Spinera Molveno Inflatable Canoes

Spinera Molveno Canoes – Inflatable High-Pressure

Spinera Molveno Canoes are built entirely from high-pressure dropstitch fabric, making them incredibly Stiff, Stable and Durable. They are also very attractively priced.

Constructed Entirely from Dropstitch Fabric

Dropstitch fabric is a very clever material designed such that it inflates as a flat panel, which is used in Spinera Molveno Inflatable Canoes to make a lightweight and very stiff structure. The inflated hulls thus compare very favourably with conventional plastic canoes… but can still be deflated and rolled up into a bag!

Single Skin Construction

Dropstitch fabric boats are by their nature “single skin” ie don’t have any separate internal bladders. That makes Spinera Molveno Inflatable Canoes much quicker and easier to dry out after use (just wipe them down) than most rivals, so they don’t get heavier over time, and won’t go mouldy or rot.

Plenty of Legroom!

We see inflatable kayaks and canoes being sold with two or even three closely-spaced seats, which looks great in the shop… until you try and sit in them! Where are your legs meant to go?! The one-person Spinera Molveno 390 is longer than a lot of rival two-person boats, so there’s loads of room and it’s more streamlined/faster too. The two-person Molveno 430 is 14ft long, and again has plenty of space for two adults and gear.

Double Skeg System

Spinera Molveno inflatable canoes have easy-to-fit, click-pin skegs (no tools or loose components to lose), and they’ve put fittings for two of them in line along the hull… giving superb tracking characteristics if you’re paddling in a cross wind for example. In fact the tracking is so good that we’d probably only use the back one on shorter trips in calm weather, to make it easier to turn!

Ready to Go, Out of the Box!

Spinera Molveno inflatable canoes are supplied complete with either one (390) or two (430) seats and paddles, plus foot rest(s), skegs (two), bag, repair kit and pump. All you need to add is yourself, and preferably a buoyancy aid!

SUPERB VALUE

These really are very good boats for the money. Only a few years ago, all-dropstitch boats were exclusive inhabitants of the over £1000 category, and now – even after the last few years of stratospheric inflation – you can have a Molveno for around half that.

What are the Capabilities of Spinera Molveno Inflatable Canoes?

Firstly let’s get the Canoe/Kayak terminology cleared up. Or not… The terms seem to be increasingly interchangeable. So whilst Molveno {boats!} are deeper-sided and more open than what’s generally called inflatable kayaks, they’re supplied with kayak-style double-ended paddles and kayak-style (low to the floor with backrest) seats. But there is now also an option for “canoe-style” wooden bench seats, for the 430 model (can be set up for one or two people).

Whatever you call them, Spinera Molveno kayaks/canoes are fine on rivers, lakes, harbours, and for playing around off the beach on a sunny day. Their shape and construction makes them very easily driven and a delight to paddle. But those deeper flatter sides mean they have a bit more windage, and a bit less stability than kayaks with round side tubes, so if your intention is mainly to go on the sea we’d recommend a Spinera Hybris or Aquaglide Chelan inflatable kayak.

Quite simply, if you’re in the market for a £500-ish inflatable canoe, in our opinion the Spinera Molveno inflatable canoe range is the best option currently available. You can spend much more, you can spend quite a lot less… but these are almost outrageously good for the money!  They are so much better than other offerings (including from some very well-known names) at this price that they shouldn’t really be in the same category.

On the water Spinera Molveno inflatable canoes are stiffer, faster, and track straighter than their price-point rivals. It will almost certainly be more comfortable, and more spacious, too. When you’re back on land (or in your motorhome or yacht) it will be quicker and easier to dry out… and it will fit in its bag!