Nyce Kayaks. I have the one person model, build quality is good, feels like a small raft. Haven't got it on the water yet though.

 

Do you have the montana or the sevylor?

 

I have the Sevy SK100DS which is the next version of the River X for the last 9 yrs and have used it intnsively every season since owning it , mainly in 3s. I don;t think I have taken it in 4, but thats me, not the boat. I am sure in the right hands it would do that easily. The build quality is amazing. Apart from the 1st couple of years I have never babied it, leaving it out in sun rain and even snow at times. The only damage it has sustained is that some Dring patches came off, which was easily fixable. One of the side tubes developed a pin hole leak which was also fixed.
Functionally the boat is the same as when new. Its always my go to boat when spring comes around. A huge bonus is that it fits inside my RAV 4 fully inflated!
I would go the Sevy route.

 

I got into inflatable kayaking in the summer of 2007 and bought a Sevylor River XK2, back then they retailed for $499. Shortly after the newer yellow model came out. I had so much fun with those and they got me hooked. I purchased a 2nd XK2 so I could go with more people. The pro is the price point and the tandem setup, hopefully you are buying for $100ish at this point. There are quite a few cons but nothing that should stir you away fully. The self bailing holes are relatively small which means the kayak will bail but very slowly. The valves are Boston valves which are low end. The boat will hold water between the outer PVC and inner bladder. I would make it a point to dunk the boat and wash it after every trip and then hold the kayak vertical and let the water run out that gets trapped inside. I had a few leaks and were able to patch, mainly because I over inflated and left out in the bright sun on a hot day. I learned to always leave the boat in a little bit of water when you fully top off, especially in the sun when hot outside. The Sevylor will get you on the river and that is the definition of the best boat, but I'd be concerned with the age since they are my best guess 16 years old for the newest build. Make sure to fully inflate when purchasing and verify the valves have the caps. If you can buy for $100ish or less I would pick up but if they are asking much more it probably is worth it to save your money. I would be very hesitant to take in class IV. I would run on mainly class IIs with a single III. On the III's you are sitting in a bathtub that drains slowly. I can't personally recommend but if you zoned in on a budget tandem inflatable kayak possibly look for deals on amazon,

549

Amazon.com : AQUAGLIDE McKenzie 125 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Whitewater Kayak : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : AQUAGLIDE McKenzie 125 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Whitewater Kayak : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

.

I'm a big fan of C-7 valves if you can expand your budget, there are a few models that would work well.

899

STAR Outlaw II Inflatable Kayak | NRS

The STAR Outlaw II Inflatable Kayak gives commercial outfitters, camps and rental programs a fun and sporty tandem IK that's still friendly for first-time paddlers.

www.nrs.com

999

Two Person Inflatable Kayak - "The Dually Ducky"

If you are looking for an entry into paddlesports, a fun way to get out on your own, or an addition to your fleet an inflatable kayak is a great way to go. When rolled up they are small, light and easy to transport. When you get to the put in you can be ready to go in minutes. Constructed...

www.vallerafts.com

1149

IK-144 Tandem Animas Inflatable Kayak

Built for two and ready for whitewater, the Tandem Animas Inflatable Kayak offers the stability, tracking, and durability you need for serious river adventures. Its I-beam floor and center baffle help it hold a straighter line and punch through waves with ease, giving you more control in dynamic...

rockymountainrafts.com

 

I got into inflatable kayaking in the summer of 2007 and bought a Sevylor River XK2, back then they retailed for $499. Shortly after the newer yellow model came out. I had so much fun with those and they got me hooked. I purchased a 2nd XK2 so I could go with more people. The pro is the price point and the tandem setup, hopefully you are buying for $100ish at this point. There are quite a few cons but nothing that should stir you away fully. The self bailing holes are relatively small which means the kayak will bail but very slowly. The valves are Boston valves which are low end. The boat will hold water between the outer PVC and inner bladder. I would make it a point to dunk the boat and wash it after every trip and then hold the kayak vertical and let the water run out that gets trapped inside. I had a few leaks and were able to patch, mainly because I over inflated and left out in the bright sun on a hot day. I learned to always leave the boat in a little bit of water when you fully top off, especially in the sun when hot outside. The Sevylor will get you on the river and that is the definition of the best boat, but I'd be concerned with the age since they are my best guess 16 years old for the newest build. Make sure to fully inflate when purchasing and verify the valves have the caps. If you can buy for $100ish or less I would pick up but if they are asking much more it probably is worth it to save your money. I would be very hesitant to take in class IV. I would run on mainly class IIs with a single III. On the III's you are sitting in a bathtub that drains slowly. I can't personally recommend but if you zoned in on a budget tandem inflatable kayak possibly look for deals on amazon,

549

Amazon.com : AQUAGLIDE McKenzie 125 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Whitewater Kayak : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : AQUAGLIDE McKenzie 125 Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Whitewater Kayak : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

.

I'm a big fan of C-7 valves if you can expand your budget, there are a few models that would work well.

899

STAR Outlaw II Inflatable Kayak | NRS

The STAR Outlaw II Inflatable Kayak gives commercial outfitters, camps and rental programs a fun and sporty tandem IK that's still friendly for first-time paddlers.

www.nrs.com

999

Two Person Inflatable Kayak - "The Dually Ducky"

If you are looking for an entry into paddlesports, a fun way to get out on your own, or an addition to your fleet an inflatable kayak is a great way to go. When rolled up they are small, light and easy to transport. When you get to the put in you can be ready to go in minutes. Constructed...

www.vallerafts.com

1149

IK-144 Tandem Animas Inflatable Kayak

Built for two and ready for whitewater, the Tandem Animas Inflatable Kayak offers the stability, tracking, and durability you need for serious river adventures. Its I-beam floor and center baffle help it hold a straighter line and punch through waves with ease, giving you more control in dynamic...

rockymountainrafts.com

Great insight!
I was able to find a solstice flare for pretty cheap, they retail for around $500 and could pick it up for $170, any thoughts on one like that?

Solstice Watersports Flare 1-Person Kayak

Our Flare 1-person kayak comes with all the basics to get you started paddling. With a pump, carrier bag, manual and pressure gauge in tow, river or ocean.

lightasairboats.com

 

If you are looking for something that will perform more akin to a hard shell then you will likely spend more money. There are lots of great options; I just wouldn't trust a pool toy on serious sustained white water. Compare the fabric denier and construction. Stiffeners in the bow and stern enable punching through waves rather than deflecting.

 

Sevy did some mods on their SK100. The valves are summit 2s. Never had a trace of trouble with them yet. They dont have an inner bladder so no space for water to collect There are12 or 16 drain holes, so the boat drains fine.
My point being if you can find the SK100DX for under, say 200 bucks go for it. Its been almost impossible to find in the last 5-8 yrs though. These boats are a very far cry from the old Sevy "pool toys".

 

Do you mean glued or welded or both on different seams? The higher end boats are welded. I am not sure whether my Sevy is glued or welded but it has stood the test of time pretty well. I was looking at the Flare if thats the one you are going for and it seems to be a carbon copy of the Sevy at least in appearance. It will easily last you a number of years if you exercise minimal care and maintainance. And yes, do let us know how it performs on water when you get a chance.

 

Will do! Purchased it and will see how it handles! Hoping to do some spring trips, I'm in AZ and after the last week or two we've gotten enough snowpack to make runoff season decent this year!

 

Rafts were glued until RF welding. Glue is fine as long as it's done right and cured appropriately. Don't leave it in the sun inflated out off the water and keep it covered or inside when not in use.

 

So if I'm doing an overnight you'd recommend deflating when off the river for the day to extend the life of the kayak?

 

Just a little and shade goes a long way. Light colored boats don't heat up at fast. PV = nRT. Also tether your kayak. Winds are unforeseen.

 

I also remember being told to adjust pressure if climbing to a high altitude during the trip to the river if its a really hot day.

 

I had a Sevy XK1DS for a long time (2004-2012?) and took it down everything from class I to IV, from tiny streams of 100 cfs to a daily flow record setting big water day on the Ark, and it handled everything well.

After it FINALLY wore out, I bought a Solstice "Flare", which is literally just the newest version of the XKxDS series. Sevy got folded into the Solstice Watersports family, but this is basically the same boat with a few small updates, most notably and for the better the addition of Halkey Roberts valves instead of the old Boston valves. The floor has been upgraded into a drop stitch as well.

I got my Flare in 2017 and proceeded to take it down 500+ miles of (mostly) first descents in Vietnam. Same story, it saw everything from tiny streams to huge water, and performed amazingly every step of the way. Moved back to US around the decade flip and have been bashing down all kinds of fun streams here in the states since. It finally took a rock with some La Garita volcanic glass to take it out. But, I got another identical one and am beyond stoked for this year.

I absolutely adore my Flare; it's small, lightweight, and handles much more like a hardshell kayak than more typical larger IK's. Fully loaded it clocks in at 38 lbs, and with everything off, I can hike it fully inflated as far as I want.

10/10, 5/7, four stars, two thumbs up, whatever rating scale you use, for me it maxes out.

If you want some videos of performance of it on different streams, check out my YT channel for videos from both VN and USA.

 

I had a Sevy XK1DS for a long time (2004-2012?) and took it down everything from class I to IV, from tiny streams of 100 cfs to a daily flow record setting big water day on the Ark, and it handled everything well.

After it FINALLY wore out, I bought a Solstice "Flare", which is literally just the newest version of the XKxDS series. Sevy got folded into the Solstice Watersports family, but this is basically the same boat with a few small updates, most notably and for the better the addition of Halkey Roberts valves instead of the old Boston valves. The floor has been upgraded into a drop stitch as well.

I got my Flare in 2017 and proceeded to take it down 500+ miles of (mostly) first descents in Vietnam. Same story, it saw everything from tiny streams to huge water, and performed amazingly every step of the way. Moved back to US around the decade flip and have been bashing down all kinds of fun streams here in the states since. It finally took a rock with some La Garita volcanic glass to take it out. But, I got another identical one and am beyond stoked for this year.

I absolutely adore my Flare; it's small, lightweight, and handles much more like a hardshell kayak than more typical larger IK's. Fully loaded it clocks in at 38 lbs, and with everything off, I can hike it fully inflated as far as I want.

10/10, 5/7, four stars, two thumbs up, whatever rating scale you use, for me it maxes out.

View attachment 97996

View attachment 97997

View attachment 97999

View attachment 98000

If you want some videos of performance of it on different streams, check out my YT channel for videos from both VN and USA.

Glad to hear it! Yeah, I tested it out, inflating it and checking everything (was brand new in box but on offerup), and everything checked out. Excited to hopefully try it on either the Salt or the Verde this season here in AZ!

 

Ever since I saw the picture of a Flare I wondered how closely it resembled the Sevy SK100DS. I was always thinking of what boat I would need to buy to replace the Sevy when it starts to seriously fall apart and you have given me the answer.
Look forward to checking out your vids!

 

When my Sevy died I was in the same position. I basically wanted the exact same boat. So when I found out about Solstice and the Flare being the next gen, I was beyond stoked! Its such an awesome boat for the price.

 

ROGUE KAYAK 2P COVERTIBLE

Solstice ROGUE KAYAK 2P COVERTIBLE at Next Adventure! 10'6" x 33" - The Solstice Rogue 1-2 Person Inflatable Kayak is a classic style inflatable kayak intended to get you and the family out on the water. Built with a heavy duty, 26 Gauge PVC and 3-chamber construction with integrated I-beam...

nextadventure.net

 

PM'ed you

 

Just wanted to update this thread:

I ended up purchasing and taking the Solstice Flare down the 52 mile stretch of the Salt River wilderness. I went with 4 other guys, two of which were in Sea Eagle 300x, 2 of which were in NRS IKs. I went down every rapid while some of the other guys skipped out on Quartzite and a few others. A great value for this trip for sure! We'll see how well it holds up over multiple trips, but for this 4 day stretch it was a hero.

A few notes on it: the D-rings are all mounted low and there are only 4 that aren't being used for the seat that are actually on the floor so it can be a little tricky mounting gear if you're going self-supported. Compared to the Sea Eagles it was definitely a more annoying prospect. Also the valves are a little trickier and might have problems staying open when pulling off the pump so might take a few tries, but I never had a problem once it was inflated, it held air just fine the whole day. The sea eagles and NRS IKs were also wider (and the Sea Eagles had better seats), making the Solstice perhaps a little less comfortable than it's competitors.

But hey, for roughly half the price MSRP than the Sea Eagles, and a lot less than that based off of what I found, it was definitely worth it! I never once felt like I was at a disadvantage or that my boat was holding me back. We did the Salt at about 1800 cfs, which was a lot more whitewater at a higher flow than most of us were used to so it was good test for all of us. Me and my boat did a bunch of boat rescues and it never let me down when it counted. For me, the Solstice was definitely a good buy.

Me in the solstice center left of photo

 

Just wanted to update this thread:

I ended up purchasing and taking the Solstice Flare down the 52 mile stretch of the Salt River wilderness. I went with 4 other guys, two of which were in Sea Eagle 300x, 2 of which were in NRS IKs. I went down every rapid while some of the other guys skipped out on Quartzite and a few others. A great value for this trip for sure! We'll see how well it holds up over multiple trips, but for this 4 day stretch it was a hero.

Awesome!! I love the Flare. Such a great boat for the price.

For what it's worth, I hike with my 1 person Flare a lot; with everything attached to it (seat, pump, life jacket, and few smaller things, but NOT my dry bag, which I carry with my paddle) and fully inflated its about 38 lbs.

 

Thanks for the follow up. Really appreciate that. Have you weighed the boat with the thigh straps and seat attached? Thanks again for a very useful follow up. I am very close to pulling the trigger on one of the new NRS packrafts, simply because of the weight which is around 12 lbs, but the Flare would be my second pick [ or 1st if it actually weighs around 20 lbs or so ].
The NRS costs twice as much as the Flare, BTW.

 

Mine didn't come with thigh straps, but with the seat it's probably about around 20 lbs or so, I'll have to weigh it later today. It was considerably lighter than the NRS or Sea Eagle kayaks that I was traveling with

 

Thanks! If you manage to weigh it let me know.

 

With JUST the boat and the seat + one strap to keep it wrapped up, it weighs in at 19.5 lbs according to my scale (no skeg or pump). Hope that helps!

 

Yes it does, thanks v much. I just weighed mine, the SK 100 DS on which the Flare is based off of,, and it was 26lbs, ready to go. my other boat which is the STRIKe XL was 36.4 lbs. So the Flare is considerably lighter.
CMD 19, that idea of looping through the seat strap Drings sounds good. I have carried mine for short distances by shouldering the thigh strap but that works only briefly. I also got a plastic kayak cart from Amazon which is fully detachable and I use that for my inflatables now. Its various components fit in the inflatables quite easily when running the river.

 

I'm headed out to paddle this weekend, so I will rig mine up how I would for hiking and capture a video of setting it up and getting the boat on my shoulder. Would probably explain better than I can with words!

 

Thanks! Interesting, you have the strap you use to carry it under your left shoulder, not just over the head and over your left shoulder?
Also, this is a different webbing strap, not your thigh brace strap, correct?
I am taking my Sevy out in a couple of days and will try this out.

 

If I don't put it under my shoulder, then all the weight would be digging into my neck. By having the strap under my opposite shoulder, it equalizes the load across my shoulders much more comfortably. I've hiked ~5 miles each on several different trips using the system and it works pretty well.

And correct, this is not my thigh strap. This is a 20m piece of tubular webbing that I have daisy chain'd into a tether that's about 4'-5' long.

 

Great! will definitely try it.

 

Get out there and find a system that works! Being able to hike into/out of runs opens so many doors for future paddling!