Crystal Explorer Transparent Kayak Review
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Are Crystal Explorer Transparent Kayaks A Game Changer in Recreational Tandem Kayaking?
There’s nothing quite like kicking off from the water’s edge in a brand new boat. Kayaks tend to be easy to pick up with a relatively straight-forward learning process. That makes them a popular choice for families as well as boating enthusiasts.
Check out our other great kayaking articles such as: the best kayak car carriers, Kayak Carts, and best kayak trailer. These will help in transporting your new clear kayak wherever you want to go.
The problem is that there are lots of Kayaks available with what seems like little to choose between them. Let’s be honest; Kayaks are fairly basic when it comes to design. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to tell the difference between a good and bad Kayak. In fact, a lot of people only find out they have brought a bad Kayak once on the water. To save you the trouble, here is our review of the Crystal Explorer transparent Kayak.
The Crystal Explorer see-through kayak might at first seem like a novelty item rather than a serious piece of sailing equipment. The transparent material design doesn’t fill you with confidence at first. But then you look a little closer and see that the hull is made of GE company Lexan. A legitimate material provider. The next thing you notice is that these boats are made right here in the USA. That means all their products have undergone a rigorous set of tests and passed all safety standards.
The Crystal Explorer Clear Kayak Spec’s
Dimensions|
| |
| Overall Length | 11' 1" (338 cm) |
| Overall Width | 33.5" (85 cm) |
| Depth | 11" (28 cm) |
| Weight | 48 lbs (21 kg) |
| Capacity | |
| Max Passengers | 2 |
| Max Weight | 425 lbs |
| Compliance | Certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association using ABYC standards. |
| Hull Material | 6mm thick 100% virgin Spanish Imported GE Lexan |
About the Crystal Explorer Transparent Kayak
The Crystal Kayak company was established in 2017. That means it´s difficult to say how long their products will last. The plastic material construction feels sturdy alongside the 6mm hull. The frame is made from anodized aluminum, a metal brushed with powder to ensure long-lasting protection, and the whole boat is treated with a UV lacquer. This is designed to reduce the effects of aging, sunlight and water staining.
What’s in the Box
- 1 Year Warranty
- 1 or 2-Person Design
- Includes 2 Seats and 2 Paddles
The Kayak is designed for choppier waters, but it does feel a little unstable. It will be okay on rivers, or calm water, but I´m not entirely convinced of its ability to stay strong in adverse conditions. On calm waters, it runs very smoothly, and there´s enough room to fit two people inside to share rowing duties.
Crystal Explorer See Through Kayak Design: It’s Selling Point
As you’ve probably guessed, the best thing about this Kayak is the clear hull design. If you have children, being able to see through the boat to the sea floor will keep them entertained for hours. It´s certainly robust enough to be safe for kids as well. The set-up is relatively easy, plus everything can be packed away and stored in the winter months.
This certainly isn’t the cheapest Kayak available on the market right now. But, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good value for money. I think the memories alone from what you will be able to see covers the cost of this transparent kayak. The construction is high-quality, well thought out and well manufactured. Crystal Kayaks are currently the only reliable company producing transparent Kayaks using Lexan building materials. They´re so confident in the construction of their Kayaks that they even offer a one year warranty. That´s rare in the Kayak industry.
Overall
Overall, it’s not the cheapest Kayak on the market, nor is it going to be a top performer in whitewater rapids. This is the perfect Kayak for a family outing, or keeping the kids entertained. A solid investment. If you are after a cheaper kayak that you and your family can enjoy, then I suggest you take a look at our top inflatable kayaks review.
The Competition – Driftsun 2 Person Tandem Transparent Kayak
Another excellent choice for a clear kayak is the two-person see-through kayak from Driftsun, this also gives the users a great view of what is underneath the surface of the water while kayaking. It has an aluminum frame with an advanced polymer clear hull; this is made to a very high-quality standard.
Specs For The Driftsun Kayak
Weight: 48lbs
Size : 11’ L x 32.2” W x 12” D.
Max Weight Capacity: 425 lbs
Price:
What’s Included
This kayak features fully adjustable EVA seats and also inflatable chambers at the front and rear, these can be removed if needed and allow for more storage. This kayak comes with a full 1-year manufacturer warranty, and no assembly is required. You will also get included with this kayak two paddles and two removable seats giving you the option to use it alone or bring a friend along for some tandem kayaking fun.
