Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2

Size and Weight

The Island Voyage 2 measures 11 feet 2 inches / 340 cm in length and 37 inches / 94 cm in width. It weighs 31.5 lbs / 14.3 kg, and while it isn’t the lightest kayak in the Advanced Elements fleet, it is still easily transported and handled by one person. 

It is slightly longer than the 10.5 feet / 320 cm length of the AdvancedFrame series by the same manufacturer and its weight is comparable to the original AdvancedFrame which weighs 35 lbs / 16 kg.

However, it is significantly heavier than some other tandem inflatables in the same price range such as the Aquaglide Chinook which weighs 23 lbs / 10.4 kg.

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Capacity 

The Island Voyage 2 has a maximum payload of 400 lbs / 181 kg which is way more than some of the AdvancedFrame kayaks such as the Ultralite with a payload of 225 lbs / 102 kg or the Sport’s capacity of 250 lbs / 113 lbs. 

There are three seat locations so you can paddle this kayak solo or tandem, and even with two medium-sized adults, the boat will track well without losing too much speed. 

Features

The kayak’s cover is made out of tough 600-denier polyester and the hull of puncture-resistant durable PVC tarpaulin. In addition, the underside has a skid plate to protect the kayak when you are landing or dragging it around. 

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The pointed bow comes with a rocker for better performance but it doesn’t have the patented aluminum rib frames that other Advanced Elements kayaks have. At the bow, there is one of two spray decks with a one-inch coaming lip that helps the water from splashing into the cockpit. 

At the bow are the front rubber-lined carrying handle and a storage area where you can secure your belongings with the bungee deck lacing and D-rings. 

There are three seat locations so you can paddle the kayak as a tandem or solo. All the seats are secured with Velcro and provide adequate high back support and cushioning for your butt. 

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The seat doesn’t have inflatable lumbar support like some others but it has ample back support and a comfortable foam bottom. Each seat also comes with one pocket with a Velcro closure for you to put small items and two side mesh pockets where you can put drinks or bottles. 

On each side of the kayak, there are also two side carrying handles instead of only the front and back handles that most kayaks have, which means you can carry the kayak from side to side as well. In addition, there are two sets of paddle holders where you can secure your paddle with a Velcro system.

Behind the back seat towards the stern is the second spray deck with another storage area and the second rubber-lined carrying handle. There is also a drain plug for you to remove the excess water that might have found its way into the kayak. 

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The Island Voyage 2 comes in a large duffel bag that doesn’t have the backpack straps that other Advanced Elements kayaks come with. The bag is large enough to fit any other accessories you might have such as a paddle, a pump, the included fin, and maybe a PFD. 

*Note that paddles and the pump are sold separately. 

Performance 

The Island Voyage 2 is wider than some other boats in the Advanced Elements fleet like the AdvancedFrame series which has a width of 32 inches / 81 cm compared to the 37 inches / 94 cm of the Island Voyage 2’s. 

This means that you might need a longer paddle or you’ll have to lean further sideways while you are paddling, especially since the side tubes are bigger. 

Because of its larger capacity, lighter paddlers that go solo are probably going to sit high in the water, causing the nose to waggle way more than some other Advanced Element boats where you sit lower. 

The contoured seat isn’t as comfortable as the AdvancedFrame series but they will still do well on longer days. 

Although the Island Voyage 2 is marketed as a tandem, two larger adults plus all their gear might find it a squeeze. If you are planning to paddle in tandem with loads of gear often, you might want a more spacious kayak like the Advanced Elements Convertible Elite. 

Overall, the Island Voyage 2 is a durable, relatively affordable kayak that you can take out for a fun day out with a buddy or family member, and even have room for the pooch.  It doesn’t have the top-notch performance of other higher-end kayaks in the Advanced Elements fleet like the Convertible Elite or the Expedition Elite but its durability and reliability get a huge thumbs up!