Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 Vinyl Inflatable Kayak

I purchased this to use as a recreational paddling and possibly to fish and hunt from. I do not have the space to store a rigid kayak nor a way to transport one. This works well to fit in the space available but has limitations.

First the good.
You can pump this up in minutes and not break a sweat. This was surprising to me as I had purchased an electric pump as well thinking it would save time. It doesn’t, but it is less work. Take the pump in the boat with you. If you develop a slow leak it can be used to reinflate even while you are on the water. And if the air is hot and the water is cold, it is highly likely the chambers will deflate as the air inside them cools. You can top them off while on the water.

It will fit in a very small space when deflated and in the bag. Any vehicle trunk will have space enough for it. But before you stow it after use, be sure to thoroughly dry it.

It is very maneuverable, with the short skeg maybe even too maneuverable. If you apply a lot of power in your strokes with will wander side to side quite a bit. With the longer skeg this is reduced significantly. But it will turn on a dime and give you change.

It is hard to sink it. Unless you rupture all 5 chambers which is unlikely, you will at least have something to hold onto to get to shore. If you put a hole in 1 chamber you will be able to paddle to shore still. Carry a roll of Flex Tape for on the water repairs. Seriously, this is the best way to make temporary repairs.

This boat is extremely stable. You would really have to be trying in order to get it to flip. If you need to you could even stand up in it without tipping but with the inflatable bottom it isn’t easy and you could very well fall out.

Getting in and out of the boat is easy. But you must accept that in getting in or out you will get wet. You simply cannot launch it in water too shallow to float it, you will put holes in it. So walk it out into knee deep water and then get in. You didn’t really expect to stay dry while on the river did you?

Now the bad.

The profile is quite high. If you have any wind you will be going in the direction of the wind pretty much no matter what you do. Even when paddling with the current, if you are paddling into the wind it will be a chore to go anywhere.

It is also very susceptible to currents in the water. It has quite a bit of drag and you can be spun around by currents acting in different directions on opposite ends of the boat.

It isn’t very fast, it has a lot of drag in the water. You won’t be winning any races against rigid hull boats. But speed is not an essential factor for my uses so not a big deal.

It isn’t very thick material and operating in areas with rocks or sticks will result in holes. When this happens reach for the Flex Tape while you are on the water. It will stop the leaks or at least slow them down long enough to get you through the trip. I’ve not yet tried Flex Tape as a permanent fix though so maybe it will last longer than temporary.

Permanent fixes are difficult. You should take the patches which come with the boat and throw them away, they will just frustrate you. For permanent fixes get a jar of contact cement and a piece of heavy clear vinyl sold for making slip covers for outdoor furniture. I picked up a foot by 4 feet for $2. Prep both the boat and vinyl with sandpaper and brake parts cleaner or PVC cleaner you can get at a plumbing supply aisle near you. Apply the contact cement to both surfaces allow to dry until just tacky and put the patch over the hole. Try to do this while the boat is inflated as you will want the boat material stretched when the patch is applied or the joint will fail eventually. Slap the patch on and press it firmly over all surfaces. A roller is really helpful here. Really mash the patch into place.

I will attempt the Flex Tape patch as a permanent solution eventually and report back results.

And yes, it also has functioned very well in the intended uses so far. Will be hunting from it this fall.

Love the kayak! The only issue I had was after 4 hours on the river, the sides did lose air, but the bottom stayed inflated. Luckily we brought a pump and re-pumped the sides and were good to go for the last hour of the float 🙂

Bon….!!! Lorsque vous faite monter votre chien dans un kayac gonflable.”..IL FAUT LE PROTEGER ” un tapis de yoga dans le fond du kayac fera l’affaire ..!! Mon chien scrute l’horizon tel un capitaine …et apprécie la découpe des rivages lointains …. “

I thought the seats were part of the body?so it would all blow up together, but they are detachable which is actually better. I took it on the lake and removed the seats and layer back and watched the stars.

It’s a little bulky to manage alone when it’s fully inflated, but it’s amazing when it’s in the water. Everyone asks where I got it.

Used it in the calm ocean, it was quick to get inflated. Got an electric pump though. Oars can be slightly short but they work. Holds two people and some stuff well. Is sturdy, color is nice. For the price it’s a great deal. Would buy again.

For the price this is a deal if you’re just starting out like we are. Took it for maiden voyage to a small lake, easy to paddle, set up in 10 min. Take down is longer but well worth the effort. At 6’3” I had enough room to paddle and room behind me for our lunch thanks to the adjustable seats.

Easy to assemble and disassemble, lite enough to cart around either way.