Connelly Nautic 9.5 Kayak
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 5
Setup: 5
Value: 4
OVERALL: 4.2
A budget-friendly inflatable kayak that’s great for beginners, but has a few quirks.
The Connelly Nautic 9.5 is a simple, no-fuss kayak perfect for casual paddlers who just want to relax on calm water. It’s lightweight, easy to carry and sets up quickly, making it a good choice for spontaneous lake trips or lazy river floats. While it’s stable and beginner-friendly, its small cockpit and so-so tracking mean it’s not great for serious kayaking. If you’re looking for an affordable, portable option for occasional use, this could work, just don’t expect high performance.
Comparison
Rank: #10
Open Size: Shorter and wider
Packed Size: Small
Weight: Very light
Capacity: Average
Perfect For: Recreation.
Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry, quick setup and pack-down, stable for beginners.
Cons: Cockpit is too small for many adults, doesn’t track well in open water, fabric stays wet too long.
Verdict: A good choice for casual paddlers who want a simple, portable kayak but not ideal for taller people or those who want better performance.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Connelly Nautic 9.5 compares to others in our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 9' 6"x 38in
Packed Size: N/A
Weight: 18lbs
Capacity: 300lbs
Approx Price: $349.99
First Impressions
The Connelly Nautic 9.5 is an inflatable kayak made for casual paddlers who want something easy to carry and set up for lazy days on calm water. It’s lightweight (only 18lbs) and packs down small, making it a decent choice for beginners or those who just want to float around without much hassle. Unfortunately, it has some quirks, like a cramped cockpit and so-so tracking, that might frustrate more serious kayakers. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills kayak for occasional use, it’s worth considering, but it’s not built for speed or rough water.
Setup/Packdown
One of the best things about this kayak is how quick and easy it is to inflate and deflate. It uses two Boston valves and one Speed Valve, and with a decent pump, you can have it ready in under 10 minutes. Packing it away is just as simple, though stuffing it back into the storage bag can be a bit of a squeeze.
At only 18lbs, this is one of the lightest kayaks you’ll find, making it super easy to carry from your car to the water. The bow and stern handles help with lifting and it fits in most trunks when deflated. If you’re short on storage space or need something for spontaneous trips, this is a big plus.
Paddling Experience
This kayak is best suited for flat, slow-moving water, such as small lakes, ponds, or gentle rivers. The wide, short design (9.5ft long, 38in wide) makes it stable, so beginners won’t feel wobbly, but it also means it doesn’t track (go straight) very well. Even with the 16" front fin and 6" skeg, you’ll find yourself correcting your direction often. It’s fine for a relaxed paddle, but if you want to cover distance efficiently, this isn’t the kayak for you.
Made with a 600D/PU-coated fabric and a tarpaulin hull, it’s sturdy enough for casual use but not as tough as higher-end inflatables. The I-beam floor and inner bladder help keep it rigid, though it still feels a bit soft underfoot. One big downside? The fabric takes forever to dry, so you’ll need to air it out thoroughly after use to avoid mildew. The zippered storage hatch is handy for snacks or a water bottle, but it’s not fully waterproof, so don’t trust it with phones or valuables.
For comfort, here’s where things get mixed. The removable seat has decent back support and EVA cushioning, which is nice for short trips, but the cockpit is surprisingly small, with some people (even those around 5'5") not feeling comfortable enough inside, so taller paddlers will definitely feel cramped. The open design gives some legroom, but if you’re over 5'8", you might feel squished.
Final Verdict
The Connelly Nautic 9.5 is a decent starter kayak for calm water, especially if you’re looking for a kayak that’s portable and easy to set up. setup. It’s stable, lightweight and has some handy features like the storage hatch and comfy seat, but the small cockpit, slow-drying fabric and mediocre tracking hold it back from being a great all-around kayak. It’s a shame since Connelly make great water-skis, but we’re thinking they should stick to those.
Want to see how the Connelly Nautic 9.5 compares to other kayaks we tested? Head over to our list of the Top Ten Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.