BOTE Zeppelin Tested – Comfortable Kayak Perfect for Drifting and Fishing

The BOTE Zeppelin inflatable kayak offers a unique blend of convenience, comfort, and versatility. The Zeppelin is a kayak designed for fishing and river paddles. It is not the fastest kayak on the water but it is one of the most stable and most comfortable kayaks.

Let’s dive into what makes this kayak stand out, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and determine who it’s best suited for.

BOTE Zeppelin

BOTE Backcountry Amazon

What we liked:

Exceptional stability and comfort.
Easy to store and transport due to its inflatable design.
Generous storage and accessory options.
Complete package with paddle, pump, and carry bag included.

What we didn’t like:

Slower paddling performance due to its width and short length.
Lack of wheels and dual handles on the carry bag.
Higher price point, especially when not on sale.

Specifications

Size – 10′ x 38″
Weight Capacity – 300 lbs
Kayak Weight – 37.5 lbs
What is included – Kayak, inflatable seat, double action pump, 4 piece aluminum paddle and bag.

Video Review

Key Features of the BOTE Zeppelin

1 – Drop-Stitch Construction

The Zeppelin is built with a high-pressure drop-stitch floor, providing a rigid platform that enhances durability and stability while keeping the kayak lightweight and portable.

3 – Self-Draining Floor

The kayak features eight drain holes to quickly release water, ensuring a dry and safe ride even in choppy conditions or after a splash.

5 – Inflatable Seat

The seat is a standout feature, offering adjustable straps for custom angles and a plush feel that resembles sitting in a La-Z-Boy. This makes long days on the water exceptionally comfortable.

5 – Storage and Gear Holders

With ample storage at the rear, a bungee system at the front, and two fishing rod holder mounts, the Zeppelin caters to anglers and adventurers who like to bring their gear along.

The Zeppelin has a Magnepod in front of the seat on the kayak floor that you can use with Magnepod accessories. There are things available such as water bottles and speakers that will stick to the Magnepod magnet.

5 – Portability and Ease of Use

The kayak deflates to fit into a backpack-style carry bag. Although the bag lacks wheels and dual handles, its backpack straps make transportation manageable. At 45 pounds in the bag, the kayak is light enough to carry short distances but not much more.

I have had a few different BOTE kayaks and paddleboards now. One thing that is common is that the carry and storage bag always leaves you wishing for more handles. The Zeppelin bag has no wheels and very few handles on it. It’s 45 lbs so this is not a light and easy to carry object. BOTE doesn’t like to put features into the bags.

5 – Complete Package

The Zeppelin includes a four-piece adjustable paddle, a double-action hand pump, and a repair kit, making it ready to hit the water out of the box.

The pump is a simple double action, single chamber pump. It gets the job done but not much more. The paddle is aluminum with a 4 piece shaft. The length is adjustable. It’s got drip cups and overall works well.

The Zeppelin needs a longer paddle than most kayaks because of the height of the seat and width of the tubes. The paddle has a good range of adjustment that should work for most paddlers.

Paddling Performance

1 – Stability and Comfort

Stability is one of the Zeppelin’s strong points. Its 38-inch width ensures a steady ride, even in choppy water. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who values a sense of security while kayaking.

The inflatable seat is one of the most comfortable kayak seat I have ever tried. You sit well above the kayak floor giving you some knee bend. The seat itself just has good support and enough cushion that you don’t go numb after an hour sitting on it. It’s as close to as La-Z-Boy as you can get on the water.

The Zeppelin may look unstable because of how far off the water you sit. The width of the side tubes makes it a very stable kayak to sit on. It does not feel tippy at all while your getting in and out of the seat. It is designed so that you can stand on it for fishing.

2 – Speed and Glide

At 10 feet long and 38 inches wide, the Zeppelin is not designed for speed. This is the worst part about the Zepplin. It is slow. It does not glide very far. The wide tubes give it a lot of drag.

I did an 8 mile trip with the Zeppelin at Pinkey Rec Area in Michigan. Part of the paddle is a river connecting Hell, Michigan back to the lakes. The current was very strong that day. The Zeppelin made it back up stream but it was a paddling war that I almost didn’t win.

3 – Tracking

Equipped with a center sliding fin and a keel, the kayak tracks well in straight lines. However, its short length limits its glide.

4 – Turning Ability

The compact design and light weight make it highly maneuverable, ideal for tight spaces or winding waterways.

Setup

Setting up the Zeppelin is straightforward, though some effort is required to inflate the kayak to its recommended pressures (15 PSI for the floor and 2 PSI for the side tubes).

The double action pump works okay for inflating this. The drop-stitch floor has to inflate to 15 psi which will give you a good workout. I recommend getting an electric pump to make this task easier.

The seat secures with four tie-downs and adjustable straps, ensuring it stays in place even when paddling hard. Adjusting the seatback angle is easy, providing customizable support.

Who Would Enjoy the BOTE Zeppelin?

The Zeppelin is ideal for casual paddlers, anglers, and first-time kayakers. Its stability, comfort, and gear storage make it perfect for:

• Fishing trips.
• Drifting down calm rivers or lakes.
• Recreational use with a focus on comfort over speed.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

If your looking for a kayak to go exploring and you want to paddle long distances look for something else. This is not a kayak that is pleasant to paddle long distances. If this is the case, I would check out the Sea Eagle 393RL which is very good for long distances but is not beginner friendly.

Recommendation

The BOTE Zeppelin inflatable kayak is a fantastic option for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and ease of use. While it isn’t the fastest kayak on the market, it excels as a versatile and user-friendly option for recreational paddling and fishing. Beginners and leisure paddlers will especially appreciate its forgiving nature and thoughtful features.

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Ryan Craig
Chief Editor

I am a total gear nerd and love learning how things work and thinking about how they could be improved. Nothing excites me more than trying out new gear. I’d rather spend 3 hours taking my bike apart and learning how to change something than go to a bike shop. These days, I reside in Michigan by the Great Lakes and go skiing, biking, and boating as much as possible. Visit our About Us page and learn more.

ryan@greatlakesbikeskiboat.com