i12

Hi
Im looking for new iflatable and really like the i12
I have a question about the material life
How many years do you guys think the material can be unfolded/inflated deflated/folded before it starts breaking
I would use it spring/sumer/fall 2 days a week
I really like this inflatable because i dont have place to store regular kayak but i dont want to pay 1800 for something that will last 3 or 4 years
Thanks

anyone?

The materials are higher end grade for inflatables. I suppose it really depends on how much you use it and how well it is cared for. Honestly, we don't have enough history on this yet to predict.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thank you
I think i will go with mirage sport
Thats the only size i can get to put in in my 3rd floor apartment

i cannot comment on longevity as i've used my i12s only for one season. But the materials used are really good quality. I just inspected my boat and i can't see any early sign of degradation.

During the winter i store mine deflated flat on a table in the basement. It's not mandatory apparently but my guess is that it's easier on the folds. But you need the space to do that, unless you can lay it next to you in bed, but you'll need your wife's agreement first i guess..

And this material is quite easy to repair if ever something happens.

go for it, you won't be disapointed with the quality.

Hugues
Switzerland

I have used my i12s every weekend since I got it a few months ago. It has really held up well - I am very impressed.

I chose it due to space and transportation constraints. I love the idea that I can fold and go anywhere. It fits beautifully in the backseat of my Mustang, and the sail kit fits in the trunk just fine.

In the future, I may add a towing kit to my car (I have a convertable so a roof rack is not in my future) to get an Island Adventure, but for now the i12s is perfect for me.

A local friend bought his i12s last year and uses it several times a week in the ocean and on the lake. He now keeps it permanently in his van so it's ready to go any time any where. He owns several other kayaks, but now uses this one most -- thoroughly enjoys it (his wife, who is a little more cautious about the water, likes it best also!). So far it seems to be holding up very well.

The material on my i12 seems very similiar to that of my 1986 Zodiac inflatable boat, which is still going strong. I store it out of the sun. Go for it.

Just got my i12s out of the basement last week-end for my first ride this year. It was stored flat and deflated on a table.

I must say i'm very satified with the quality of the material used. I bought it almost a year ago (used it 2-3 times per week during the good season) and it still looks great. No change of color, no cracks, no early sign of deterioration. Just a few small surface wrinkles where the boat folds, but nothing to worry and when inflated they're almost invisible.

I'm really, really happy with this boat. The only problem i had is when i sailed in a little too strong winds and i broke the ropes holding the sail. Actually the crimp failed. So i just changed the ropes and used no crimps at all.

great boat !