I am going to try to keep this brief and to the point. This boat rocks! I also own an Excursion 5 by Intex. Both are great boats, but the Torpedo wins in two very clear ways: at 25 lbs, you don't need a ramp to launch it. You can inflate it where your vehicle is parked and carry it right to the water. The air valves are well placed and a 12v air pump with the car engine off will blow it up in just a couple minutes. The seat is a bit tricky to inflate but I mastered it after just two trips. Deflation is super easy and doesn't even require the air pump.
Though the Excursion is a good fishing rig and multi-passenger boat, the Orange Torpedo blows it away in one other very important factor...... SPEED! Maybe all kayaks are like this, but there's no better feeling that being able to sustain "running ! speeds" in a human-powered boat. The Torpedo is fast and comfy. Almost impossible to flip (knock on wood). Be sure to position the seat in the rear of the boat, and don't even think about putting a second person in there. "Steering" this Kayak took some mastering, but you catch on quick. I found that dragging the paddle helped me maintain my bering until I mastered the ol left-right left-right. I won't be getting a tracking fin... just doesn't seem necessary. The self bailer is a neat feature, but can only really be used when out of the water- in my opinion. It's a good way to get the water out as you land it, so there's no need to flip it over and shake it, just pop the plugs and tilt it back.
Haven't taken it on a river yet, but I've had a blast taking it out on the lake for 5-6hrs at a time. No need for expensive and polluting gas on this boat... just Gatorade and Slim Jims is the only fuel this badboy needs! What an amazing workout! I've taken this thing up a! gainst a 25mph head wind and maintained a pretty good speed...! somethi ng the Excursion simply cannot do.
Needed, but not included: A really good paddle. Quality counts, this is the thing that makes you go, so choose wisely. A rubber coated 5-10lb anchor so you can take an actual break. Dry bags- you will get wet on this ride, no need for your wallet, cell phone, and keys to get wet also. Bungee cords across the bow and stern- to attach the anchor, dry bags and they make a good place to hang up the paddle when at anchor. You should also think about a cargo container to store Kayak in. I just use a top-loader duffel bag. Works great.
If you're considering a inflatable watercraft, you're a very smart person. They're less expensive, easy to launch, land, and transport. They're extremely stable and can be used in ultra shallow water. Be careful, though. It is almost inevitable that an inflatable boat will pop. Be sure to chose and multi-chambered boat like the Orange Torpedo so you have a chance to limp back. Wear a life vest. The "! fisherman's" vest is very comfy and allows your arms and shoulders to be free for rowing. Keep some emergency gear on board at all times as well as a $20 bill, so you can pay a gas boat to rescue you and tow you back to your launch dock! Just in case.
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