The Sevylor Fiji inflatable kayak is affordable and a great kayak for people who want to learn how to kayak. It is also suitable for novice and advanced kayakers who may not want an expensive kayak or even use it as a backup.
This is a two-person kayak. It has two seats: permanent and one removable if you decide to go out solo for the day. The back-seat is the permanent one.
The kayak is made from durable PVC material. The PVC is airtight and guaranteed not to release any air. It has a double lock valve so that you can inflate and deflate the kayak in just a few minutes. The kayak also has a semi-rigid floor and three individual air chambers, so the kayak keeps its shape while in the water.
Features
- 2-person inflatable kayak
- Total weight 22 pounds
- Total holding capacity of 400 pounds
- When inflated, its dimensions are 10’4″ x 2’9″
- It has RF seams that are welded.
- It has three individual air chambers.
- Double lock valves to keep the air from escaping during inflation.
- Made from 22 gauge PVC.
- This kayak is listed as a class 1and 2 white water rafting.
- National Marine Manufacturers (NMMA)certification
Durability
The Sevylor Fiji kayak (2-person) is exceptionally durable. It has a 22 gauge polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hull with welded seams. The kayak has an airtight Sevylor’s system and is guaranteed to never leak the air out of the three air chambers. The air chambers also provide added safety and make a semi-stiff L-beam floor.
This kayak is ranked Class I and Class II white water. There are six classes, class I is being in moving water, and class 11 is some splashes will get in over the sides but not much. So, classes 1 and 11 are for very mild water conditions.
It’s lightweight, at only 22 pounds. With built-in hand bars that make it easy to carry to your launching spot. It also has a grab line which is also known as a safety line. This line runs along the outside edge of the kayak. It is securely attached to the kayak deck, but it is loose enough for the kayaker to be able to slip their hand underneath the line and hook their fingers on it. It’s primarily used when if the kayak capsizes or rescue needs to be made. It gives the person something to hold on to and be able to stay afloat until help arrives. Hopefully, every kayaker wears a life vest and practices all safety measures in the water.
Comfort
This kayak has two seats, one that is removable. The customer reviews suggest a more comfortable seat, but it is more comfortable than sitting on the kayak floor, at least with this model. Each model is different, so sitting on the floor in another model may be more comfortable, especially if it has a cushion or you put a cushion in the bottom to sit on.
A considerable benefit of the top seats is it provides a lot of legroom for tall people making kayaking a more enjoyable experience.
Performance
The Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak is not a top-of-the-line expensive luxury kayak. It is a simple, inexpensive kayak that is often used as a beginner kayak. Although, novice and even advanced kayakers do own this model kayak.
It does provide a smooth ride, comfortable seats, a two-person kayak, some storage room, and is easy to paddle in calm water. If you wanted to take it into less calm water or had a destination planned such as a little fishing cove, you would have difficulty getting there. This kayak does not have a fin or skeg, which helps track the kayak (steer you to where you want to go – this is more of a free-flowing model that you can paddle but have minimal control over getting it to a specific location).
You can purchase a fin and skeg, although it would be expensive. As it is sold, this kayak is excellent for small bodies of water, easy trips without a planned destination, and short trips.
Three Air Chambers
The three individual air chambers allow your kayak to continue to float even if one of the air chambers gets a leak from a puncture from a rock or even a fishing hook that didn’t make it out of the kayak correctly on your fishing pole.
The three separate air chambers have one-way valves that stay in after the inflation process, prevent leaks, and keeps the Kayak sturdy and afloat. It gives you peace of mind, so you can venture future out in the water or hit the shallows of the open ocean.
What Do Users Say?
More the most users love the Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak. It is affordable, and users agree that the more expensive Tahiti inflatable kayak is better, but the Fiji is great for the price and beginners.
Users also express concern about the manufacturer’s stated weight limit and feel it only holds about half the weight. If there is too much weight in the kayak, it tends to fold in the middle. Novice and advanced kayakers would prefer sturdier oars than what comes with the kayak.
- Extremely affordable price
- Inflatable seats that are adjustable
- Quick and easy to inflate and get set up and in the water.
- Seats one or two people
- Compact and lightweight
- Making it easy to carry
- The set comes with a paddle, storage, and carrying bag.
- Rated Class 1 and II on the rapids scale.
- Durable and rugged
- Rated for up to Class II rapids
- NMMA certified.
- It is guaranteed not to leak air.
- A skeg is important to steer the kayak where they want it to go, so many people purchase a skeg.
- Seats could be more comfortable and supportive. You could purchase firmer seats.
- Not the fastest kayak on the market.
The Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak is a good kayak for beginners who want to feel safe, not spend a lot of money, and have fun. This kayak is intended for flat, smooth water and slight white water.
Conclusion
Our rating: 4.1 / 5
Overall, the Sevylor Fiji 2-Person Kayak is a good kayak, and it is certainly affordable. If you are starting out, this is the ideal kayak. It comes with everything you need except a life jacket.