Advanced Elements AE1007-R AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Kayak - 15' - Red

Had this on my Wish List for over a year and the price dropped (model discontinued) to over half of its original listing price, so glad I waited. Very well built, tracks well, easy to air up and stores well in the included bag.

Kayak was very stable and easily to inflate. Did not have any issues with the kayak “folding” when my wife and I were paddling around. Also found using the pump to suck the air back out made it possible to fold back up small enough to fit back in the bag. Reason for only 4 stars is the pump hose is weak and split on the second use. Tried to contact seller but Amazon customer service assistant is about useless. Would like to know how to replace hose with a better one.

Boat design is a good balance between portability, ease of set up, storage, and ability to track on a steady course. Have used it 7 times in the last 2 months, mostly in the north and south SF Bay, with trips in Half Moon Bay and Tomales Bay too. Chose a tandem so I could introduce my partner to boating in a way that reduces her water anxiety yet is fun for me too, and it has been successful on both fronts. Beyond that, my biggest concern was the ability to track the boat on a course given the winds, tides, and wind chop that all of the places above see. *** Added a backbone kit, per other reviews, and that may have been the magic ingredient. *** Have not seen the need to add a rudder. Recommend getting a fold up cart which makes a world of difference in getting it to/from the put-in spot. Sufficiently comfortable for 2+ hour trips. Takes a full day to dry out before storage.

If you are even thinking about one this is it. The pump really works even though I was hesitant. The numbered chambers are great. Was able to fit my wife and dog and we love going out on it. Cleaning. Travel. This thing is great. And boy does it move in the water.

Very easy to set up even considering the double action hand pump. Fairly easy to deflate. A little tricky to fold and get back in the bag. The footrest divider needs a proper strap to hold it in place. Velcro useless first time your feet push on it. Have used 3 times so far. Suggest placing towel between your knees to soak up water dripping off the paddles. Time will tell if the plastic will not eventually crack due to the folding. You have to pay attention to where the rigid parts of the keel are when folding up for storage. With two adults and one in rear paddling the kayak is fairly manouverable and once moving is easily kept moving. Also, it would be good if there was a way to strap the seat bottom in place which would then allow the backrest straps more effective.