Sevylor Colorado Inflatable Kayak Review - NEW 2012 Model

>> Reviews >> Inflatable Canoes & Kayaks >> Sevylor Colorado

Sevylor Colorado Review by Duffer and Codger

We got our hands on the new 2012 Sevylor Colorado in good time to examine and test it before ordering stock. Colorado has always sold well but we had never reviewed it for ourselves.

With an open mind we set about paddling the Colorado on the cold 10th December 2011 at Siblyback lake on Bodmin Moor.

Click on any of the images to enlarge

The Sevylor Colorado has been improved for 2012

Fit Test
Pre paddle checks included “garage inflation in the warm” and before that fitting test in the boot of the “Fridge Fairy’s Mini“and the Camper van. Fit test was perfect. If it fits in the boot of a Mini and the rear locker of the camper van then everyone can transport an inflatable in anything other than a super car.

The New Colorado is easy to carry to the car

2012 Sevylor Colorado is easy to transport

New Colorado packs into the smallest of cars

Inflation (not the expensive type)
We used both foot and hand pumps and inflating the Colorado was very straight forward.
Knowing how the valves work and how they seal is simple but key.

The 2012 Colorado has ‘Boston Valves’ that make inflation and deflation simple.

Unscrew the top of the Boston Valve and insert the nozzle of the pump – this is a non-return valve so no air will escape.

To deflate; simply unscrew the base of the Boston Valve and you reveal an escape valve about the size of a ten pence piece, so the air quickly escapes and makes for an easy deflation.

Deflation and Packing Away.

It is one of those laws of physics you must accept.
What comes out of the box won’t go back into the box.
Release the air by opening the valves and 90% of the air is gone.
Then fold it, roll it, lay on it or shout at it and you are still left with 10% of the air inside the boat. Bring on “Super Foot Pump”. By changing the hose from the discharge side to the suction side simply suck out the last 10% and voil’a the air is gone.
Ditch the box and re-pack in the bag provided.

The new 2012 Colorado also comes with the new ‘BPS System’ which stands for ‘Back Pack System’ that allows ease of carrying from car to water when out of the holdel.

Colorado Penguin Paddle Report.
It’s cold but we are tough old wrinklies. Duffer is tougher than Codger “cus Codger is hunting down his gloves again”. Colorado is a two person or tandem kayak. The Colorado is designed What we established is it’s not a two person kayak if both people are adult males. The tandem label works very well for an adult and child or two smaller adults or two children. The ‘Adventure Plus’ and ‘Yukon’ are much better for 2 x larger adults.

Click on the video below for a short video clip of the Colorado being paddled on Siblyback Lake, Cornwall.

We had both paddled Colorado in its old form and knew the boat was good. Being serious paddlers what we enjoyed the most was paddling Colorado solo. It is brilliant as a solo kayak or paddled solo with a canoe paddle.

Codger shows below how the Colorado can be paddled both as a Kayak (double ended paddle) or as a solo Canoe (single bladed paddle)

The construction is very good and a decent paddle is there to be had. It is very functional for an adult and a child. Taking the combination of solo + family paddling Colorado will remain a favourite of ours from the Sevylor range. It was quite windy when we paddled the lake but we were in control. Colorado’s tracking fins and relative short length made the paddle challenging but not impossible. Some inflatable’s, that we refuse to stock, behave more like wind socks than canoes or kayaks, Sevylor know their stuff.

I think I’m right in saying all Sevylor inflatable’s can be fitted with a tracking fin. If not some clever chappy in Canoe Shops Group will enjoy putting the guvn’r right.

An inflatable kayak is always a ‘slight’ compromise on performance compared with a rigid kayak, however if you buy a quality inflatable kayak or canoe they will paddle very well and provide you with a transport and storage solution.

The video clips below show how a quality inflatable like the Colorado can be paddles efficiently through the water as either a Kayak or Canoe.

Inflatable Advice by Numbers!

1. You need two brain cells to paddle inflatable’s safely – one for the wind and one for the tide!
2. Store them properly and they will give long and good service.
3. Inflatable’s are a compromise and will not do what a 12 foot rigid kayak does, but then putting a 12 foot rigid kayak into the boot of a Mini is also a challenge.
4. If you are fortunate to have access to a loft then semi-inflate your Sevylor kayak in the loft for winter storage. This avoids long term creases in the fabric.
5. Whilst your kayak is not a tent both tents and kayaks should be well aired before longer term storage. The fabric will not rot but will go mouldy.

Paddles
Take apart paddles are good but one piece paddles are better.
If you can store and transport one piece paddles then the paddling experience will be better.
We can transport our one piece paddles in “her Mini”.
Taking a 220cm paddle on a plane is more of a problem.
The choice is yours but it is not obligatory to use take apart paddles with inflatable’s.

Also availabe is the Colorado Premium
The Sevylor Colorado Premium is the same easy to paddle, comfortable and stable boat as the standard version, but with a few added features for your comfort and convenience. Like the Colorado, the Premium benefits from Sevylor's new Back Pack System (BPS), but unlike the standard model the Premium features the brand new Easy Inflation System; One valve that inflates all three chambers simultaneously, allowing total inflation in just over one minute. Paddlers of the Colorado Premium will also benefit from the enhanced spray protection front and rear, which will keep spray and rain off the occupants and their belongings.

Signed:
Duffer , Codger
The Canoe Shops Group Ltd.
December 2011

To buy this product in the UK or Ireland please follow the links below.
Inflatable Kayaks UK
Bournemouth Canoes
Brighton Canoes
Cornwall Canoes
Kayaks and Paddles
Norfolk Canoes
Bantry Bay Canoes Ireland