Inflatable Kayak Blog

February is a popular month for sales on many kinds. Seems like everyone has a President’s Day sale and this year there will be lots of sales on or because of February 29th. 2012 is a ‘leap year’. That’s a function that was added to our calendar to correct the ‘drift’ and synchronize the calendar year with the astronomical year. If you want the complete geek explanation check out Wikipedia.

February also may not be the best time to paddle a kayak or use a fishing boat, but it’s a good time to buy one. Especially if it’s a folding or inflatable kayak or boat. PortableKayaks.com is having a leap year inflatable boat sale on three brands of boats and kayaks. The discount is $29.00 off, across the board. That’s $29 because of February 29th, you get it! However the sale is in effect all month long … through February 29th.

You will need a discount coupon code, which can be redeemed within the checkout process. To get the code go to the Portable Kayaks FaceBook page, “Like” them, then click on the ‘Fan Coupons’ page to reveal the code. If you are already a ‘fan’, you already have access to the code.

The $29 discount applies to the following products …
* Innova inflatable kayaks, even the already discounted clearance models.
* Sea Eagle inflatable kayak packages, including catamaran models.
* PakBoat folding kayaks.
* Sea Eagle inflatable boat packages.
* Sea Eagle inflatable pontoon packages
* Sea Eagle stand up paddle board packages

That’s a lot of possibilities. So if you’re in the market, head over to the Portable Kayaks FaceBook page, check out the coupon code and save yourself 29 bucks. Happy leap year!

Informing potential customers about a price increase isn’t exactly a pleasant task, however I figure that telling you about it now, ahead of time, is somewhat of a public service. If you’ve been considering a purchase, now is the time to act, before January 1st.

At PortableKayaks.com, Sea Eagle inflatable boats are our most popular products and in the past 5 years, the company has not had any major price increases despite rising manufacturing costs, shipping rates and all of the other reasons that have caused companies to raise prices during that same period. The cost increases have finally caught up with them and on January 1, 2012 prices on many boats will go up.

The Sea Eagle Sport Kayaks, the 330 and 370 models, which are the most popular inflatable kayak packages will increase by $50 per package. PaddleSki catamaran style kayaks will go up $200 per package. LongBoard11 inflatable stand up paddle board packages will also be $200 more. Similar increases are set for the Yacht Tender and the Sport Runabout inflatable boats. The 285fpb frameless pontoon boat will also increase by $50.

The largest increases, $300 to $400, will hit the FoldCats. The 375fc and 440fc inflatable fishing pontoons have metal framing in addition to their inflatable material and the cost of manufacturing these frames has gone up considerably.

There is some good news, though. Not all models will be increased. The 385ft and 465ft Fast Track kayak packages will remain priced as they have been. So will the smaller inflatable motormount boats, the SE-8, 9 and 124.

If you have specific questions about any of the boats, give me a call or reply to this post. In the case of larger priced items, we sometimes offer a layaway plan to buyers so they can take advantage of the current prices and take delivery later.

Even with the price increases, Sea Eagle products will remain one of the best values for the buck whether it’s an inflatable pontoon, inflatable boat, inflatable stand up paddle board or inflatable kayak package.

By Sabrina Marx

Hello my friends, Sabrina Marx, your friendly review summary blogger here. Yes, I have taken time out of watching the leaves change and fall; to once again do the research so you don’t have too. We are going to discuss another great inflatable product that has both Pro and Deluxe packages. This time, it’s the Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 inflatable pontoon which is a popular two person fishing craft. So, let’s get to it!

Features and Benefits- The Good and the Bad
The consumers posting reviews at Bass Pro Shop gave the FoldCat 375fc an average rating of 4 stars on of a scale of 1 to 5. Reviewers on Amazon.com gave it an average of 4 out of 5 stars as well.

Here’s the plus and minus comments for the Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Pro Angler

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Pro Angler “Plus” List:
Great for fishing on lakes with relatively flat waters.
Only 75 pounds so its very easy to maneuver into and out of the water
It is stable enough that you can stand up and fish without having to worry about ending up in the water

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Pro Angler “Minus” List:
It doesn’t have the best tracking (even with the skegs)
At every fishing spot you have to put down the anchor to avoid drifting from it.

Here’s the plus and minus comments for the Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Deluxe Angler

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Deluxe Angler “Plus” List:
The FoldCat can be fished with both fishermen standing at once
The seats are well padded and supportive
When rowing the FoldCat the position of the oars are placed where you can maximize your power with each stroke of the arm

The Sea Eagle FoldCat 375 Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Deluxe Angler “Minus” List:
The person upfront, if going at high speeds, will get a wet ride.

Inflatable Pontoon Review Summary:
The FoldCat 375fc is constructed out of quality components and hull material that will surely last. This Sea Eagle rig uses an aluminum flooring structure together with a support system that enables inflation and assembly in minutes. The big pontoons keep the entire watercraft high above water and its hydrodynamic design allows it to cut through water, either when powered by motor or being rowed. Sea Eagle offers two FoldCat packages to choose from, both have the necessities to get you on the water and fishing quickly. That is all I have for you today, so until next time… keep your paddle in the water and your butt in the boat!

(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!