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I've been reading that inflatable kayaks have come a long way. I'd love to be able to take my own kayak anywhere I go easily like that.
Does anyone have one and use it in the USVI? Can they handle the rougher ocean?
Also, some are very inexpensive. How cheap can one go before they are useless for the ocean?
That's a hard one to answer because there are many factors.
That concept is great but like those flexible retractable hoses you see advertised on TV, they may be lightweight but longevity is questionable.
Those hoses don't work. They rip. They blow out and you'll be lucky if it lasts a couple months.
If they are not well made, you'll have issues with seams and air intake valves, you'll have to keep clean, inflate before use, deflate after, keep in cool dry place which is not the trunk of your car and probably be patching often if you have to drag over any type of surface. In theory it sounds good but the lighter the weight of the fabric, the easier it will be to have wasted your money.
Not sure I would use one on the open ocean.
This is all speculative on my part but I managed a company that sold liferafts and various types inflatable dinghies and boats so I know the types of fabrics that hold up with use. As well as what happens when they don't. Good luck!
I originally had a 12' Metzeler inflatable when I first moved to the islands. It didn't last two years and we bought a 13' Boston Whaler to replace it. Great little boat for getting about the islands that are in close range.
