (hence the name convertible)
Adjustable seats
Advanced valves for easy inflation
6 chambers and a dry compartment storage area
Very sturdy, comfortable and easy to maneuver

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Kayak “Minus List”:
Weighs in at 56lbs
Hard to dry without taking the floor out and removing the shell
Possible issues with the inside tubes (one side smaller than the other side)
Takes about 20 minutes to inflate (35 minutes the first time)
Takes about 25 minutes to deflate

Inflatable Kayak Review Summary:
It was easy to see why the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Kayak was a favorite with anglers, but it does have a few undesirable characteristics. At 56lbs, it may be a bit challenging to carry.

A few reviewers reported that when they first inflated the kayak, it took roughly 35 minutes. Those same consumers added that afterward, subsequent inflations of the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Kayak took about 20 minutes. Deflating took a bit of time, with many commenting it took 25 minutes, so you’ll want to be sure to allow yourself extra time for setup and take down.

On the upside, reviewers bragged about the sturdiness of this inflatable boat, citing that when they experienced rough patches in the water (such as running into rock weed) the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame™ Convertible Inflatable Kayak came through without a scratch. Very durable!

Overall it seems that this inflatable kayak is a keeper, but if by chance you do have a problem, you can rest assured that the Advanced Elements customer service team is standing by to help you in any way they can. One consumer even raved that when he had to contact the customer service department about a gash in the outer layer of the boat, he was very pleased with the prompt attention and solution to the matter. Well done Advanced Elements!

Until next we meet my water loving friends, remember to keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

By Sabrina Marx

Hello fellow paddlers, it is I, Sabrina Marx coming to you with another fabulous summary review. Today we are going to explore the pluses and minuses of the Innova Helios I and II. For those of you that are not familiar with these kayaks, the Helios I is an inflatable kayak made just for one and the Helios II is a tandem kayak, meaning it is a “kayak built for two”.

I was thrilled to find lots of reviews for both these kayaks. Since they are so similar, I decided to combine both versions in this review. So without further ado, let us proceed with my famous list.

Innova Helios Inflatable Kayak “Plus List“:
Helios I is one of the lightest kayaks from Innova at an easy carrying load 24lbs
Helios II weighs in at 33lbs and gives you a snuggly fit and feel
Both kayaks are very stable and a cinch to lift
Helios I is great for calm rivers
Helios II will works fine in slow moving waterways
Both the Helios I and II are good for camping trips, day trips, and can even be used for sea kayaking
Both inflatable kayaks come with a dry-bag backpack to hold the kayak, foot pump, 4-piece paddle, an extra paddle, PFD (personal floatation device), throw bag and a bailer.

Innova Helios Inflatable Kayak “Minus List”:
Needs a rudder for better performance.
Hard to handle in crosswinds
Helios I can only accommodate 220lbs, whereas the Helios II can handle 396lbs
Both the Helios I and II are made so that you have to sit on the floor of the kayak with a backrest. (i.e.- your butt will most likely get wet!)

Inflatable Kayak Review Summary:
Consumers appeared to like both the Innova Helios I and II inflatable kayaks equally. The biggest complaint was the seating arrangement. I don’t know about you, but sitting on the floor against a backrest will lead to a soggy backside for me. You may want to wear a wetsuit or get a blowup cushion to sit on that it keeps you off the floor.

Both the Innova Helios I and II were given the thumbs up from reviewers taking them on day trips and overnight camping, reporting that they have plenty of storage space. Consumers recommended both versions of the Helios inflatable boat highly, but make sure to use the Innova Helios II when taking along your best bud. Unless, of course, you WANT to paddle with someone in your lap. (LOL)

Well my friends, that about does it for me and my summary review of the Innova Helios line. Stop in again and look around for more of my summary kayak reviews for your reading enjoyment.

Until then, fellow paddlers… keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

Creek Company makes a variety of float tubes that have become very popular fishing crafts including the Original U-Boat, the U-Boat 2000, the Round Boat and the ODC 420. What confuses some fishermen, though, is that the ODC 420 is available in two different versions, the 420 and the 420L (aka the 420 Lightweight).

Avid fly fisherman and fly fishing blogger Jeff Carmichael has recorded a video where he shows the difference between the two versions and offers his opinion as to which of the float tubes you should use based on the area you do your float tube fishing in. Jeff demonstrates the weight difference and shows you why the regular 420 should be used in rougher waterways where you might be bumping into sticks and rocks. He also talks about the ODC 420L package that includes a pump and fins.

You can see more videos and learn some good fly fishing tips on Jeff’s blog about fly fishing and float tubes, FlyFishingWithJeff.com.