Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

wonderful for its purpose. I use it for spearfishing kelp paddys in so cal. I dont really like the door. for the price it cant be beat.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

I spearfish from the diveyak. It has lots of room for all of my gear. There are more than enough tie downs. It is easy to transport and setup. Only drawback is that it doesn't track too well. A minor problem. I am thinking about adding a motor to it soon.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

This first part is the cons, then after it's the pros.

Product weighs about 48 lbs, a little heavy and bulky for one small person to carry alone. First time I tried it, I used the foot pump that came with it. It took me 50 min. to fill, partly because the air hose kept popping out of both the pump and the boat valves, and I found out I didn't actually fill it completely (it needs to be completely filled). Since it was partially unfilled it tended to list on the side that was less filled. Also, the backrest wouldn't stay in place because not enough tension in the sides. And muscles in my legs, stomach and back that wouldn't have been used had it been completely filled, got stressed. Also, maybe it's because I'm only 5'1" with a short torso, but I found that the paddle and my hands kept hitting the d-rings and the side of the boat unless I made a concentrated effort not to do so. Maybe I just need an extra long paddle?

That being said. It is very easy to get into and out of. The second time I used it, a friend of mine completely filled it with his compressor in minutes. The seat stayed in place. I was completely comfortable sitting in it, paddling it. I didn't use any extra muscles. Before I bought this kayak, I had never kayaked before or rowed any type of boat or canoe.

I performed 2 diving tests. 1st test, I anchored the kayak in a shallow area, geared up, and went diving. Putting on my bcd was a little awkward as this was the first time I didn't have a solid surface to rest it on, but I managed it. 2nd test, I attached a line to the kayak and to myself, and it followed me wherever I went. I swam into water that was above my head, took my gear off in the water and put it in or attached it to the kayak. I got back into the kayak very easily, without tipping it, and with hardly any effort, then pulled my bcd and tank aboard and secured my gear. If I can do this anyone can do this.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

Inflate the bottom before inflating the sides.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

[...]The boat is fantastic - very cleverly designed, tracks very well, nice effortless paddling and very comfortable. The divers hatch comes in very handy but you will get wet - not as much as in a rigid self bailing kayak - it is a diving (or swimming) platform and very safe when exiting or re-entrying the boat in open water. Very rugged and seaworthy it has become my favorite - A sail kit and a motor turns it into a paddle-motor-sailer with a glass bottom - not bad for under $1000.!

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

I use the boat in open water, slow rivers and the Atlantic in the north of Puerto Rico and the first three times I used it the weather turned on me - heavy rain and wind, chop and I must say that it handled everything that Nature threw at us wonderfully - felt very safe, very stable, comfortable and very roomy. My two daughters loved it and the hatch comes in very handy at the beach - the boat paddles and tracks very well and is quite fast. I am adding a salt water electric motor and a downwind sail to make it a very nifty Motor-Paddle-Sailer for cruising with my family. Sevylor gets 5 stars for a clever design and a great boat - I own several kayaks and canoes that track very well and cost 4 times as much and this is my favorite. I am very pleased with my boat and would recommend it to anybody - seasoned or not.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

So glad I bought this thing from Leisurepro two years ago. I can throw it in the trunk of a car or take it on a plane. I use it in Florida for near shore reef fishing and especially for exploring shallow grass flats and mangrove creeks. It tracks pretty straight and does not get blown around by the wind (feels much heavier & more stable in the water than you would imagine). Bought the 2nd seat and often take my mother for evening paddles in the lagoon. Because of the hatch you will get a little wet, so wear a wetsuit if water is cold. Haven't bought a motor yet but have the mount. Can't wait to try this.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

This diveyak is a great portable dive platform. Very stable. We can dive those sites that are too long to swim without the expense of a boat dive. It really does hold two divers with all the gear as long as you can deal with being a bit cramped. For one diver it it is perfect. We love it.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

This is a great kayak for camping and freediving. I haven’t used it for scuba but I often use it for Abalone diving and spear fishing on the north coast of California. Tow people can easily paddle it to a good spot 1/4-1/2 mile away from shore. Its slow but gets you there. My only complaint is I whish the removable hatch was not there I think it should be only an option. I find it never gets used and is just a place for water to get in and items to fall through. It inflates and deflates easy enough and is light and very portable. Overall I would buy it again.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

I use the SVX2020 with the paddle or a small 2 hp outboard for short diving outings. It is a well made craft that can handle myself and the dive gear with ease. Set-up takes very little time about 10 minutes with a battery operated pump. Overall I am very pleased with this purchase

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

We purchased this to use as a dive platform while setting up a boat mooring. It worked great. There were 2 of us with dive gear, anchors and chain--and it wasn't a problem. We had it loaded close to its 600lb capacity and it worked fine. It flys with 1 or 2 paddlers. However you must figure out where the best spot to paddle from is. Further back gave best results. When paddling from up forward it was hard to keep on track. It was very easy to get in and out of. Also, I could get my dive gear in and out of it, (while in deep water)when I went on solo trips. I thought I would use the center hatch more but its just as easy to get in over the sides. Pump it up firm and you will get much better performance. Because of the center hatch, your bottom may get wet. When pumping it up, you will do the 2 sides last. I recommend doing the first side to 80%, then do the second side to 100%, then return to the first side to make it 100%. It is very stable and you feel like you are "in" it rather than sitting on top of something. You will not tip it over.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

Extremely stable. Drains well. This Kayak definitely needs a rudder(please sevylor). Lots of tie down rings and can truly carry 600 lbs. without compromising safety. I highly reccommend a motor for long trips. Very versitile, I use it for fishing mostly. You will need to rig up some rod holders if you are an angler. Great for shallow water sight fishing or fishing near structures. Oh, and diving/snorkeling too. Fun on the surf as well because of its stability. Extremely tough. For the price [...], this kayak is unmatched. You can't find a 13 foot kayak that can do everything for [$]. This boat combines all of the features of other various kayaks into one and then some, unless you are seeking a toruing yak. That's when I drop the motor and relax. I have taken this yak on long paddling trips so it can be done, just expect to have to work a little harder than most touring models. The best part is that it folds up to the size of a large suitcase. You can even take this baby on a plane. I did a lot of research and testing before deciding on this yak and I absolutely love it. It's also an eyecatcher. Be prepared to get a lot of attention. Feel free to write me with questions.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

The boat is well made although after the second use during washing I realized one of the strakes was coming off and needs to be re-glued. My only complaint is the lack of a factory rudder. I've had to adapt a retractable skeg from the clear water Hawaii Molokin kayak using the motor mount.

Comments about Stearns/Sevylor Sevylor DiveYak XK2020 (SVX2020):

Even my 'boats don't interest me' wife loved it.