I got some other really awesome watercrafts to share with you guys. Some new pedal kayaks and more. Stay tuned brother. 😎🤙 Appreciate the support! ~Justin KayakDIY
I've owned my lono with pedal drive for two months and it's been ok but definitely wish I waited for a hobie itrek. I'll also say I left a very detailed review with pictures on their site and they never posted it because I'm guessing it was 3 stars. I've already had some parts start to fall apart on me. My pin on the back rudder had the spring break which holds the two little balls on it. My drive also does not come in and out as easily as he showed when I have it connected to that hinge.
I jus can not help it, spear fishing, in a inflatable Kayak. And then I read some of the comments, ho well, it was all in fun. I do Love the Kayak looks great.
My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. th-cam.com/users/postUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!
I’ve got a Hobie inflatable pedal kayak that I love but have heard the seams wear out in 5 years or so. Was hoping for a less expensive inflatable pedal kayak. For the price point my next one will be a hardsider unless they can make the inflatables less costly.
Thank you for sharing your videos with us! I have been wondering if these sails work well. Also interested in your bilge pump motor solution. Very cool stuff!
They look really cool but its an inflatable with a very limited warranty. I would struggle to pay that much for a product like this that you are not willing to stand behind. I would consider them if there warranty was solid.
The Zeppelin looks wide and stable. I am interested in buying one but I do not fish and just wanted one for general use on rivers, canals and the sea. I therefore just wanted to use a standard kayak seat rather than the high upright inflatable seat it comes with. Would that be possible? I guess I’d need a longer paddle (250cm) to cope with the extra width.
Thanks much for the video. I'm new to the kayaking world and have been researching fishing kayaks for fly fishing. I like what I see in the Bote models. Any input on how inflatable kayaks would do on streams/rivers?
I looked on their website and it looks like the pedal system is sold separately for an extra 900 bucks….seems very expensive for an inflatable with a limited warranty.
hows he bottom of these things. If I wanted to use this in the flats in texas for redfish, im just worried that the oyster beads could tear it up real bad.
I bump into oysters a lot with my inflatable boats and boards. They are same material and construction as this Bote Kayak. Biggest enemy of the inflatables is if you store them outside in direct sunlight. The adhesives eventually give out. You can get many years of use if you keep them indoors during storage. That being said I’ve intentionally destroyed one of my inflatables by sitting out in sun. The adhesive seam gave out after about 11 months of florida heat. I then re-applied adhesive to seam and 48hrs of curing I was back on water. Just like plastic kayaks the inflatable can be repaired if you damage them. I saw you liked the Hobie Lynx. That material is Ace-tec and is very abrasion resistant, but if you drop it off top of your vehicle the impact can cause cracking. I love the Lynx, but just know the material doesn’t do well from high drop impacts. It does great though with abrasions.
The only thing is on a windy day you don't want to leave it not secured down some how. It will be like one of those inflatable bounce houses going air born. LOL
As cool as these things look there’s just something about fishing in rivers with submerged logs and downed trees with some sharper points not to mention the hooks we use on a blowup boat that makes me very hesitant.
I fish saltwater and we have lots of oysters. My inflatables have held up well fishing. I understand the concern and hesitation. Many people visiting that booth didn’t even realize it was inflatable….They felt it and thought it was a rigid kayak. It’s rock solid. I’ve ran my inflatables over with my truck to prove points.
I've fished from inflatables for years and years, even ran rivers in them. The only time I've had a leak was from improper storage. Very safe craft so long as you don't act like an invincible idiot in them. The hook thing bothered me at first too, but after fishing them for a while you realize how little your hooks actually come near the boat. Just takes a tiny bit more care is all, and the material they're made of is tough as nails, really thick stuff, and slick too, hooks tend to just glance off so long as you don't tournament set straight into the gunwale...
I’d like to ask if you could point me to a kayak that will float a 440lb dude??? Asking because I have a friend that wants to get into it but he is not small.
that's AWESOME, if you don't mind NWF gulf beach sand (that WILL completely destroy this Blow-up yak, which would, I'm guessing, take about 60-90 minutes to break down, after fishing, and yakking all day with fish on board) great idea, not practical.... unless you send me one so I could test it out, IRL conditions.
It is so lightweight so abrasions are even less impactful unlike hard kayaks where the weight drives the sharp debri into the hull. I’ve had great luck with this material on various boats and paddleboards even around oysters. I also have run over watercraft made of this material with my truck! Not arguing just telling you my past experiences. Maybe you have something grossly different in NWF Gulf that I’m not thinking of.
They don`t look like they are puncture resistance to me For the price it better include a patch kit or two with it With a 300 pound weight limit lets out any one close to it from buying it
I have ran inflatables over with my truck intentionally multiple times. I have bounced them off razor sharp oysters, and I have dropped fishing lures and knifes on deck with no problems. They are more durable than people think. Usually they come with patch kits, but I have never needed one. They would be easier to patch than a plastic kayak.
proper inflatable kayaks have come out like razorlite and aervolution itiwix and a few others. the pedal kayak companies are now introducing inflatables, copying the classic idea, but not upto snuff. this kayak is like the hobie inflatable , but pretends to be a proper kayak designw when it's more a SUP design with added panels. would be nice to see a true expedition design like razorlite seaagle with a pedal mechanism. i predict that will be coming out also----any 'inflatable' that doesn't have FULL sup is no good. the PV pontoons are cheap and thus low PSI and non-rigid. no good. wait till something better comes out cause it will. full drop stitch is the only answer. for top quality.
iTrek series by Hobie will be hard to compete with, but the high gunnels of the Apex Lono might appeal to those with dog or small children. Gear on deck stays dry and more secure. All the iTrek kayaks are flat like paddle boards. Just depends on what people are looking for. Also people buy based on looks and the Lono wins in that category.
I really like the Hobie, but you pump the pedals instead of peddling round and round like a bike. My concern is that the pedal drive on the Lono doesn't flip up when you hit an obstruction. It seems like it would just break its mount.
Depends if you have MD180 drive. However, the iTrek ships with Miragedrive GT which doesn’t have reverse. You can always pay to upgrade to MD180 drive. Definitely the BOTE Apex has an advantage in coming with reverse capable drive. Did you see BOTE have released a Rackhem Aero Apex Pedal!?! I bet that is wicked fast.
With the high sides that thing will blow around like a pool toy in anything but a very light breeze. Give me the the Scout 430 Inflatable with a motor any day.
Thanks for the review. But based on my experience of owning an inflatable fishing kayak, the entire concept of an inflatable fishing kayak is seriously flawed as you will end up with lots, yes, lots of small punctures by fish's sharp bones. Try to bring on board a cat!
You can't say that it is flawed. It is called INFLATABLE for a reason. How else can they do to make it flawless? make it with a hard board? That beats the purpose. I have fished on an inflatable SUP alot and i have never had any punctures just as long as you know you are fishing on top of an inflatable and not a rigid ones. And who would bring a cat on an inflatable? 🙄
Your better off buying a plastic one at least that way you know its going to last, these things most likely last about seven to eight years if your lucky. a little bit too expensive for just throwing your money away.
Adhesive seams are the only weak point of many inflatables. In high heat climates inflatables with adhesive seams can delaminate if they are fully inflated left on land. They are other actually pretty awesome. Durable enough to run over with truck. I’m getting a new inflatable boat that has HEAT WELDED seams and isn’t prone to high heat climate delamination issues. tbnation.net/products/lite-skiff-air?ref=LiteSkiff
Super happy you hit icast. You have some of the best icast videos for the last few years now.
I got some other really awesome watercrafts to share with you guys. Some new pedal kayaks and more. Stay tuned brother. 😎🤙
Appreciate the support!
~Justin
KayakDIY
@@KayakDIY yes sir. Can’t wait.
“ Spearfishing” on a inflatable boat sounds like a great idea 😂😂😂
If you tend to shoot your own boat, I don't care what it's made of, yu probably shouldn't be spearfishing.
Love the "Lono" logo!! Yeah, I read that book. Was stupid and traded it with a friend.
I've owned my lono with pedal drive for two months and it's been ok but definitely wish I waited for a hobie itrek. I'll also say I left a very detailed review with pictures on their site and they never posted it because I'm guessing it was 3 stars. I've already had some parts start to fall apart on me. My pin on the back rudder had the spring break which holds the two little balls on it. My drive also does not come in and out as easily as he showed when I have it connected to that hinge.
Curious, Did the company BOTE replaced your broken parts? How was the experience for the warranty?
Inflatables are winning!!!!
I jus can not help it, spear fishing, in a inflatable Kayak. And then I read some of the comments, ho well, it was all in fun. I do Love the Kayak looks great.
It’s only dangerous if you’re a careless idiot. 🤦🏼♂️
I was ready to buy the zeppelin. But the lono with pedal drive is a MUST HAVE
Both are great. I was surprised how well the zeppelin paddled. Lono was better in terms of propulsion though if I had to pick.
My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. th-cam.com/users/postUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!
I'm starting to think this might just be the future of kayaking. Imagine in about a decade when they refine the designs and flaws!
I’ve got a Hobie inflatable pedal kayak that I love but have heard the seams wear out in 5 years or so. Was hoping for a less expensive inflatable pedal kayak. For the price point my next one will be a hardsider unless they can make the inflatables less costly.
Thank you for sharing your videos with us! I have been wondering if these sails work well. Also interested in your bilge pump motor solution. Very cool stuff!
I was waiting for you to make your vids.
They look really cool but its an inflatable with a very limited warranty. I would struggle to pay that much for a product like this that you are not willing to stand behind. I would consider them if there warranty was solid.
That's all super cool
The Zeppelin looks wide and stable. I am interested in buying one but I do not fish and just wanted one for general use on rivers, canals and the sea. I therefore just wanted to use a standard kayak seat rather than the high upright inflatable seat it comes with. Would that be possible? I guess I’d need a longer paddle (250cm) to cope with the extra width.
Thanks much for the video. I'm new to the kayaking world and have been researching fishing kayaks for fly fishing. I like what I see in the Bote models. Any input on how inflatable kayaks would do on streams/rivers?
How??? Do you stear on the foot power mode
Would you please let me know its average and maximum speed?😍
How tall are you? Being 6'5" I'm worried about being able to pedal comfortably.
I looked on their website and it looks like the pedal system is sold separately for an extra 900 bucks….seems very expensive for an inflatable with a limited warranty.
hows he bottom of these things. If I wanted to use this in the flats in texas for redfish, im just worried that the oyster beads could tear it up real bad.
I bump into oysters a lot with my inflatable boats and boards. They are same material and construction as this Bote Kayak. Biggest enemy of the inflatables is if you store them outside in direct sunlight. The adhesives eventually give out. You can get many years of use if you keep them indoors during storage. That being said I’ve intentionally destroyed one of my inflatables by sitting out in sun. The adhesive seam gave out after about 11 months of florida heat. I then re-applied adhesive to seam and 48hrs of curing I was back on water. Just like plastic kayaks the inflatable can be repaired if you damage them.
I saw you liked the Hobie Lynx. That material is Ace-tec and is very abrasion resistant, but if you drop it off top of your vehicle the impact can cause cracking. I love the Lynx, but just know the material doesn’t do well from high drop impacts. It does great though with abrasions.
How was the seat on the lono? Do you think it would be comfortable for long periods?
The only thing is on a windy day you don't want to leave it not secured down some how.
It will be like one of those inflatable bounce houses going air born. LOL
As cool as these things look there’s just something about fishing in rivers with submerged logs and downed trees with some sharper points not to mention the hooks we use on a blowup boat that makes me very hesitant.
I fish saltwater and we have lots of oysters. My inflatables have held up well fishing. I understand the concern and hesitation. Many people visiting that booth didn’t even realize it was inflatable….They felt it and thought it was a rigid kayak. It’s rock solid. I’ve ran my inflatables over with my truck to prove points.
I've fished from inflatables for years and years, even ran rivers in them. The only time I've had a leak was from improper storage. Very safe craft so long as you don't act like an invincible idiot in them. The hook thing bothered me at first too, but after fishing them for a while you realize how little your hooks actually come near the boat. Just takes a tiny bit more care is all, and the material they're made of is tough as nails, really thick stuff, and slick too, hooks tend to just glance off so long as you don't tournament set straight into the gunwale...
I’d like to ask if you could point me to a kayak that will float a 440lb dude??? Asking because I have a friend that wants to get into it but he is not small.
the pedal drive sounds like its grinding pretty hard. same as in Aliex's review....
what's worse is Bote's c/s and warranty (lack of).
300lbs weight capacity? man once you add the drive rods fish finder you are going to be maxed out really fast.
When you guys do reviews get to the skinny and get to the Price . That's what's a most important part.
Just saying.
that's AWESOME, if you don't mind NWF gulf beach sand (that WILL completely destroy this Blow-up yak, which would, I'm guessing, take about 60-90 minutes to break down, after fishing, and yakking all day with fish on board) great idea, not practical.... unless you send me one so I could test it out, IRL conditions.
It is so lightweight so abrasions are even less impactful unlike hard kayaks where the weight drives the sharp debri into the hull. I’ve had great luck with this material on various boats and paddleboards even around oysters. I also have run over watercraft made of this material with my truck! Not arguing just telling you my past experiences. Maybe you have something grossly different in NWF Gulf that I’m not thinking of.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for the loyal support on the vids.
They don`t look like they are puncture resistance to me
For the price it better include a patch kit or two with it
With a 300 pound weight limit lets out any one close to it from buying it
I have ran inflatables over with my truck intentionally multiple times. I have bounced them off razor sharp oysters, and I have dropped fishing lures and knifes on deck with no problems. They are more durable than people think. Usually they come with patch kits, but I have never needed one. They would be easier to patch than a plastic kayak.
proper inflatable kayaks have come out like razorlite and aervolution itiwix and a few others.
the pedal kayak companies are now introducing inflatables, copying the classic idea, but not upto snuff.
this kayak is like the hobie inflatable , but pretends to be a proper kayak designw when it's more a SUP design with added panels.
would be nice to see a true expedition design like razorlite seaagle with a pedal mechanism. i predict that will be coming out
also----any 'inflatable' that doesn't have FULL sup is no good. the PV pontoons are cheap and thus low PSI and non-rigid. no good.
wait till something better comes out cause it will. full drop stitch is the only answer. for top quality.
The Lono & Deus are full dropstitch and rigid.
The Zeppelin has some dropstich, but side sponsoons which are lower pressure.
For that price, most sane people will pick Hobie. It just got better design, reputation and warrenty.
iTrek series by Hobie will be hard to compete with, but the high gunnels of the Apex Lono might appeal to those with dog or small children. Gear on deck stays dry and more secure. All the iTrek kayaks are flat like paddle boards. Just depends on what people are looking for. Also people buy based on looks and the Lono wins in that category.
I really like the Hobie, but you pump the pedals instead of peddling round and round like a bike. My concern is that the pedal drive on the Lono doesn't flip up when you hit an obstruction. It seems like it would just break its mount.
Itrek doesn't have reverse
Depends if you have MD180 drive. However, the iTrek ships with Miragedrive GT which doesn’t have reverse. You can always pay to upgrade to MD180 drive. Definitely the BOTE Apex has an advantage in coming with reverse capable drive. Did you see BOTE have released a Rackhem Aero Apex Pedal!?! I bet that is wicked fast.
😂😂😂$2299😂😂😂 yeah I'm sure you have them lined up outside the shop.
With the high sides that thing will blow around like a pool toy in anything but a very light breeze. Give me the the Scout 430 Inflatable with a motor any day.
DAm it. take my money.
300-pound capacity severely limits its desirability and market IMHO.
Their overview video says 400 which sounds more accurate
@@helicoprion7475 I went to the Bote site and it has it rated at 400 pounds. Much better
Better not let me poke holes in it.
Thanks for the review. But based on my experience of owning an inflatable fishing kayak, the entire concept of an inflatable fishing kayak is seriously flawed as you will end up with lots, yes, lots of small punctures by fish's sharp bones. Try to bring on board a cat!
You can't say that it is flawed. It is called INFLATABLE for a reason. How else can they do to make it flawless? make it with a hard board? That beats the purpose. I have fished on an inflatable SUP alot and i have never had any punctures just as long as you know you are fishing on top of an inflatable and not a rigid ones. And who would bring a cat on an inflatable? 🙄
Your better off buying a plastic one at least that way you know its going to last, these things most likely last about seven to eight years if your lucky. a little bit too expensive for just throwing your money away.
Adhesive seams are the only weak point of many inflatables. In high heat climates inflatables with adhesive seams can delaminate if they are fully inflated left on land. They are other actually pretty awesome. Durable enough to run over with truck. I’m getting a new inflatable boat that has HEAT WELDED seams and isn’t prone to high heat climate delamination issues. tbnation.net/products/lite-skiff-air?ref=LiteSkiff
This is waaaay over-priced
malisimo
The color🤢🤢
Weird…that is the one thing I really like. In fact that color is incredibly popular on kayaks, fishing rods, etc.