How is this boat for a river?
458882
Hi Ryan, I have only used our boats in a bay. With a little current the boat holds up well. I would be a bit concerned with the the loop that holds the oars with stronger current. Otherwise, I am very happy with the boats. Sorry I can't help you...
458883
I've been using it on a calm lake. If it is a rough river, that you need to make it upstream it may be hard. The paddles aren't the best, there is no foot pressure to get the full thrust of each stroke. One day i was out and it was pretty windy and i could barely keep moving against the wind. That said, if you are going on a river that is fairly calm or you are just traveling with the current it should be fine. I'd watch out for shallow rocks, as I saw one of these tear by scraping on a rock when being put into the water.
458884
This boat is hard to paddle and steer in a straight direction if you're going down a river. Takes a bit of coordination, but you can manage. Just don't expect to go far in a short amount of time. Inflatable kayaks or canoes are speedier, or just get someone to tug you behind their kayak or canoe!
458885
The boat has only been used by childern in a small lake and a pool. It has held up well, but if you have a risk of hitting sharp rocks or trees it may not be your best choice.
1665000
Very flat bottom on this boat. We don't have any rapids around here but my 5 year old can paddle his just fine on our flat river and bay.
1123884
I really like mine. It is really comfortable. It blows up fast and the paddles that come with it are decent and come apart for storage. I went and bought a large canvass bag to store it in when not in use. On a windy day, it is hard to paddle though especially on a large body of water, but that would be true for most small water crafts.
23821
My 12 yo son uses it and has done some river time with it. He has had no problem in rapids.
1290578
If it's a calm one probably. I used it for a creek and it did fine when we just rode the current. Just remember it's still inflatable and not as tough and stable as a hard bottom boat
394932
The boat is unbelievably stable- rough water- not an issue, the danger (to this boat) is up near the bank, rocks and other "sharps".... Fishing hooks as well. Rough water, it will handle it fine. For big water I would go 55ln MinnKota with biggest battery you can find, or. 3.5 horse Tohatsu outboard. Don't beach this boat, get out knee. High water and walk it in- I'm warning you... Otherwise its bulletproof...
489240
It goes about 10-15 miles per hour. Fast enough that it is fun but not too fast that the kids can't control it. Also, it handles waves really well, even at speed. Purchased it for the grandkids but I am having fun with it too. It's a great beginner to begin-intermediate boat, I would say. For sure get an extra battery.
551165
No I don't think this one is robust enough to carry a cooler on the river. It is lighter plastic than those designed for water. This is meant to hold ice on a flat surface to keep food cold. They do make inner tubes for just that reason to hold a cooler when going on water
906485
Jim, my family and I have been boating for nearly 30 yrs. We have gone through more tubes that I want to count. This tube can handle any type of water condition. Actually the rougher the better, if they like jumping. It is very stable and almost to stable. You really have to go out of your way to flip it. I have taken my older boys around tight turns doing 35 mph and it won't flip. You and your family will enjoy it. Have fun,Don
1119183
I think it's as good as any kayak. I've used it in rapids and in relatively flat seas. If you can handle a kayak, this one will work for you. I assume your question relates to whether the boat might lose air during the trip out to the island. It never lost an ounce of pressure during any of our adventures, but if I were gonna paddle a couple miles out to an island, I would take the pump and a repair kit.
23820
Does not cut through the water like a plastic boat but it is a great kayak because it is so versatile mad easy to travel with. You can move through the water just fine.
1360948
It handles my 4 stroke 2.5hp Suzuki outboard just fine :) My GPS measured it flat out at 10mph, which feels very fast in a boat that size! http://youtu.be/NSMX_Hhz5uI http://youtu.be/jpcoSQMQ2g8 Tho tbh the Transom rails only hold the outboard panel vertically by friction - the screws go round the rails not thru them :/ I rolled some duck tape round underneath the fastenings to stop it slipping down, but it I still worry about it some times, considering modifying it. Also note the Suzuki DF2.5 is significantly lighter than most other 4stroke 2.5hp outboards (one of the reasons I bought it!). I'd strongly advice against anything heavier/more powerful than that.
1033351
the boat is amazing so far and does indeed look like a banana. Why does that bother you? It is very sturdy and tracks very well. I even have my dog in it and can actually walk on top of the kayak while on a lake and change seats without disturbing the kayak or falling into the water. The ends come up slightly as you don't want water to spill in when you speed up. I also ordered the longer 96" paddles as the airhead paddles are only 84" or so, much more pull with the longer paddles.
1198618
I have a 21 foot sailboat that weighs approximately 1,200 lbs, and I have this motor on it. It works just fine getting us up and down the local river. Although it un-primes itself rather quickly once you turn it off, and it takes a minute to get primed enough and to pull it enough to start it. But once you get it started it runs quite well.
1394963
As a beginining RC boat, I would highly recommend this boat. It's a small investment, for a large amount of fun. My Grandson loves to race it around the pool.
35032
I guess it depends on the river and how fast the water is moving! I would advise against it if you are likely to come into contact with rocks and trees as the material is not strong enough and will easily puncture!
332826
The boat is unbelievably stable- rough water- not an issue, the danger (to this boat) is up near the bank, rocks and other "sharps".... Fishing hooks as well.Rough water, it will handle it fine.For big water I would go 55ln MinnKota with biggest battery you can find, or. 3.5 horse Tohatsu outboard.Don't beach this boat, get out knee. High water and walk it in- I'm warning you... Otherwise its bulletproof...