Aqua Marina Memba 390 Kayak

Summary

Price At Time Of Writing | $949.00

Our Overall Rating | 76 out of 100

Pros - Stable, durable, portable, great tracking

Cons - Uncomfy seats, fiddly pack-down

Overall - Strong touring inflatable with minor comfort trade-offs

Technical Specifications

Open Size - 330x90cm

Weight - 16kg

Load Capacity - 155kg

Packed Size - N/A

Our Analysis & Ratings

The Aqua Marina Memba 390 is a tandem inflatable kayak that positions itself as a serious touring option for paddlers who want to cover distance without sacrificing portability. Based on long-term use, it's a durable and well-thought-out package that delivers impressive performance for its class. Its standout feature is the rigid drop stitch floor, which gives it a stability and feel that rivals many hard shell kayaks. While it does well in tracking and durability, a few ergonomic and comfort choices keep it from being perfect, making it an excellent choice for adventurers who value performance and packability above all else.

Performance (speed, tracking, manoeuvrability, stability, load handling): 6/10

Speed: It's not a speed demon, but it moves through the water efficiently for a tandem inflatable.

Tracking: The combination of its long, streamlined hull and two large centre fins gives it excellent tracking, allowing it to hold a straight course with minimal effort, which is a rarity for inflatable kayaks. There can be a persistent pull to one side, but this is often corrected by making sure the side chambers are inflated to exactly equal pressure.

Stability: The high-pressure drop stitch floor creates an incredibly stable and rigid platform. It feels secure and responsive, not flexing or bending under load.

Load handling and conditions: Its speed and stability makes it great for covering longer distances on lakes and calm rivers, and it handles mild chop and small rapids with confidence.

Construction (materials, seams, valve quality, durability and fittings): 5/10

It's built with Aqua Marina's AQUASHELL technology, a durable polyester cover that offers great UV protection and water repellency. The main tubes are heavy-duty PVC, and the 7cm thick drop stitch floor can be inflated to a high 4.35 PSI, creating a remarkably solid base.

Welded seams throughout boost durability and leak resistance, and the material is tough enough to handle beaching on gravel without significant wear. After years of use, the kayak shows minimal signs of wear, a testament to its quality. The included accessories, like the aluminium paddles, are also of good quality.

Setup/Pack Down (inflation time, valves, folding, and drying): 5/10

Setup is straightforward but requires a bit of a process. The key first step is correctly inserting the drop stitch floor into the hull before inflation. Once that's aligned, inflating the three separate chambers, two sides at 1 PSI and one floor at 4.35 PSI, with the included double-action pump is simple and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The pump has a clear pressure gauge, which is important.

Packing down is logical, and the removable floor is a huge advantage for wiping everything completely dry before storage. The entire package fits well into the provided backpack, though it can be a tight squeeze to get absolutely everything included back in.

Portability (weight, packed size, ease of carrying): 6/10

Weighing 16kg, the Memba 390 is reasonably portable for a tandem kayak. The included backpack is a good design with comfortable straps, making it manageable for one person to carry short distances. It fits easily into a car boot, removing the need for roof racks. This is its greatest advantage: the ability to bring a capable 13-foot touring kayak on any adventure.

For longer carries, the four sturdy handles on the inflated kayak make it easy for two people to transport to the water's edge.

Comfort (seat support, legroom, fatigue over distance): 4/10

The cockpit is spacious, offering plenty of legroom and stretch-out space for two adults. The seats are well cushioned with EVA foam and feature handy storage pockets and drink holders, and they attach securely to the floor with Velcro, preventing slippage, and to the D-rings on the sides with adjustable straps.

While the seat backs are fine for short trips, they lack sufficient lumbar support for long days on the water, so expect some discomfort after a couple of hours. The other minor annoyance is the paddle holders on the sides, which can scrape your knuckles during paddling.

Value for money:

If you're a paddler who needs a portable, high-performance kayak for two and can work around the seat comfort, perhaps with additional cushions, the Memba 390 represents outstanding value and is highly recommended.

Best for:

• Day trips, fishing and light touring on calm waters

• Paddlers who want a tandem kayak with genuine touring performance

• Adventurers who value packability at 16kg and fitting in a car boot without roof racks

• Two adults wanting a spacious, stable cockpit

• Paddlers happy to add extra cushioning for longer days on the water

Overall:

The Aqua Marina Memba 390 is great for its tracking, rock-solid stability and durable construction, and it's a fantastic kayak for day trips, fishing and light touring on calm waters. The main compromises are in long-term seating comfort and a slightly fiddly pack-down process. If you're a paddler who needs a portable, high-performance kayak for two and can work around the seat comfort, the Memba 390 should be one you look into more.