Intex Challenger Kayak Inflatable Set with Aluminum Oars

I had the same question and this setup video was super helpful for me: https://youtu.be/6sKhIEEFxSY b/c u can watch a high school girl inflate and assemble everything in real-time (shows you how do-able it really is). Personally I was getting confused hearing everyone's opinion on how long it would take but watching someone, I could judge a lot easier :) I've found that just the Kayak can be inflated in about 3 min. And then inflating the other items, assembling the paddle, etc. can all be done in about 7-8min or under 10min no problem. And one helpful trick when deflating it is to approach it like you're rolling air out of an air mattress. Doing that works a lot better than trying to fold up the Kayak to get the air out. Hope that helps!

I've now had this particular kayak for 3 years. and i had the model right before it for 2 years(gave to a friend). both have held up wonderfully to everything including being beached and scooting my self and the kayak across the shallow rocks, i've run into twigs and branches, over submerged logs and snails and run into other sharp edges with absolutely no cuts or tears, no slow leaks. and not only am i not easy on this thing, i myself weigh 40 lbs over the weight limits and i usually carry 20-30 lbs of stuff with me on it. i absolutely love this thing, it easily fits back in its bag and goes in the trunk. when/if it ever pop's i will be getting another one.

If you're looking for the 6" skeg I can confirm that 12181 on the Intex website fits. As of 7/1/19 it's $3 for one and shipping is $5. https://www.intexcorp.com/replacement-parts/sporting-goods/sport-series-boats/kayaks/12181-skeg-for-kayaks/

I've had mine for just over a year and used it 10 times (1x on the river and 9x in lakes). I've been pretty careful not to rub on rocks or anything and always store in a cool shed, but do empty and fold up after each use. Now there is a hole, along a seam on the bottom that won't hold the patches provided. Hopefully using HH-66 vinyl cement like has been recommended will fix the issue.