A trip in a gibberish kayak
28.8.2019
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
A kayak made from Sevy-Strong Tarpaulin with Sevylor Seatography? Wow! The inflatable "Madison" is TÜV-certified, but the description has hardly been checked for clarity. Nevertheless, it is a good choice for occasional paddlers.
Happily, the Sevy-Sevylor hodgepodge in the description is all that causes problems for amateur paddlers like me when handling the Sevylor Madison. On the contrary, the kayak has solved a problem. I was looking for a support boat from which our photographer Thomas Kunz could take pictures of our SUP tour on Lake Wägital. I chose the "Madison Kit" because firstly it's a bestseller, secondly it's not too expensive and thirdly it's quite variable. The two seats can be adjusted in angle and position or removed completely. This gave Thomas enough space to take photos - and as we had already been to the lake with the two-seater, we tried out the Madison together.
All beginnings are difficult
Being a couple has its advantages right from the start, because the carrier bag is not your intervertebral discs' best friend. At 15.6 kilograms, the kayak is quite unwieldy when empty. It's best to heave it out of the boot and inflate it on the spot. With carrying handles on the bow and stern and two more on the side, into which you can also clamp the paddles, it is easier to transport when fully unfolded.
Once the kayak is freed from its thin nylon bag, it looks pretty robust. The three air chambers of the Madison are interchangeable and are well protected in, you guessed it, Sevy-Strong™ tarpaulin. At least underneath. This refers to the black part of the kayak, which is made from the extra strong material. The magical fabric resembles a thick tarpaulin and is designed to provide reliable protection against abrasion and damage. It certainly gives the impression that it does just that.
The trickiest part on the underside is the red plastic fin, which you have to attach before pumping. Other than that, there's not much you can do wrong and you're quickly ready to go. At first I was a little sceptical about the foot pump supplied. I simply hadn't come across one for a long time. But it does its job efficiently and can be stowed away flatter than a hand pump. Then you put the paddles together and attach the seats to the Velcro strip in the interior, where Seatography™ uses pictograms to show you the perfect positioning for one or two people. Revolutionary. Here we go.
One boat, two opinions
What you think of the Madison's handling characteristics depends on your perspective. I look out at the world from a height of 1.80 metres and own a simple rubber boat of a similar design. It has served me faithfully for ten years, but in many respects it can't hold a candle to the Madison. I notice the better directional stability. I enjoy the comfortable seats, which are around 15 centimetres high and seem to be suitable for longer tours. The double paddle also makes a useful impression on me. Overall, I'm impressed with the Madison. Thomas paddles in front of me. He is half a head taller and used to a sportier kayak. For him, our rubber anchor is okay, but mainly a means to an end. Two guys his size would be a bit cramped in it, even if the maximum load is 200 kilograms.
Conclusion: Who will be happy with it?
This is an inflatable boat in a kayak's clothing. Accordingly, the handling behaviour cannot be compared with a "real" kayak of solid construction. But as an occasional paddler, you get a lot with the Madison Kit. An upmarket entry-level kit that fits in the car alongside camping equipment and is perfectly suitable for touring. Although it is inflatable, its outer skin is much more robust than a "classic" rubber boat and in the event of a defect, spare parts are available from the manufacturer . The carrying handles and paddle holders are just as practical as the variable seating system. Its wide shape makes it look more stable than sporty, and it rides accordingly. A few waves are no problem, but it offers plenty of surface area for the wind to attack.
My aha experience in the Madison: the raised seating position makes paddling over the overhanging air chambers much more comfortable. In my experience, sitting lower in such a wide kayak is a fun killer in the long run. The angle is unfavourable, the arms rub against the sides and become heavy more quickly. I also get on well with the double paddles in the kit. They are made of fibreglass (blade) and aluminium (shaft), can be dismantled into four parts and adjusted to three angles (-60°, 0°, 60°). Is there a catch? Yes. At some point you'll have to pack your kayak away again. And water always collects somewhere in the beads and grooves of the interior, which you can't get rid of quickly. You can wait a long time until it is completely dry. So it's best to stay at the lake for a few days. It's worth it! 😉
Hint to an important note
The Inland Navigation Ordinance is not gibberish at all, but very precise. So precise, in fact, that it is quite detailed. You can find a brief summary of what is important for you to know in connection with inflatable boats and beach boats under "Important information" for the relevant products. In this case:
So reach for the waterproof pen and find out about the local laws wherever you go on the water with it.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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