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 robust 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 - On the water, the Memba 390 performs admirably. 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. The high-pressure drop-stitch floor creates an incredibly stable and rigid platform; it feels secure and responsive, not flexing or bending under load. This makes it great for covering longer distances on lakes and calm rivers, and it handles mild chop and small rapids with confidence. Sometimes there a persistent pull to one side, but this can often be corrected by making sure the side chambers are inflated to exactly equal pressure. It's not a speed demon, but it moves through the water efficiently for a tandem inflatable.
Construction - 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. 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 - 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, one floor at 4.35 PSI) with the included double-action pump is simple and takes about 10–15 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 - 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 book, 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 - This is where the kayak can be improved. 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 know you will be feeling discomfort after a couple of hours. The other minor annoyance is the paddle holders on the sides, which can scrape your knuckles during paddling.
Overall - The Aqua Marina Memba 390 is great for its tracking, rock-solid stability and robust 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 (perhaps with additional cushions), the Memba 390 represents outstanding value and is highly recommended.
