Aire Tomcat Tandem Inflatable Kayak
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This highly durable, self-bailing tandem inflatable kayak can be paddled with a friend or used solo, leaving plenty of room for your gear.
Shop similar products- Mildly rockered, 3-chamber hull offers agility on the river yet tracks well on calm water
- Thick, PVC-coated nylon I-beams offer superior strength and stability
- PVC-coated polyester reinforces outer shell and enhances puncture and tear resistance; highly durable vinyl bladders offer superior flotation
- Self-bailing floor quickly drains water
- Seats with backrests offer comfortable back support
- High-quality Summit valves make inflation easy; protective caps screw down securely to eliminate debris and accidental deflation
- 18 pairs of cargo loops allow easy attachment of accessories and gear; large carry loops at bow and stern ease transport to the water
- Includes repair kit: 6 x 6 in. PVC, vinyl, and urethane-coated nylon; Summit 2 valve wrench and adapter; tubing adapter; adhesive patch, prep pads; instructions and sandpaper
Imported.
View all Aire Inflatable Kayaks| Best Use | Whitewater Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Material(s) | PVC-coated polyester/vinyl bladders |
| Length | 12 ft. 9 in. |
| Width | 38.5 inches |
| Depth | Unavailable |
| Weight | 54 pounds |
| Cockpit Size | Not applicable |
| Seat Type | Padded / Foam |
| Number of Paddlers | 2-person |
| Paddle Included | No |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 450 pounds |
| Tracking System | None |
| Packed Dimensions | 25 x 21 x 16 inches |
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Inflatable but indestrucatable!!!
Being a whitewater rafting guide this is the perfect toy for me. I use this on class 3-5 rapids. Takes about 10 minutes to inflate using a standard foot pump and 3 minutes to wrap up. It is a bit heavy with only one person but is perfect with two people. If your looking for a single lightweight raft for packing in and hitting class 3 or lower then check out REI's packrafts. If you need something to handle epic rapids and skimming over rocks then this is the raft for you.
More information
I've had this IK for several weeks now and take it out several times a week. It is awesome, the only drawback I've come to find is the weight, it is a bit on the heavy side. Welded seams would be nice (if I had to do over I would have upgraded and had REI special order a Strike II) but this IK will last for quite a while.
Rigid, rugged and you can sail it!
I'm more of a sailor than a paddler so what I look for is rigidity, comfort and good anchor points for attaching a sail rig. The Aire Tomcat scores well on these. It's a self-bailer with a high floor. This really keeps you dry, but it does reduce comfort ( a deeper cockpit has more possibilities for back support)
Heavy and lacking in bailing holes
The biggest issue is the lack of continuous bailing holes along both sides of the boat. They are only in the bow and stern. It fills with water on big waves and becomes hard to maneuver. Air pressure can be tricky as if it's to light it folds under big waives, but you can't transport it or leave it in the sun fully inflated as it will over inflate. I've deflated it by 50-60% while cleaning it, and left it to dry in the sun. Moon return it acts as if it is fully inflated. The boat is also on the heavy side making portaging and transporting it a two person job. For a budget boat it isn't bad. I'm also looking at installing foot pegs and knee straps.
Great IK for the beginner and family
I purchased a Tomcat Tandem from REI, on the first trip I took it out on the Rogue and it handled Several Class II,III, and IV. I did it roll it on the last IV but that was our fault. This thing just plowed through the waves. Easy to control for its size. On flat water it will get sideways at time. Wind really affects on flat water also, but it does handle well. I highly recommend the Tomcat for beginners and families looking for an affordable, quality, entry level IK. Plenty of room, I'm 6'2 and my buddy is 5"10 we fit no problem with room to spare.
We love it
After a hiatus from kayaking (for little kids), I got this to introduce them to whitewater. I really like it. If you want a ducky, this is the deal. Naturally, it will not side-surf or roll like a proper whitewater kayak. But, it is pretty easy to right and re-enter after a spill. We have used it extensively on Class II-IV whitewater. My two older kids (11 and 13) have been wild-eyed with enjoyment after their first real whitewater runs--which were through rapids inaccessible to them through any other means. The only thing that you need to be careful about is the air pressure. If too low, the boat will fold out from under the rear when punching large wave/holes. But, you need to be careful that it isn't over-pressurized (on the car, sitting on hot rocks, etc). However, I assume this would be the case for any inflatable. In terms of value for the dollar, it rates 5 stars. But, if money were no object, a higher pressure rating and lower weight would yield higher performance.
Bummer...
Honestly it looks great, I got it after reading positive reviews. However, out of the box one of the side chambers had a leak. The interior chambers look a bit flimsy for the price. The exterior seems quite rugged. To be honest, I was quite bummed. I don't think I'll go with anything else sight unseen.