Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: RheaNL on March 27, 2018, 03:44:37 pm
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We have a 2 person Sea Eagle which makes many sizes and styles. There are several other companies. Purchased ours used on Ebay and had it for about eight years. Purchased for our first trip to Lake Powell and has held up well with no punctures/damage even being drug in and out of Colorado lakes/streams over coarse gravel and sharp rocks and being abused by grandkids.
Handles very well in the water even with moderate wind. We avoid heavy wind. Very easy to inflate/deflate. When inflated, easy to carry to the water and get in and out.We do wear a heavy garden glove for the carrying so the rope doesn't cut our hands. Comes with a foot pump for inflation and deflation is accomplished by unscrewing the input ports which are about 2 inches. Easily folded and when in the bag with seats, paddles and pump is relatively compact (fits easily in our aisle with slide in) and weights about 35 pounds. First couple Lake Powell trips (about 1 1/2 days for us) we hoisted it to roof and lashed down. As we aged (now 71 and 82), it was easier to put it in the aisle and set outside the door on the one night in transit.
For life vests we use one designed for paddle boards. Ours is the Onyx M-16 Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket for Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking and Fishing. It is full approved by the USCG and makes paddling so much easier.
https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-M-16-Manual-Inflatable-Jacket/dp/B013RLI9XS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522179667&sr=8-1&keywords=paddleboard+life+jacket
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We carry a small Zodiac with a 5 hp outboard once in a while when we go fishing. We only do this when pulling a toad and carry the boat in the jeep.
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Thanks, what is the length on that Sea Eagle? That is one of the brands I'm looking at. I also have looked the Advanced Frame Expedition (https://www.airkayaks.com/advanced-elements-expedition-elite-hi-pressure-inflatable-kayak-ae1009xe/) It is about 13' long and I'm concerned that is too much for me to handle into and out of the water. Single person only, the wife does not do water :)
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Don't know the length of ours. their web site for more information. Ours is in the RV in storage at the moment. I think Sea Eagle even makes a one man kayak.
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RheaNL, what would you estimate the size of the double kayak to be, deflated ?
Also, would you think a medium size dog would fit on board along with the 2 people ? If not sure, did you ever have the 2 of you plus a small grandchild along ?
jim
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When deflated and in the sack (paddles come apart as well), the sack is about 35 lbs. (depending on what has been added like our life belts), it is larger than a filled kitchen trash bag, but not as large as an outside trash can.
I have kayaked in it with my daughter and 3 year old granddaughter and it was still above water level, but very calm waters. You can look at the Sea Eagle web site and it gives weight ratings.
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I looked at the Sea Eagle site and there are lots of models. Do you happen to know which one you have?
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RheaNL, thanks for the information,, very helpful !
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I have three Wilderness Systems kayaks (injection molded).
The 12 and 14 footers are in the 52 - 56 pound range, and the 13.5" tandem is 72 pounds. Fear not John, a 43lb. 13 footed should be a breeze. Get the cockpit centered on your shoulder and off you go. Or, find a simple kayak cart to pull it with.
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Thanks Bill. The weight isn't bothering me, more the inflatable part. I've used hard shells before but never owned one. And never used an inflatable. The Advanced Frame has models with weights down to 26#. The model I'm looking at is 13' but when un-inflated will fit into the rear side storage compartment.
It all looks like it will work, maybe I'm over thinking it.