New Sevylor Pointer 1 Inflatable Kayak, Model 3419

Just arrived! The new Sevylor Pointer 1 model 3419 for 2010. Featuring new inflation valves and a more streamlined look. Inflated, it measures 125 inches long, 32 inches wide, with a max weight load of 300 lbs person and gear.

Getting Started:
The included carrying case measures approximately 32 x 18 x 12 inches.

Simply unzip the kayak, remove it from the carrying case, unfold, take out the seat and spray deck and flatten. I used a 12v car pump to get started, but it is actually fairly easy to pump up with a double action pump or foot pump.

The Double Lock Valves:
First thing to get used to is the new double lock valve. The previous model U233 used standard Boston valves which are simple, but also had the potential to cross-thread, allowing air to escape.

To use the double locks, hold and pull up on the valve stem. You will see inside is a yellow plug. This separates from the stem and allows air to be put in. Simply attach the Boston valve nozzle (this is a conical nozzle about 1/2 inch in diameter) over the valve stem. Pump it up until it feels firm, like a drum (this will be 1.5 PSI) then gently start to twist off the pump nozzle – but not totally! If you pulled it off now, the air would escape. Holding the valve stem with the nozzle still on, push down. This seats the valve stem back over the yellow plug, so air can’t escape. Then push on the cover. Conversely, to remove air simply pull the stem back off the plug.

Inflation and Setup
Sevylor has come out with a “universal” manual featuring most of their kayak models. While it does outline the new double-lock inflation valves and show diagrams of each of the kayaks, it does not explain the features.

According to the instructions, pump up the floor first – the manual says the valves are numbered for order, but they aren’t. This uses a smaller double-lock valve located in the rear, inside the cargo hatch opening – there is a velcro flap over it. You will use one of the long, slender pump nozzles for this. While pumping up, make sure everything is even and the floor is not bunched up. Check the very front portion (open the zippers in the bow) to make sure the floor cushion is seated on the floor. There is a fabric cover which keeps the floor fairly much in position. Once the floor feels “firm to the touch” move on to the side chambers.

Using the larger 1/2 nozzle, pump up each side chamber (two valves, one on each side) – also until firm to touch. This is 1.5 PSI. Basically, it shouldn’t sag.

One thing they don’t mention in the manual is the ABS plastic sheet, which is the long black plastic piece in the bag. If you look inside the kayak, you will see two sleeves inside, on the main side chambers, located at roughly knee level.

This plastic sheet fits into the two side sleeves (see photo for angle position) and forms and keeps the hull hood up, off your knees. While making it roomier, it also allows for water to run off. I put this in when the kayak was partially pumped up, as it is tougher when fully inflated. To find out more, download the past season U233 manual from our website at
http://airkayaks.com/U233Manual.pdf. While this will have some old information, it will help out.

At this point the kayak is fully inflated and you need to attach the seat. Looking at the kayak, your first thought will be that the rear of the kayak is incredibly low and flat, with no back support. Position the seat over the velcro strips on the floor. Attach the two seat side straps to the kayak clips – located on the side bladders near the front of the cockpit opening.

Then attach the strap located on the kayak, behind the seat, to the loop on the back of the seat. Once you pull this tight, it pulls up the top of the kayak, giving it full shape.

Features on the kayak:
There are two carrying handles on the bow and stern – great if you have two people, minimally useful unless you want to drag it behind you. The kayak is light enough that you can just hook the cockpit over your shoulder and carry it to the shore.

The 12″ rear cargo hatch has an attached cover with foam coaming tube. The kayak itself is totally open (the hatch just makes it easier to access), so you can also put items behind the seat – there is roughly 36 inches of storage area in the rear, beginning at about 20 inches in width and 7 inches tall, tapering down to 4 inches tall and a couple inches wide.

There is also a foam coaming tube around the cockpit area, which features an opening approx. 33 inches long by 18 inches wide. The coaming tube is used to attach a spray skirt – it also helps keep water from running into the kayak cockpit. The ABS plastic lifts the cockpit about 7 inches high, and the interior seating length measures 63 inches from the back of the seat to the inner tip of the bladder.

A front bungee deck lacing system measures roughly 25 inches long, tapering from 24 inches down to 10 inches.

There are two rear drain plugs (this is not self-bailing) to empty out any water after you get to shore. There is an integrated “tracking fin” that runs roughly 30 inches in length by 1.5 inches deep.

A spray skirt is included – helpful to keep wind, cold and higher waves out. This attaches to the foam coaming area with a bungee cord system. The top dimension which goes around your chest has a max opening of about 55 inches.

Other features include:

• Two side paddle holders with clips
• Three inflation chambers (two large double locks, one small double lock on the floor
• Two zipper/access areas by the bow
• Built in plastic form/sheets on both sides of the bow and stern (roughly 6×18″ each) give a bit more structural shape
• Mesh drink holder
• Seat with minimal padding on base, slightly more on the backrest
• Partial cover on the floor gives slightly added protection and holds the floor in position
• Interior side zippers to replace or reposition side bladders if needed
• 20 gauge PVC bladders

Performance on the water:

I took the kayak out for a short ride on slightly choppy waters. It had some slight wagging in the front, but some of that was from the waves. The kayak seating area felt roomy, and the lower side tubes give more of an open feel.

Bottom Line:
The Pointer 1 is an entry level kayak which will appeal to a number of paddlers. It is not as rugged or performance-oriented as the Advanced Elements AE1017 Sport or AE1012 AdvancedFrame. But, it does have its “points” and will be good for those that want some added features without spending a lot of money. These include:

• Fairly lightweight at 29 lbs.
• Slightly more open design and lower side tubes gives a sense of roominess for those that don’t like to feel enclosed
• More integrated features, such as the back hatch cover and included spray skirt.

The Sevylor 3419 Pointer 1 inflatable kayak is a good fit for paddlers who want to enjoy the outdoors, want portability and are more price conscious. It’s best suited for calm waters – whether lakes or rivers –

For more info, visit http://www.AirKayaks.com/c3419.html