INTEX Explorer Inflatable Boat Series: Dual Air Chambers – Welded Oar Locks – Grab Handles – Bow Rope – Sporty Design

I bought a couple of these for some entry-level fatbike pack rafting with a friend. The raft rolls up into about the size of a small tent or sleeping bag, and is easily strapped down to a cargo rack. When inflated, it's big enough for one person to sit in, and a 40-lb fatbike can be set on top of your feet without falling off or tipping the raft. I even strapped it down using the oar anchors and the anchor at the front.We took them down the proverbial "lazy river" and had lots of trouble navigating with the oars (although we had never rowed before). We quickly reassembled the oars into makeshift kayak paddles and it was much more manageable. Even pleasant! One raft got a hole after running over a piece of concrete at the shore, so be careful. The included patch did an ok job, but get some Coghlan's Airstop if you really need it to hold air.We then took them out to open water on a large lake. The waves and boat wakes were over a foot tall for most of it, but even with a bike on the top of each raft, we didn't have stability issues. Just turn into any big waves and it's surprisingly stable. However, the oars are not heavy duty enough to be doing lots of paddling, and you can't put a lot of power through them. Both of our paddles were showing stress marks and bending after pushing out from the beach and paddling for a few miles on the open water. The air pumps work well but take a while- we counted about 650 pumps for the raft. They will also double as bilge pumps if you get water inside! Overall, we determined these "toy" rafts were not well suited to open water, but usable in a pinch.These rafts are a great value but best suited to a river, pool or other calm water conditions. They work well with a steady river current as well, so you don't have to paddle for propulsion. If you're going to be paddling them, think about getting a "real" kayak paddle, and definitely carry a bottle of PVC sealant if you're going to be near pointy underwater objects!

I've used this several times now and it's been great. I use it to take my 60 lb senior dog out on the lake. It comfortably holds myself and him without issue (I'm 5'1" and 105 lbs for reference). I bought a pump to blow it up and I bought better oars... YOU'LL NEED BETTER OARS! It's very hard to maneuver with the cheap oars provided. But otherwise, it's a great little boat... very durable, no leaks yet, sturdy and affordable.

I got this boat not knowing what to expect, and i hoped i could get at least one use out of it. I did, and the boat is still intact. when i opened the box, i was surprised at how much was in the box (instructions, the boat, oars, the pump, a rope to tie to the front of the boat and even a repair patch. It took about 10 or 15 minuets to inflate the boat, and then i was ready to go out on the lake.It was a little difficult to get in, but once i was in the boat it was like a super comfortable folding chair, only better. (One quick suggestion: when you get into the boat, sit with your back to the front of the boat, it is more easy to control and stays much more level with the water. Also, this is really a one adult comfortable fit boat.) another suggestion is that you put a large amount of sunscreen or a towel over your legs and knees, since these parts of the body are getting direct sunlight.)The boat is easy to control once you get the hang of it. The oarlocks are awesome, because you don't have to hold onto the oars constantly. Another suggestion: when you use the oars, you will pull on them if you sit the way i did as suggested above, use the oars one at a time, and alternate between the two. This way the boat is much easier to control especially when you are new to it, then when you are more experienced try using them at the same time.the weakest part of the oar is the center connecting piece. i cracked mine on both oars but both are still fully functional.For the price, this is an epic deal. once I got good at it, i could go slightly slower than my grandparent's $200 kayak that hurts your butt after 30 minuets of rowing.This boat takes some practice and some shoulder strength, but it is super fun on the water. I have rowed more than a mile in it.

My kids love this as a pool toy. It fits 2 kids in it and the rows are sturdy. This does get a hole in it very season so we have had to replace it yearly.

Works great, fits my fat self just fine.