I own both kayaks and I would rather go with the explore to kayak, the reason is the Explorer - is self bailing has better seats that raise you out of the water in the bottom of the boat has an upturned nose to keep water from splashing you paddles are better quality. I have taken the explorer down a class 3 river the cabarrton river in Idaho with no problems. Take the skeg off if you do rivers, will just cause you problems if you dont, mainly you will loose it. Only use tue skeg in lakes or ponds.
Yes, the seats are completely adjustable and removable. This is a very sturdy little boat as well. We have two and myself, my 12 year old daughter and our Border Collie all ride in one boat together.
Spoke to the manufacturer, and it no longer comes with a hand pump despite what the manufacturer's box, and amazon ad say.
It says 330 lbs on the kayak itself. Today was my first time using it, I am 210 lbs and sat in the back, my wife is 130 lbs and sat in front along with our 5 year old(about 45 lbs) on her lap. I also had about 10lb in a dry bag behind me. There were no flotation issues even with almost 400 lb