Coleman Inflatable Kayak Review

The Coleman inflatable kayak is one of the cheapest inflatable kayaks on the market. Use with caution. It can work okay when used by the right person in the right setting.

Is the Coleman inflatable kayak a good value?

Outfitters like me stick our noses up in the air and make jokes about boats like the Coleman inflatable kayak.

It is not an outfitter quality boat. And, the wrong person using it in the wrong setting can get into serious trouble.

That said, there is a place in the world for boats like this inflatable kayak.

Here are my guidelines for operating it:

1. Always have a more solid boat with an experienced boater nearby.

2. Only use it in normal water and weather conditions. Don't use it in high or low water. Don't use it in extreme heat, extreme cold, or windy conditions.

3. Use it only on calm water. This could include lakes, rivers and sounds.

All boating requires care, caution and good judgment. Boats like the Coleman inflatable kayak require extra doses of each.

The Good

The Bad

Nature can give a boat a good beating, sometimes unexpectedly.

It's not a very strong boat.

It requires extra care and caution.

What can you do with this inflatable kayak?

Outfitters think that's all it's good for.

We're probably not as smart as we like to think we are.

Would I use this boat on a lake?

Only if the water was calm, the weather was good, and I had a good boater in a good boat nearby.

Please note that most inflatables don't perform well on lakes. The exceptions are those inflatables built for touring and/or sea kayaking.

Inflatables give you more stability. The trade off is more drag. You're going to work harder to move an inflatable on a lake. And, if you get a windy day, you could be fighting to make much progress at all.

Would I take this Coleman inflatable kayak on a calm water river?

Only if the water was calm, the weather was good, and I had a good boater in a good boat nearby.

Would I take this inflatable kayak on Class II whitewater?

No.

Can the Coleman inflatable kayak handle Class IV whitewater?

No. Can you say, "eaten alive?"

Can this inflatable be used for fishing?

It's been done, but I wouldn't use it for that. If you do, have a good back up plan that you can put into action quickly.

Could this inflatable kayak be used for an overnight or multi-day trip?

I wouldn't recommend it.

Can I resale this boat if it doesn't work out for me?

Overall Recommendation

This boat has limited use. Used by the right people in the right setting, it can be part of a fun outdoor experience. Used in the wrong setting, things could go bad quickly.

Here are my guidelines for operating it:

1. Always have a more solid boat with an experienced boater nearby.

2. Only use it in normal water and weather conditions. Don't use it in high or low water. Don't use it in extreme heat, extreme cold, or windy conditions.

3. Use it only on calm water. This could include lakes, rivers and sounds.

All boating requires care, caution and good judgment. Boats like the Coleman inflatable kayak require extra doses of each.

About This Review

The reviews are based on years of experience with inflatable kayaks.

In the end, this review, like all reviews, reflects personal opinion.

If you love your Coleman inflatable kayak, here is your chance to tell us why.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

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each time i use it i get more cofidence in it....

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Hi:
I purchased a Coleman Sit Inside kayak about 2 years
ago. In that time I have taken it through rives,
4-6 seas, lakes etc.

Pros:
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Thanks for your reviews and honest opinions on the products you review. Let me state, I agree with you that this kayak is good for the right person in ...