Stearns Inflatable KayakIs the Stearns Inflatable Kayak a good value. Stearns makes a variety of inflatable kayaks. They make inflatable kayaks for flatwater and whitewater. They also make inflatable canoes and some small rafts. These boats are made in two-layers, and inner air bladder and an outer shell. (Link to our air bladder page) The inner air bladders are made of PVC. You can buy Stearns inflatables at many retailers, including several online retailers, and at several ebay stores.
Is the Stearns inflatable kayak a good value?Depends... Stearns are good inflatable kayaks for recreational use. The two-layer system requires more maintenance, but it does give extra protection.
The Good Stearns is a reputable company. Their inflatable kayaks are good, so long as you don't try to use them beyond their designed use.
The Bad The two-layer system and the pvc inner air bladder both require care and attention. Over the long term, these can be sources of problems. What can you do with this inflatable kayak?Is the Stearns inflatabke kayak a good pool toy?It could be used for a pool toy, but it can be do lots more. Would I use this boat on a lake? Stearns IKs that are designed for flatwater would do great on lakes.
Would I take the Stearns inflatable kayak on a calm whitewater river? Stearns ik's would work good on calm water rivers.
Would I take this inflatable kayak on Class II whitewater? The Stearns whitewater inflatable kayaks would do good on Class II whitewater.
Can the Stearns inflatable kayak handle Class IV whitewater? I would not take a Stearns IK on Class IV whitewater.
Can this inflatable kayak be used for fishing? Many of the Stearns inflatable kayaks could be used for fishing, but there are better solutions for fishing from an inflatable kayak.
Can this inflatable kayak be used for an overnight or multi-day river trip? If you pack light, you could use a Stearns IK for an overnight trip. For a multi-day trip, it would be tough.
Can I resale this boat if it doesn't work out for me? My opinion of the resale value of a Stearns IK is that it's resale value is average or below average. The two-layer system and pvc air bladder can be trouble at resale time.
Overall RecommendationWhen used for its designed use, Stearns is a good inflatable kayak solution. They are not designed for hard core use or extreme conditions.Go to the company Stearns inflatable kayak page... About This Review...We do our best to make fair and accurate reviews. The reviews are based on years of experience with inflatable kayaks.In the end, this review, like all reviews, reflects personal opinion.
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