The 7.5-foot Recon Self-bailing PackRaft from Kokopelli is an excellent alternative for paddlers looking for long-lasting river-running solutions. The Recon, which weighs 18 pounds, is based on the Nirvana Self-Bailer. The Recon is built with 30% extra capacity in the stern. This increases buoyancy and lowers the waterline, minimizing water pooling concerns, while a new bottom hull structure makes the packrafts more robust. The paddler sits a little higher and doesn’t droop down in the boat because the hull bottom is repositioned where it joins to the side chambers.
Dimensions
- Weight – 18 lbs
- Length – 7’ 6”
- Width – 37”
- Load capacity – 300 lbs
The Recon Self-Bailing inflatable kayak is 7’ 6” long, 37” wide and weighs 18 pounds. It’s well built and can take on 300 pounds of load.
Construction Quality and Features
- Material: 1000d reinforced PVC
Quick entry/exit, no need to go to the bank to empty water, and a higher paddling position for deep, effective paddle strokes are all advantages of a self-bailer over a spraydeck. It has a tight bow trim and strong rocker, giving it excellent whitewater handling abilities. This inflatable kayak is made of reinforced PVC and has a full-length 210 diamond-ripstop nylon inflated floor. Water may also drain through the floor system as it enters the packraft thanks to self-bailing drain holes in the floor system.The seams are welded, the pontoon-to-floor attachment point is bonded to the sidewall, and the whole inside of the packraft is strengthened with v-seam tape. The high-pressure design increases water performance, providing kayak-like maneuverability and raft-like stability. In technical water, the higher the pressure, the more sensitive it is and the easier it is to punch through holes.
Ease of Transportation and Storage
- Packed size: 29” x 13” x 6”
Although it doesn’t come with a duffel bag, the packed size of this inflatable kayak is quite compact and easy to transport anywhere. Considering it weighs about 18 lb it’s quite light for a whitewater kayak and it won’t burden you too much to carry it around. Packing and storing the Recon Self-bailing is also extremely easy as it folds quite nicely and when the season is over you can put it aside without sacrificing too much space.
Accessories
With this inflatable kayak you also get a nano barrel pump which is great because you won’t need to shop for a pump separately. A repair kit with glue is included as well and it also comes with an integrated seat. Another accessory you get with the Recon self-bailing is a compression strap set and EVA Backband along with a zipper lubricant. The Recon also has a 3 year warranty and free ground shipping which should be considered as well.
Aesthetics
The kayak is available in one color combination only. The available color combination is blue with black and white decorations on the side and inside the cockpit. The blue color looks amazing and it perfectly camouflages in most lakes and rivers which makes it perfect for fishing.
Type
- Usage: Whitewater kayaking up to Class IV Rapids
The Recon Self-Bailing inflatable kayak is designed to handle extreme whitewater conditions. It can withstand up to class IV whitewaters because of the unique self-bailing system that clears out the water that gets in the kayak. It’s advisable that you have some experience with whitewater kayaking before you take on Class IV rapids with the Recon but you can start slow even if you are inexperienced.
Price
- Price: $899
The Recon Self-Bailing inflatable kayak costs $899. It’s an excellent whitewater kayak that provides a great experience and it can handle up to class IV rapids. If you are an adventurous spirit that likes whitewater kayaking and you need a reliable inflatable kayak to use, this one is definitely one of the best. The price includes a pump and straps for easy set up and transport so it’s not that expensive overall.
Summary
The 1,000d reinforced PVC Recon is the most robust whitewater packraft yet manufactured, with commercial-grade durability. Self-bailing packrafts are designed to keep you above water by automatically draining water from the boat via the inflatable floor and drain-holes.
When compared to a spraydecked packraft, the Self-Bailing design excels in minimizing weight, setup complexity, and, most crucially, a shorter self-rescue time. Furthermore, because PVC packrafts can be inflated to higher pressures than typical TPU packrafts, the Recon will not bend while filling large holes and features on the river.