Sevylor Riviera Review: Test, Experience & Evaluation
The “Sevylor Riviera” is a compact two-person kayak.
The inflatable boat measures 315cm in length and 84cm in width. It is intended for two people.
The weight of this inflatable kayak is only around 8kg, so the boat can be transported easily. Something special has been implemented here to make it easier to carry it to the scene. The inflatable kayak has an integrated backpack system, which means that it can be carried on the back to the place of action when it is not inflated. To do this, it is simply rolled up into the front splash guard.
The pack size is a compact 61 x 41 x 22 cm, which is about the size of a medium-sized backpack.
This kayak also has a few other good features. We’ll go into that in more detail after. The “Sevylor Riviera” comes with a chic design and stands out from other inflatable kayaks with its high sidewalls.
With a little practice, this inflatable kayak can also be used quickly. All you have to do is inflate the two side chambers and the floor using the well-known “Boston valves” and attach the front splash guard (backpack). The flexible seats are inflated by mouth.
“Sevylor” introduces itself as “The original since 1948” and has set itself the goal of producing high quality, affordable, inflatable kayaks and canoes, including inflatables, sit-on-tops, and much more that everyone can have fun with. And that at affordable prices.
With this boat presentation, we show whether the seventy years of experience of “Sevylor” paired with these requirements have also led to success in the development of the “Riviera”. We’ll take a close look at the Sevylor Riviera inflatable kayak below. We’ll tell you what to expect from this kayak and for whom it’s a good deal.
In addition to the Sevylor Riviera, there are also the Sevylor Yukon, Sevylor Hudson, Sevylor Ottawa, and the Sevylor Tahiti Plus.
Table of Contents
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Data & facts
| Art | Two-person inflatable kayak |
| material | Polyester cover, PVC side, and bottom chambers, bottom chambers with bar construction |
| Length Width | 315cm / 84cm |
| Pack size | 61cm x 41cm x 22cm |
| weight | 8.4kg |
| Total load capacity | 180kg |
Capacity
The “Sevylor Riviera” is an inflatable two-person kayak. It is designed for paddling with two adults. The total load capacity is 180kg. This can be sufficient for two adults and light luggage such as provisions and drinks. Small luggage can be stowed behind the rear paddler under a spray cover and in the bow.
The seats can be flexibly positioned and removed in the boat (they are only held between the tubes by “pressing them in”. This means that the “Sevylor Riviera” can also be quickly converted into a single kayak.
Features
As mentioned briefly at the beginning, this inflatable kayak is equipped with interesting details:
polyester cover and inflatable side chambers, an inflatable bottom chamber with a web construction.
The canoe has pressure control with an integrated pressure display to control the pressure in the chambers.
The bar on the display indicates whether air needs to be replenished or deflated. The air pressure is correct when the bar is in the green area. Inflatable seats with a backrest that is adjustable in height. Luggage space behind the rear paddler.
Practical handles on the front and back of the boat to make it easier to carry, switch on and off. Additional ropes on the hull to increase safety on the water.
“Boston valve” for easy inflation and deflation. The “Boston valves” have a somewhat simpler construction than the spring-based valves known from other boats, but are as easy to use as they are practical. The “Boston valve” is a screw valve.
To inflate, the cap is unscrewed and the air pump inserted. The check valve prevents air from escaping as soon as the air pump hose is unplugged. The valve is opened to let out the air.
“Backpack system” for easy carrying of the kayak. Once the air has been deflated and the boat rolled up in the spray cover, it can be carried like a backpack. Splash guards at the bow and stern and high side walls to prevent the ingress of splash water.
The boat has a practical bilge valve. Through this, water that has run into the kayak during the journey can be let out again on land.
Operation Area
The “Sevylor Riviera” is a fun kayak for shorter tours in calm waters. Contact with the ground should be avoided, the lightweight is certainly at the expense of the robustness of the hoses.
One buyer notes that this inflatable kayak can only be steered well with an optionally available fin. We recommend a dry suit so that you are well prepared for long tours. You can find the best kayak drysuit here.
Acquisition Cost
The “Sevylor Riviera” has a very affordable price. In return, the buyer gets good basic equipment and interesting details such as the “backpack system” described above and the integrated air pressure display.
This inflatable kayak is therefore particularly well suited for beginners who do not want to spend too much money on equipment. The “Sevylor Riviera” is also a good choice as a fun and bathing boat. You should be aware before buying that you cannot expect a particularly high-quality kayak in this price category.
Several buyers are convinced of the price/performance ratio. You can find out what a kayak costs here.
Processing
Several buyers are very happy with the kayak. However, there are also a few buyers who report the damage. Two paddlers report problems with the valves or their sticking.
The supplied paddle has been criticized several times. Buyers mention that it is too short, the connection is wobbly and fragile, and the paddle blades are comparatively small.
The inclusion of paddles in the scope of delivery is not necessarily to be assessed as positive, as paddles should be selected depending on the height of the paddler.
Equipment
The “Sevylor Riviera” has good basic equipment. In addition to the kayak and the inflatable seats, the scope of delivery also includes a repair kit.
A paddle is also included. Depending on the size of the paddler, separate paddles may have to be purchased in accordance with the body size. An air pump must be purchased separately.
In order to improve the straight-line stability of the boat, which has been criticized by several customers, a retrofittable fin can be installed (optional).
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FAQs
How many people is the “Sevylor Riviera” suitable for?
It is a two-person kayak. It is designed for two adults with a total load capacity of 180kg.
What is the operating pressure of the “Sevylor Riviera”?
The operating pressure is 0.06bar or 0.9psi. The integrated air pressure control makes it easier to optimally inflate the air chambers and to precisely adhere to the air pressure specified by the manufacturer.
The bar on the display indicates whether air needs to be replenished or deflated. The air pressure is correct when the bar is in the green area.
Can I also store the “Sevylor Riviera” when it is inflated?
The kayak should never be fully inflated in the sun! Heat can lead to strong pressure increases in the chambers and thus to defects. During the paddling break, of course, the boat does not have to be completely lowered every time.
The boat can be in a shady place. It is advisable to let some air out of the chambers to prevent damage. You pumped up the chambers quickly the next time you were deployed. This kayak has a practical pressure indicator integrated.
This helps to regulate the air pressure accordingly.
Is the “Sevylor Riviera” suitable for transport by bike or on foot?
The kayak is very light at around 8kg. It also has a practical carrying system. After deflating and rolling up in the spray cover, the “Sevylor Riviera” can be carried like a backpack. A really useful detail!
Is the “Sevylor Riviera” robust enough for stony waters?
Buyers mention that ground contact should be avoided as the boat’s skin is not very robust. However, we did not expect this in this price range either.
Can I also use public transport to transport the “Sevylor Riviera”?
This is also possible due to the carrying system and low weight. When taking sports equipment with you on public transport, please observe the applicable transport regulations and do not hinder other travelers with your freight.
Is the “Sevylor Riviera” also suitable for fishing?
The inflatable “Sevylor Riviera” is not suitable for fishing. This is particularly due to its high sidewalls.
For this purpose, we recommend kayaks that are specifically designed for kayak fishing. We have presented a few boats from this boat category. These ideas can also be found here kayaklike.com
Can the “Sevylor Riviera” be repaired if a hole is found?
A repair kit is included in the scope of delivery.
Conclusion
With the “Sevylor Riviera,” we see a better fun boat for a small, leisurely excursion on calm and protected waters.
The inflatable kayak offers good basic equipment at a very affordable price. But there are two more interesting details with the “backpack system” and the integrated pressure control.
See Price On Amazon: Sevylor Riviera Review
The practical carrying system in particular makes it interesting for fun paddlers who simply want to carry the boat to the scene. The very low weight of only around 8kg also benefits this purpose.
We can recommend this kayak for people who want to occasionally use the boat on calm waters and as a fun and bathing boat. More ambitious paddlers are advised to switch to a higher price range.
Video: Sevylor Riviera Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTAGqT-GRs
