Hi all!

 

I have been wanting to buy a kayak for awhile but don't have the space for it and would have to buy other materials to retro fit car to carry one. I thought about getting an inflatable hobie kayak. I don't think I will use it anywhere with rough waters, mainly small lakes or canals. Anyone that owns one could give me some insight?

 

#1) is there enough room to store your gear on board?

#2) Is it durable? (a lot to put down for a kayak so seeing if its worth it)

#3) Is it difficult to lug to the water once inflated?

 

Thanks in advance!

I'll try to shed some light on this for you.  There is some room to store gear, but it would be above the waterline meaning that you need to ensure you can secure it using the factory bungies.  Most people opt for a tackle bag or keep it simple by using a single tackle tray.  I assume you are referring to the single seat versions of the i series like the i9 or i11?

 

I can tell you from a cost perspective, there is little price advantage to them over the traditional Outback Sport or Revo 11.  So if storage is not a deciding factor, then I would opt for the traditional rotomolded hulls.  Although the material is very sturdy and durable, I prefer the traditional hulls type.

 

The i series stores in a large bag - approsimately 3'x3'x3' not including the Mirage Drive itself.  I also considered purchasing one until I sat in one - the seating position while not uncomfortable is not the same as a traditional kayak seat.  In the i series, your seating position is flat providing no leg angle relief compared to a normal seat.  If at all possible, try to get some seat time in one first.  Being in FL, you should be able to find a Hobie shop down there that has one you can try out.  Look up Sunjammers and Mariner Sails.

 

Good luck - hope that helps!

Thanks! I have tried the hard kayaks but not sure if my vehicle can transport it. I drive a Honda civic, which is why I am considering an inflatable. Do you think any car can carry one?

I'll try to shed some light on this for you.  There is some room to store gear, but it would be above the waterline meaning that you need to ensure you can secure it using the factory bungies.  Most people opt for a tackle bag or keep it simple by using a single tackle tray.  I assume you are referring to the single seat versions of the i series like the i9 or i11?

 

I can tell you from a cost perspective, there is little price advantage to them over the traditional Outback Sport or Revo 11.  So if storage is not a deciding factor, then I would opt for the traditional rotomolded hulls.  Although the material is very sturdy and durable, I prefer the traditional hulls type.

 

The i series stores in a large bag - approsimately 3'x3'x3' not including the Mirage Drive itself.  I also considered purchasing one until I sat in one - the seating position while not uncomfortable is not the same as a traditional kayak seat.  In the i series, your seating position is flat providing no leg angle relief compared to a normal seat.  If at all possible, try to get some seat time in one first.  Being in FL, you should be able to find a Hobie shop down there that has one you can try out.  Look up Sunjammers and Mariner Sails.

 

Good luck - hope that helps!

Thanks! I have tried the hard kayaks but not sure if my vehicle can transport it. I drive a Honda civic, which is why I am considering an inflatable. Do you think any car can carry one?

Absolutely a Honda Civic can support a kayak using a properly installed rack system as long as you do not exceed the load rating of the rack. A friend of mine transports a Tarpon 160 on his Miata so anything is possible. Pay close attention to the size of the bag itself relative to the space in your trunk. Make sure you have enough clearance to avoid pinching any of the bag/kayak hull when closing the trunk, but if it works then roll with it.

i carried a 10' and once carried a 12' kayak on top of my toyota camry.  i didn't even have a rack system, just 2 foam blocks to sit the kayak on.  did this many times for relatively far distances (4+ hour drives) with no problems whatsoever. 

i once had an inflatable boat, having since owned a kayak, i would never get an inflatable again.  just too much work to set up and take down.