Overview
If you’re just starting to kayak, need some confidence boosting on the water, or would like a kayak that’s easy to assemble and ready to go fishing in the spur of the moment, you’ve found the right one. I bet it’s in your budget, too.
When you go kayaking, you tend to be taking your entire house along – and it’s part of the beauty of this sport.
A life jacket, a paddle, wet shoes, a wetsuit, or drysuit (depending on the weather), plus a helmet (if you’re heading out on whitewater) and a dry bag: that’s the minimum for 1 person. Let’s not forget the hard-shell kayak and the sprayskirt.
Additionally, there is the time needed to load the kayaks onto your car roof rack, tie them well, and get the equipment in the car. On the other hand, if you’ve got an 2 person inflatable kayak that fits into a carrying bag and – joy of joys! – can hold two paddlers; half of your issues are settled.
That’s the best part about inflatable boats! Here’s where Intex Explorer K2 quickly comes into the picture!
Review of Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The best thing about the K2 Kayak is that you’ll be on the water faster.
Even if you only take your PFDs, your paddles, and some water shorts and a top (when the temperature is higher), you’ll be ready to hit the water.
You won’t need a helmet because this kayak is only constructed for smaller bodies of water, like calm lakes and ponds, and lazy rivers.
It is a water confidence booster. Think of it this way: even if one of the paddlers doesn’t have paddling experience at all, he/she will feel safer paddling in the same boat with someone who is more experienced.
So, let’s go through the specs of the Intex Explorer K2!
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Price of “Intex Explorer K2 Kayak” varies, so check the latest price at
Specs & Features
- Length: 12’3″
- Width: 36″
- Design: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 30.60 lbs
- Loaded capacity: 400 lbs
The Intex Explorer K2 is a sit-on-top inflatable tandem kayak. It is made of heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl, which will keep you afloat. In addition, the 3 separate air chambers (that’s a decent amount!) are designed to keep the boat inflated even if one chamber gets punctured.
The Explorer K2 comes in a bright yellow color, which will help others locate you in the worst-case scenario; when you get stranded and need help to get back to land.
The grab handles found at both ends will help you maneuver the kayak, and so will the bow and stern lines!
There are two inflatable seats, with backrests and adjustable straps, to keep you comfortable on the water. You can see – it is a great kayak for fishing because you have space to keep and carry your gear, too.
Also, the maximum capacity of the inflatable kayak is a generous one. Remember, however, to keep a 30% weight buffer in mind when you add the weights of all the extras you bring to the boat, as well as your weight and your paddling partner’s weight.
The Explorer K2 is not stiff, as we are dealing with low air pressure in the chambers. However, it is stable, making it very unlikely for you to capsize.
The removable skeg will also help you keep control of the inflatable kayak on windy days when the water feels choppier. Also, if heading out on mild rivers (flatwater), the removable skeg will help fight the currents and keep your line.
Accessories
The Intex Explorer K2 comes with 2 aluminum paddles, a manual pump, a repair kit, and a carry bag. (OK, the included skeg doesn’t count!)
If you think of the price paid, it is great to have all these accessories included because they would cost a great deal if purchased separately.
The aluminum paddles will feel light and protect your arms from feeling tired.
The manual pump will inflate your kayak pretty quickly, as you’ve got 2 Boston valves (one on each side of the boat). However, there will be some effort required on your part – obviously, for good ends!
The included ruler will help check the proper inflation of the chambers at the right air pressure.
The repair kit is a nice touch, especially as such kits are usually difficult to find. You never know what can happen during, say, a multi-day camping trip, even if you’re an excursion pro. And you can even use the kit to fix your tent if it gets punctured!
The carry bag is a must-have element in the Intex Explorer K2 kayaking story. It will help you transport the deflated boat from point A to point B (portability accomplished!) and have a compact way to store it while you’re not on the water.
Price/Quality Ratio
The price/quality ratio may be the most attractive part of the purchase process of this kayak. For a bargain, you get yourself a sturdy boat that can give you the immense and intense joy of spending time outdoors.
Optional Accessories From Intex
What goes well on a water adventure? Think ‘practical items.’
First of all, Intex can provide you with PFDs. I never encourage anyone to get on the water without a life jacket, even on the calmest of days. Conditions change, and accidents happen.
An electric pump would be great to purchase if you feel the manual one is hard to use and would love to be out kayaking faster.
Last but not least, a floating inflatable cooler would do wonders on really hot days, especially if you’re out fishing and would like to treat yourself to some cold drinks (you’ll have to inflate the cooler, too!).
A dry bag would be a very useful item to bring along for the wet equipment. Please write it down, Intex!
Efficiency Assessment
Let’s have an honest look at the performance and efficiency of the Intex Explorer K2.
Portability
Deflated, you can pack the kayak in a bag and carry it to your car, on a train or a bus, straight to the body of water that you wish to paddle in.
Ease of Setup
By using the included high-output pump, start inflating your boat. It will take a little bit over 10 minutes (there are two Boston valves on each side of the inflatable kayak).
The most uncomfortable part will be to inflate the seats. On the other hand, they will provide comfort on the water, so just think about that when you feel tired.
Handling
At only 30.60 lbs, the Intex Explorer K2 can be handled with ease by only one person. So, if you’re heading out to explore or fish, you will manage to inflate it and transport it to the water’s edge on your own without any issues.
If you’ve decided to paddle with a partner, each of you can grab a handle (located at the bow and the stern) or hold the grab lines. Transporting the inflatable kayak will turn out to be a fun experience!
Comfort
The two seats will provide a comfortable ride! The straps attached to them can be tightened or loosened. You will have plenty of room to stretch your legs and store gear. This way, you can spend multiple hours paddling, fishing, or relaxing.
Maneuverability
Given its lightweight features, the Intex Explorer K2 ranks high in terms of maneuverability even when you paddle on your own.
Tandem kayaking is about paddling synchronously. If you learn to do that with your partner, you will also gain speed. This will help you cover longer distances or fight stronger currents and waves.
Durability
The Intex Explorer K2 kayak is made of corrosion and UV-resistant polypropylene.
There are multiple air chambers (two side chambers and a ground chamber). Even if one gets punctured for some reason, the others will keep the boat inflated and get you safely to shore.
Also, caring for the inflatable kayak the right way will increase its life and the joys that come with it.
Storage
Thinking of how to store your K2 properly?
When you take it out of the water, start by emptying it of water, then remove the accumulated dirt, if any, by using a wet cloth. Finish off by using a dry cloth to wipe the inflatable kayak. Let it dry for a few minutes, then pack it.
Store the carry bag in a dry room, away from direct sunlight.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Intex Explorer Kayak
To sum things up (you’ve also probably read the reviews even if you’ve not seen the inflatable kayak or tested it yourself), the greatest strengths of the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak are its low cost, the ease of transporting it, setting it up, and storing it, and its stability.
I’ll also mention the included hand pump and paddles, the removable skeg needed in choppy waters and on mild rivers (where the currents are stronger), plus its huge maximum capacity and the fact that the inflatable kayak’s material is corrosion and UV-resistant.
As for the weaknesses, I should mention the material that’s too thin and sensitive along the seams, the fact that the Intex Explorer K2 is not designed for rough waters and white water, in general, the slight difficulty in inflating the seats, and the fact that this tandem kayak is not suitable for larger paddlers.
Then again, many of the strengths and weaknesses of this kayak can also be encountered in the case of other inflatable kayaks.
It’s true there are higher-quality inflatables out there, but they won’t come with this price tag.
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Price of “Intex Explorer K2 Kayak” varies, so check the latest price at
What Do Paddlers Wish to Know?
If the above details have brought clarity and made you consider buying the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak, but you still have some questions, please continue reading.
I will try my best to answer them.
How Long Does It Take To Inflate the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak?
The short answer is—a little over 10 minutes.
The long answer follows—in my view, inflating a kayak using an air pump is a fun activity (and you get to work out, too). You will probably not be paddling on your own most of the time so you can take shifts pumping.
Then again, it would be great to invest in an electric pump, especially if you’re going to use your kayak regularly.
Can One Person Use an Intex K2 Kayak?
Of course! It perfectly fits one or two people!
In line with the answer to the previous question, when you do decide to head on the water on your own, you’re going to manage just fine.
The bag used to transport the Intex K2 Kayak is lightweight, which means easy transportation. Getting the inflatable kayak on the water is a fast process. Getting it out of the water is also fast. Wipe it dry, deflate it, pack it, and that’s it!
What are the benefits of paddling alone? More legroom and storage space with only one of those 2 seats taken! There is never such a thing as ‘too much space,’ especially if you decide to go on a fishing adventure.
So, grab one of those paddles and get started!
What Is the Difference Between the Intex Explorer and Challenger Inflatable Kayaks?
There are two types of Challenger Kayaks – K1 is for solo paddling, and K2 is for two adults, as it features 2 seats.
If we compare the Intex K2 with the Challenger K2, the differences would be in (assembled and inflated) size – the Challenger is longer but narrower, weight – the Challenger is 3 lbs heavier, and shape – the Challenger looks more like a kayak, while the Explorer has a more canoe-shaped design.
Other than that, the two boats have the same included accessories (after all, they’re both Intex inflatable kayaks!) – a hand pump, a bag, a repair kit, and two paddles.
The Challenger is a 2-air chamber kayak, while the Explorer has 3 air chambers (two side chambers and a ground chamber).
As you can see, there is no such thing as ‘the biggest difference.’ So which is the better choice? That’s for you to decide!
Is the Intex Explorer Kayak Worth Your While?
Weigh the pros and the cons. Write them down if you need to. In the end, it all comes down to the age-old battle: inflatable kayaks versus hard-shell kayaks.
This may not be the best inflatable kayak in the world, but it has its benefits.
Have a good night’s sleep, and go with the first decision that crosses your mind in the morning. If you need some more help purchasing the Intex Explorer K2, go with the following scenario.
I usually ask myself this: ‘If tomorrow’s the end of the world, would I be happier to have bought the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak or not?’.
If you do buy it, you’ll have a portable water companion that’ll make you smile.
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