I11S Inflatable reviews

We have been out of the kayak scene for some time  due to encroaching old age but since we got an RV we have been at some great paddle destinations with no way to take advantage. SO I looked old age square in the eye and  I bought a pair of Hobie inflatables. We did our first run Sunday. My wife and I hit Del Valle in 103 degree weather. Cost was $30 all in for launch, fishing permits, inspections and whatever other bullshit. RIDICULOUS. They insisted I remove the brand new boats, seats and drives from the vehicle to ensure compliance. It took 2 guys 10 minutes all the while pontificating on about the pernicious horrors of the zebra mussel. I re-packed my truck and fortunately there  was no one at the ramp. It took about 20 minutes to rig the boats with no significant hangups. After a bit of fiddling with rudder and drive deployment we headed up the narrows. Felt really great to be on the water. Del Valle was practically full with plenty of rental boats and their requisite fuckery laden crews. First issue is the steering is way too sloppy with large sweeps of the rudder handle to effect a turn. Debra's boat was much tighter so, note to self: bring screwdriver from now on. These boats are very stable. NO issues at all dangling 2 legs off the side while rummaging through the milk crate in back.  I started with the seats in the low position but once I changed to high the angle of attack was more comfortable. I am 6'4 230 lbs and wife 5'4 and 120 soaking wet. Pretty cool that these craft will suit that wide of a pilot size! I was hyper alert to the slightest  contact with sticks and rocks during beaching so there is that. In my hard shell kayaks I was quick to drag them over all sorts of abusive terrain. WE made it 3/4's of the way to the dam before the heat demanded we retreat. I had a really nice swim (on purpose) on the way back. I realized that I had not swam in anything but a bathtub for a couple years. That will change.

Packing them up for storage is a bit a PITA.  Those with visions of buying these craft take care to note the full packaged size of boat and gear. You get the impression that it all goes into a suitcase and you merrily hop on a plane.  The hull does and maybe the pump,  the seats and  drives will not.  The hull folds and fits into a VERY LARGE and heavy bag (after a bit of a wrestling match).  2 of them and all gear take up a fair amount of space in your climate controlled garage next to your fancy german car.  Conclusion: hella pricey bit of kit. Lots of cool engineering. Stable. Great exercise. They will get well used.

The inflatables are a lot of fun. I had both the i11s and i14Ts. I watched almost every video on YT to find the best way to fold them to all fit into the bag. This is the one I like most for the i11.



Another suggest is to get a rubber car mat and place it behind the drives if you plan to fish from it. That's where you can lay your fish so the spine won't puncture it.

Tight lines!

Thanks for the video. I am definitely doing it wrong

I had an I11S for a couple years so I'll chime in. If you want great rudder response you can trim a few inches off of a Hobie sailing rudder, round off the end, and install it on your I11S. That's what I did and it worked great. Perfect tracking without continuous input and it still turned on a dime. Now about the hull fragility......I had problems with micro holes from landing thorny rock fish on the side chamber that I always land fish on. Easily fixed with a single drop of glue...... but sometimes I didn't notice the micro hole until I was already on the water and after hours went by I had a partially deflated chamber. The boat still floats on two chambers but it's time to go in when this happens...... unless it's dead flat. This problem can be solved by clipping a mat just above the waterline on the side chamber that you land fish from. And be careful as you land, clip, and store your catch. I let a beauty of a thresher go so it wouldn't destroy and possibly sink my I11S.

 Keep these boats away from extreme heat. The seams are sealed together but extreme heat can cause de-lamination. When I sold mine I noticed the seam that holds the rudder line was beginning to de-laminate.

I had an I11S for a couple years so I'll chime in. If you want great rudder response you can trim a few inches off of a Hobie sailing rudder, round off the end, and install it on your I11S. That's what I did and it worked great. Perfect tracking without continuous input and it still turned on a dime. Now about the hull fragility......I had problems with micro holes from landing thorny rock fish on the side chamber that I always land fish on. Easily fixed with a single drop of glue...... but sometimes I didn't notice the micro hole until I was already on the water and after hours went by I had a partially deflated chamber. The boat still floats on two chambers but it's time to go in when this happens...... unless it's dead flat. This problem can be solved by clipping a mat just above the waterline on the side chamber that you land fish from. And be careful as you land, clip, and store your catch. I let a beauty of a thresher go so it wouldn't destroy and possibly sink my I11S.

 Keep these boats away from extreme heat. The seams are sealed together but extreme heat can cause de-lamination. When I sold mine I noticed the seam that holds the rudder line was beginning to de-laminate.

Hey Salty, what was the Hobie sailing rudder that you used? I've been using the i12s and want to upgrade my rudder as well.

Although the Hobie inflatables are convenient, durable, track well, and what not....just remember they aren't hook proof. If I could, I'd still rather use a hard shell.

https://www.austinkayak.com/Hobie-Large-Twist-and-Stow-Sailing-Rudder-Blade/ACK542P.html

This one for $40.

https://www.austinkayak.com/Hobie-Large-Twist-and-Stow-Sailing-Rudder-Blade/ACK542P.html

This one for $40.

Thank you Salty!