The Airis Tender Inflatable Kayak: Style and Comfort for Two

The new Airis Tender inflatable kayak is easy to use, compact, and maneuverable. Yet despite its good qualities, it is a stretch to think that people will buy a pricey one-person kayak to do double-duty as a yacht tender.

A Look at the Kayak

Created in 2008 and marketed as part of Airis’ “kayak-in-a-bag” line, the Airis Tender inflatable kayak comes with its own nylon portaging backpack, a repair kit, and a high-pressure air pump with attached gauge.

Specifications on the Airis Tender:

• Dimensions: 10' x 33"
• Capacity: 1 adult (275 lbs)
• Weight: 33 lbs
• 2 Air Chambers
• High Pressure Airweb hull & floor
• Mini Versa-Track™ system
• Connect-a-Yak™ tandem connection system
• Bow handle & bow line
• 6 D-rings
• Removable double skeg
• Paddle holder and foot rests
• One sealing drain valve
• Two stern web handles
• Splash guard
• Material: 7-layer polymer-coated fabric
• Storage dimensions: 29" x 19" x 14" (w/ pump attached)
• 2-year limited warranty

Note: Paddle and adjustable seat sold separately

Compare Walker Bay/Airis Inflatable Kayaks at Amazon

The Airis Tender inflatable kayak has bungee restraints and a Mini Versa-Track™ system on the stern where you can attach an optional platform to carry gear. Other features include a large storage compartment with bungee on the bow, a paddle holder, a bowline for docking, and two removable skegs to improve tracking.

Not a Classic Yacht Tender/Dinghy

The Airis Tender is designed to be versatile: a 10' inflatable kayak that can be used for fishing, exploring and sightseeing bays and estuaries, and carry supplies (but not guests!) from shore back to an anchored boat. One way to increase capacity is to use the unique Connect-a-Yak™ system that permits two Airis Tenders to be connected together in a train-like fashion. That way, one person can paddle the front kayak and tow gear in the trailing kayak back to the yacht, or two people can ride and paddle each kayak — while attached to one another. And how many instances will you have where you’ll want to do that?

There are Better Choices

We love the other Airis kayaks, but we think the $1,599 Airis Tender inflatable kayak is too expensive for a tender that carries one person and offers only a limited amount of capacity — up to 275 pounds — for gear. You need a comfortable and convenient dinghy to get to your larger vessel without having the annoying issue of lacking space. For the same price, you could buy the longer 12' Airis Tandem with a 450-lb load, or get two boats for specific uses. You can get a roomy tender for under $900 (read our review of the Sea Eagle 8.10 yacht tender), and still have money in your budget to buy an outstanding ocean touring kayak for $400 to $600.

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