Coleman Cabin Tent: Sevylor Inflatable Colorado Canoe, 2-Person Review

Average Reviews:
4.2 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)DURABILITY:
The Colorado has a durable nylon skin (deck) and smooth waterproof material (hull) completely covering all the 5 PVC air chambers. Each covered chamber has a zipper to allow removal of the PVC bladder, but that's generally not needed, unless you're just nosy. I feel like I can run over small branches and smooth rocks w/o puncturing the PVC bladders.

PERFORMANCE:
A 10 minutes sprint by myself with kayak paddles averaged 3.0mph. 2 hours of paddling at a moderate-heavy pace averaged 2.4mph. I think this is comparable to most small canoes. My preference is 240cm kayak paddles, since the craft is so much wider than normal kayaks. I've only loaded it to 300lbs so far, w/o a problem. The max limit is 450-500lbs. I haven't tried 2 paddlers since my wife usually doesn't paddle. Tracking solo was not great, but that may be my total inexperience with paddling. When loaded with 300lbs with only me paddling, tracking was a bit better. I am looking to attach some kind of a skeg which this current version don't come with.

SETUP / TEARDOWN:
It comes assembled and ready to inflate and float. I found a $10 coleman dual action hand pump @ walmart, and pumped up the main hull chambers in 45 stokes. The floor and other chambers were just a couple strokes. Be sure to get a pressure gauge designed for inflatable boats, as over inflating will damage it. The spec pressure is 1.5 psi for the main hull chambers. With practice I could probably inflate and deploy in 10 minutes, and deflate and stuff into its bag in 10 minutes. To get it back in its bag, make sure to get all the water out, fully deflate, take the seats out, roll it up good and it will fit w/ space for the seats left over.

CLEANUP:
You must let it dry before storing overnight or longer, or it will grow mold and be ruined. The manual to says to rinse after salt water use, but I rinse each time. I stuff it in the bag to drive it home, but take it out again to rinse and dry. I inflate the hull chambers to give it some form, close EVERY chamber nozzle so water doesn't get in, and hose it down completely.

DRYING TIPS:
Drain out any water, fully deflate, and pull the hull chambers wide to expose the low area between the hull chambers and the floor where water collects, so it can dry. The nylon pocket for the floor chamber is the hardest to dry, so I pull the floor pvc chamber out through the zipper opening, stick a tube or something to raise the floor up a bit, and stick a small fan to blow it dry over night. All other parts seem to dry up overnight in a ventilated room or outside.

COMFORT / FEATURES:
It is a very comfortable craft. The seats have a stiffer back panel that wraps around your back. You sit on a stiffened foam pad on top of an air chamber. Back support is good. There's no foot rest or anything but I didn't feel like I needed one. It comes with a mesh bag that clips to the stern, and is about 30L in size. Each seat backs also has a simple lumbar pack that can be detached.

PORTABILITY
There are two handles at each end, and two handles on the side in the middle of the craft, which allows a 1-person carry. It is cumbersome for 1 person to carry inflated, but possible if you throw one side over your shoulder. Deflated, it is the size of a large , 45 lbs suitcase.

OVERALL:
You can find this for about $330 if you look around. I highly recommend it if you want a stable canoe with space for 2 adults, a small child, and gear. It has higher sides than inflatable kayaks to keeps small waves out of the boat. You won't find a more durable inflatable tandem for anywhere near this price. If you only need to fit two adults and don't mind a spray skirt in rougher waters, the Advanced Elements Convertible inflatable kayak will perform better, up to 4.5 mph (so I've heard).

UPDATE: (with diy backbone)
Inspired by the optional Advanced Elements backbone for their inflatable kayaks, I wanted give the same performance upgrade to my Colorado. I cut up 2 pool noodles to so it completely covers an 8ft pole, cut the ends to a tapered point, and stuffed it length wise under the pvc floor bladder. This forms a strong ridge down the bottom center of the hull, giving it almost a shallow V-hull. I took it on a 4 mile test run at a moderate-heavy pace by myself with longer 240cm paddles, and averaged 2.5mph. I can't say is noticeably faster, but it definitely tracks better. The craft wonders well under 10 degrees with each stroke. I think I'll be keeping this backbone upgrade for solo trips, as tracking isn't a big issue when tandem. As for the 8ft pole, a spare paddle, a sturdy stick, or a heavy-duty extension boom for a paint roller should do.

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Product Description:
The Sevylor Colorado Inflatable Canoe combines the stability, maneuverability and sea-worthiness of a kayak with the comfort, styling and familiarity of the traditional North American canoe. Measuring 10 Feet9 Inch long by 3 Feet1 Inch wide, the Colorado Feets raised bow and stern and double-hull construction make it extra-rugged and rigid, so it Feets ideal for rough waters, lakes, ocean, fishing and diving. This two-person canoe holds up to 500 pounds; it Feets made of durable 18-gauge PVC with a 420D nylon cover and a rugged, fabric-reinforced bottom. It features directional strakes for maximum steering control, and built-in oar holders. The elevated bucket seats have storage compartments in back, while the canoe also features removable stern storage. D-rings and tie-downs provide a handy place to attach extra gear. A convenient nylon carry bag is included. Guaranteed not to leak, thanks to Sevylor Feets exclusive Airtight System, the kayak Feets Double-Lock Valves prevent accidental air loss and ensure quick, easy inflation and deflation. NMMA certified.

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