You guys know I like to take a simple boat out on the lake; I’ve written about recreational kayaks, inflatable paddleboards, and even–yes–inflatable kayaks. Well, if you’d like to join me out in paddle-land, today is the perfect day to pick up a budget boat. Walmart’s Black Friday deal on the Sevylor K5 inflatable kayak is still live for Cyber Monday, and it’s just $85.
How well does an inflatable kayak work? You can read my review of a similar model (the Intex K1 Challenger) here. An inflatable boat isn’t going to be quite as sturdy or steer quite as straight as a more traditional construction, but I was shocked at how well it performed. And the Sevylor K5 looks to be even better: it’s 10 feet long rather than nine, and has a maximum weight of 250 pounds.
I consider myself something of a cheap boat connoisseur, and those stats aren’t bad at all. I like that this boat comes with a thicker material on the bottom to resist punctures, and spray covers to keep splashes and paddle drips from soaking your lap. The $85 package comes with a paddle and a backpack so you can carry it to your favorite lake, even if the lake is a bit of a hike from the nearest parking lot or from your campsite. It also includes a hand pump. Unlike paddleboards, which require a high-pressure pump to properly inflate, inflatable kayaks only take a few minutes to blow up with a simple hand pump like the one that comes in this package.
As for the downsides of an inflatable kayak, we’ve already mentioned that it’s more for tootling around than for speeding toward a destination. (If you want a touring or racing kayak, go buy a touring or racing kayak.) Another important drawback is that the boat is easy enough to unfold before you get in the water, but once you’re headed home that thing is going to be wet. And maybe muddy. If you can give it some time to dry in the sun, that would be ideal; otherwise, make sure to spread it out to dry once you get home.
Sevylor K5 Quickpack Inflatable Kayak, $85 (normally retails for about $200)
By the way, the one thing this package does not come with is a PFD (a personal flotation device, better known as a lifejacket). Make sure you pick up one of those too; drowning because you cheaped out on a basic safety device is a dumb way to die. Here’s a multi-pocket vest with all the bells and whistles (OK, just one whistle) for just $29. Or if you want to stick to our bargain theme and buy the cheapest item that will get the job done, here’s a basic model for just eight bucks. Both are Coast Guard-approved.
