“That is one amazing photo. Looks very secure.”
It had to be, originally there were 8 up there with two more on the top row and someone was riding in the cockpit of the top middle kayak because there was no more room in the truck.
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Wow you have so much knowledge.
It’s good to know that I don’t have much to worry about with the inflatable getting ruined, and that with some caution I can prevent catastrophe. I think bringing the hand pump is a great idea. I was thinking about it, but now know it’s worthy of bringing no matter what.
It’s a very spacious inflatable, and yes it has 3 chambers, so that is a another safety measure freely given.
I read through the entire manual for Sea Eagle 393 RL, and it says it’s extremely toxic and hazardous to open it the first time indoors. They said it must be opened outdoors in a well ventalited area due to the fumes from the new material, and I was quite alarmed at this warning.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful post. I am learning a lot!
Hi willowleaf,
What’s the best type of towel to purchase for drying off an inflatable kayak? Some type of Cotton, or Chamois?
Did you notice that Sea Eagle didn’t change anything structurally for the 393RL although it was designed 7 years ago, and mostly only the aesthetics were redesigned? Carry handle, tie down straps, and paint job were the only changes after 7 years of sales/feedback from customers.
I figured they would have made something different about the shape of the boat, but perhaps this is the fastest drop stich boat they can create.
We’ve covered all you really need to know about using your new boat. I recommend you study the instructions that came with it and hold off on more questions until you have actually used it.
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No problem. However I still have to dry it off with something so I will ask someone else.
Good luck.
The good luck came true. I went to a Scheels store this afternoon and found a brand new Astral EV8 PDF on clearance for $69.99. Soil Tan color. Only one available. Fit really well!
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Know what to look for then look for the price.
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I used a number of PFDs with my kayaks though most of the time I was doing scuba and underwater photography and so had an inflatable BC on. With my Hobie pedal drive kayak the Stohlquist Keeper fishing PFD was great and with its outer pockets for fishing and for photography.
I tried a Kokatat Leviathan and it was similar to the Stohlquist but it turned out to be much thicker and uncomfortable to use. I replaced it with the Stohlquist. My wife uses a NRS women’s PFD that was the best fit for her.
Many of the current PFD’s are now designed for use with high back kayak seats and so are quite different in their designs and not as universal as one might hope. Most of my kayaking is in the Pacific Ocean with water temps of 50 degrees and so a PFD is essential if one does not have a full body wetsuit.
I also like to be more visible with a yellow PFD so as to not get run over by some drunk power boater.
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Drunk power boaters are [color]blind, but at least you’ll be easier to spot by the paddler who fishes you out after.
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I bought the Onyx MoveVent in medium/Large and find it to be very comfortable. Once you get used to having a very full chest, you don’t even know it’s there! I have been in the water with it and again, it’s very comfortable and does not hinder your ability to move around in the event you need to self rescue. It’s not an expensive PFD either. Almost 2200 reviews and it gets 4.8 stars on Amazon?
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Go to your local shop and try some on, in the right size. Even if it’s Walmart, they’re still rated by the Coast Guard. Get whatever one is the most comfortable to you. Depending on where or how you get it, shop employees can be a wealth of knowledge and worth your time. In my experience, if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to wear it so pay a little extra for the one that is.
Have fun paddling!
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Try camp towels.
If I need to dry something I use something like these:
they hold a lot of water for their size and are fairly quick drying.
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Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll check it out and consider it
I ended up buying a new Astral EV 8 PFD, small size with a Yellowish color. It was on clearance at a Scheels store. Retails $140 anywhere else new. It was a great deal. That is the benefit of Big box stores, as they offer closeouts. There was a used one on eBay for roughly $100! I tried it on in store, and adjusted the straps several times. I found it very comfortable. Thanks for the advice!
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That’s a great price!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with PFDs. PFDs seem to have a fairly competitive market overall, and lots of variation like you said. I purchased a soil tan colored Astral EV8, which is yellow, but more like a Dijon mustard yellow.
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That’s a good point. I will stay close to shore and avoid drunk power boats at all cost
That’s a good Hi-visibility color. In retrospect my Astral Ringo, I should have bought in something other than black. but it was the only color option that I caught on sale I don’t remember what I paid but much less than the $170 list…
My air-belt is grey however when inflated the inflate part is a mae-west orange.
IMNSHO - You got a great PFD at an excellent price point.
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