Aqua Marina Memba 330 Kayak
Summary
Price At Time Of Writing | $799.00
Our Overall Rating | 76 out of 100
Pros - Stable, lightweight, portable
Cons - Tracking can require effort in wind, budget accessories, slow-drying
Overall - Great value for beginners and recreational use
Technical Specifications
Open Size - 330x90cm
Weight - 13.4kg
Load Capacity - 110kg
Packed Size - N/A
Our Analysis & Ratings
The Aqua Marina Memba 330 is an all-in-one package for the solo recreational paddler. It's designed to be a lightweight, stable and user-friendly inflatable kayak that focuses on ease of transport and setup without completely sacrificing on-water performance. From our experience, it largely succeeds as a fantastic entry-level and holiday kayak, though it makes some understandable trade-offs in tracking and accessory quality to hit its accessible price point.
Performance - The Memba 330's greatest strength is its exceptional initial stability. It feels incredibly secure and is notably resistant to tipping, which inspires confidence for beginners and makes it ideal for relaxed paddling, fishing and photography on calm lakes and slow-moving rivers. The two-fin system does a decent job of keeping it tracking in a straight line, though it can require more corrective paddling, especially in windy conditions or when trying to maintain a brisk pace. It's not a speedy kayak; its wider, stable hull creates more drag, meaning it's better suited for leisurely exploration than covering long distances efficiently. It glides smoothly for an inflatable and handles predictably, living up to its promise as a stable and easy-to-maneuver platform for casual use.
Construction - Aqua Marina has equipped the Memba 330 with several thoughtful construction features. The standout is the 7cm thick drop-stitch floor, which inflates to a high pressure (around 4 PSI) to create a rigid and stable platform that eliminates the flexy ‘banana effect’ common in cheaper inflatables. The main tubes are housed within a durable polyester hull cover (AQUASHELL™) that offers UV protection, feels soft to the touch and provides an extra layer of abrasion resistance. The fabric cover, while durable, can retain moisture and take longer to dry completely before storage, which can be annoying if you’re in a rush. The included accessories are functional but show where costs were saved; the pump feels a bit cheap and the seat straps can be somewhat abrasive against the legs. The fins are notably tricky to install out of the box, often requiring some light sanding to fit smoothly into their slots.
Setup/Pack Down - Setup is generally quick and straightforward, taking between 5 to 10 minutes. The process involves inflating the two main side chambers to a lower pressure (around 1 PSI) and then the high-pressure drop-stitch floor. The included pump has a helpful pressure gauge, though we’d recommend upgrading to an electric pump for even faster inflation. Packing down is equally simple and a major advantage is the generously sized backpack. Unlike many other kayak bags that require precise folding, this one is roomy and makes stowing the kayak and all its accessories stress-free. The key is to ensure the kayak is completely dry before packing it away for long periods to prevent mildew.
Portability - Weighing just 13.4kg, it is significantly lighter than most hardshell kayaks and even many other inflatables, making it manageable for most adults to carry short distances using the multiple rubber handles. The included backpack with straps is a fantastic feature, transforming the entire kit into a single, portable package that can be stored in a car boot, closet, or taken on public transport. For longer walks to the water's edge, you might want to use a collapsible cart due to the weight of the full package, but its portability remains one of its biggest selling points.
Comfort - The Memba offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cockpit. The adjustable, high-backrest seat is well-padded and provides good lumbar support, though it can take some fiddling with the straps to get the backrest perfectly taut. The major comfort omission is the lack of an integrated footrest, which can make maintaining a proper paddling posture over long periods more challenging (a dry bag may work as a workaround). The ample legroom and deck space provide plenty of room for gear and the soft fabric of the side tubes is comfortable against the skin. The positioning of the carry handles and seat straps can sometimes rub against the legs, which we found to be a minor but occasional annoyance.
Overall - The Aqua Marina Memba 330 is an excellent value-packed inflatable kayak that perfectly serves its target audience: beginners, casual paddlers and anyone with strict storage constraints. For its price, it delivers a reliable, durable and highly convenient entry into the world of kayaking that is tough to beat. If your goals are relaxed exploration on sheltered waters without the hassle of roof racks, the Memba 330 is a highly recommended choice.
