This is my 2nd Sevylor Tahiti K79 Classic Kayak, the first lasted about 4 years of ocean going fun and only needed replacing when I ripped a large hole in it while transporting.
Buyer be ware of the new Tahiti Classics kayaks, they may look the same but are not!!!!! having the old one (now patched) I looked over the two side by side, and some interesting differnces showed up. First clue is the color/faberic the later model had a diffent color in looking close at the faberic it seemed cheaper. Moving on to the real problem with these new units (still called Tahiti Classic K79) The new air valve, They are really diffent. The old ones had a more standerd valve that has a cap that screws on (like what you get on most inflatable boats). The size of the old units (air inlet)were standerd in that just about any air pump could fit the hole and they wouldnt leak unless you unscrewed them 6 + turns to let the air out..THE NEW UNITS HAVE A CHEAP PLUG that looks and functions like those found on cheap pool toys. They don't have to be turned to release the air! you just tug on the plugs flap and the air gushes out. If you are not carefull and accidently whack these cheap plugs with a paddle or a shoe hits them while boarding the kayak the tube deflates real fast. Think how that might be in the middle of a lake or like me in the middle of a bay. Then there is the odd size of the air plugs hole. My trusty air pump dosent work with these new valves. When I did finally inflate the thing and got it on the water another interesting thing was observed. Fully inflated the new unit sagged in the middle with two people on board, not much, but moving over to the old unit there was no sag, thiner fabric in the new units maybe? The old K79 I would take between islands, out to sea (a mile). This new unit is best left to the family pool, what a shame Sevylor went this way with their popular and well priced K79 Classic. Look around for one of the old units they are a more darker yellow and don't have the blue colors on the side of the Kayak and of course they have screw on air caps on the plugs. I find using the new model a bit dangerous, so if you cant find one of the old models consider another brand. Sevylor Tahiti Classic Inflatable Kayak
There will be much talk of the "NEW" and the "OLD" Sevylor items, pre and post Coleman. Coleman sources different material which is ironic, since they did make boats for Sevylor in the "old days". They also insist they have a superior valve system.
Called the double valve or whatever system, it consists of a push-in valve that seals against an inside plug, and the outer valve cover closes over the open valve nozzle, providing a "double seal" that they claim is guaranteed not to leak. This works only if the inner part of the valve is pushed in completely. I like this valve on the Coleman chairs and the pool rafts, but I HATE these valves on the boats and kayaks. HATE them.
I was paddling out at Moku Nui in Kailua Bay, and it was really hot. I reached behind kayak my seat to grab my water bottle, and the handle grabbed the valve flap unbeknownst to me it looped the valve, and when I tugged on it, the entire port valve opened up, and the tube deflated at full flow, in the middle of Kailua Bay. Not panicked because I knew I would still stay afloat, I spent the next several minutes re-inflating the tube by mouth, laying down in the floor of the kayak, and having tossed my seat overboard to get onto the floor and under the rear spray deck.
Inconvenient at best, dangerous at worst. This valve system, as I mentioned, is great for pool rafts and the Coleman inflatable camp furniture, but AWFUL and quite frankly a lawsuit waiting to happen. In the unlikely event that the floor was punctured on a coral reef, and kids were in the kayak instead of me, in moderate deep water (12-25 feet) with swells, wind, etc...or even in a pool, you can imagine the potential for danger.
The kayak itself feels and looks cheaper, like it was dipped in paint and cheaply decorated. Disappointed, will be looking on ebay for the "older" model.
I have been using the Sevylor Tahiti mostly in the ocean and it has performed very well. I go with my two kids (6 and 4 years old) and I still have plenty of space for me. The skeg is a must, but there are a couple of places where you can find it for half of the price of Amazon. However be aware that this Kayak doesn't come with the paddles, pump or the skeg, so you have to buy everything separately. I found out that the Sea Eagle 330 may be a better deal because it comes with everything and you just need to enjoy it. My friend just bought a Sea Eagle - it is a little bit narrower but it looks like it is better quality than the Sevylor. I am not unhappy with mine, but next time I will get the Sea Eagle 330 and pay just 198.98, instead 140.86 + accessories (2 paddles $35.98, 1 pump $10.88, 1 skeg $21.64) I ended paying $209.36
I'm an avid canoeist/kayaker, with 30 years of mishaps on the water and problems with transporting small boats. I own a kayak and a canoe. This- while not nearly as serious as a "real" boat - is nevertheless very useful for most recreational uses. You do not need a rack for the roof of the car, and I find it perfect for near-shore day trips. People in these reviews have been critical, but they shouldn't be so harsh when you consider that this is a vinyl boat 10x less in price that a full-sized ABS canoe or sea kayak.
Pros:
- The sides, decks and floors each have their own valves. If you find yourself losing air, you'll have lots in reserve.
- The PVC Material is very durable. (as tough as it is,you still shouldn't drag it along on the beach.)
- The valves work just fine for hand pumps, and they allow for multiple fittings.
- Bright Yellow = visible. Rigid, spacious = not cramped.
- The price.
Cons:
- With two people and kayak paddles, you will be smacking each other's paddles if you're out of sync.
- There is no keel, so this boat tracks poorly. This is not a fast boat; its a Sunday ride. Expect to make correction strokes every time you crest a wave.
- The seats are "ok". I have some snap on seat backs from a kayak I use instead of the inflated backs provided.
This is a GREAT boat for short day excursions along the shore; for brief explorations. Best of all, it fits in your trunk and doesn't cost much. - Inflatable - Canoes - Inflatable Kayak - Inflatable Kayaks'
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