This is a review of the Bote Lono Aero inflatable kayak.
If you enjoy being out on the water then you know having the right type of gear for your adventure is key. With the Bote Lono Aero inflatable kayak, you get the best of all worlds so that you never have to compromise.
This state of the art inflatable kayak is great for individuals who want a jack of all trades kayak. The Bote Lono Aero is one of the best Bote inflatable kayaks because of its ability to adapt right on the water. It can transform from an impressive inflatable fishing kayak to a sturdy high quality stand up paddle or SUP in a matter of seconds.
When the Lono Aero is in the form of a fully functional kayak, you have a dependable boat with peak rigidity. This ‘no bounce’ construction allows you to stay on the water for hours, giving you a similar if not better experience than if you were on a hard shell kayak.
In this review, we take a look at all the amazing features and benefits that this inflatable kayak provides, and see what other users who have purchased this inflatable kayak make of it.
Read on to see if this could be your next favorite inflatable kayak to take out the next time you hit the water.
Pros and Cons of the Bote Lono Aero Inflatable Kayak
- The Lono Aero features a trendy design and impressive build thanks to the Aerotech construction, removable center fin, removable top weight, and kula port located in rear.
- It quickly transforms into a SUP. The removable top weight can be a tandem storage unit for calm river tubing.
- There is ample space in the cockpit to move around in. It’s also a great place for a furry friend that tags along to relax in.
- The travel bag is quality built and offers light towing. Easily stores all your gear including the hand pump.
- The standard package does not come with added accessories like the Bote magnetic drinkware, the Rocket Rac, or Bote Kula. This is a bit disappointing considering the price.
- The Lono sits high making it a tricky boat to navigate in extremely windy or choppy conditions. However, the Lono is intended for calmer waters and performs spectacularly in this setting.
Who Should Buy the Bote Lono Aero?
If you’re an intermediate or advanced kayaker looking to step up your adventure on the water, then Bote’s Lono Aero is an amazing inflatable kayak. It’s made for water lovers who can’t decide whether they want to go kayak fishing, go out for a fun kayak on the river, or want to enjoy the water with some fun paddle boarding.
You get so much versatility with the Lono Aero inflatable kayak and the best part is, you don’t have to decide on the spot how to use it. Everything will travel with you in an easy to pack, quality built travel bag that can effortlessly be transported in the trunk of your car.
This makes the Lono Aero a great choice for people who love variety in the way they use their kayak, and value portability when it comes to their gear.
While the Bote Lono Aero inflatable is on the higher side of the price point when it comes to inflatable kayaks, it’s easy to see why. It’s four-chamber design means it is possible to configure the boat to your specific needs – remove the top chamber and you’ve got a paddle board. Load up the lower chamber with fishing gear, and you’ve got an impressive fishing kayak.
This boat is definitely best suited for people who love customization. It’s aimed at those who want a diversity in their kayak, and value the freedom to use their watercraft in different ways.
Truly, when you tweak the different options available for you in the Bote Lono Aero, it really is like you are modifying a hard shell kayak to meet your needs.
Features of the Bote Lono Aero Inflatable Kayak
So what exactly makes Bote Lono Aero one of the best high quality fishing kayak and SUP combos on the market? Let’s take a close look at all the features and benefits that this hybrid inflatable kayak can offer
Set Up
There are different packages to consider when looking at a Bote Lono Aero inflatable fishing kayak. With each package, different accessories will be included, and you can always add on additional accessories.
Right off the bat, the lack of accessories is a downside of the standard package of the Bote Lono kayak. For a high quality inflatable kayak and SUP combination, it’s a bit disappointing that there aren’t more add ons in the base package.
However, with an inflatable fishing kayak like this, you’re not necessarily purchasing it for the accessories. In fact, users buy a kayak like the Bote Lono because of its truly unmatched construction and performance. If there are certain accessories you want to have on your boat, you can always bump up your package to tailor your boat to your needs.
Carrying Bag
Before you even open up the Lono Aero inflatable kayak, you’ll realize it’s a quality kayak. It’s easy to see because of the impressive travel bag.
This travel bag is state of the art in terms of construction, design, and portability. The kayak rolls back up easily and fits snugly into the suitcase style travel bag. And because of the travel wheels on the bottom of the bag, you can easily pull it from one location to another as you would a suitcase.
Anchor and Pedal Port
With the Bote Lono Aero inflatable kayak, you will find an included pair of slide-in Aero rac receivers and a removable Aero sandspear sheath that’s a great shallow water anchor. There is also a pedal port if you want to bump up your Lono Aero to a pedal driven kayak from a paddle driven one.
If you want to keep it as is, the clear cover peddle port allows you to look underwater, which is pretty neat. The standard package will also include an Aero repair kit and a high quality Bote hand pump.
This set up transforms from a folded up travel bag to fully inflated kayak in just under ten minutes. Fully inflated, the Lone measures 12′6″L × 35.5″W × 20″D with a loaded bag weight of 73 lbs.
Aerotech Construction
Like the rest of the inflatable Kayaks in Bote’s lineup, the construction of the Bote Lono Aero inflatable is undeniably impressive. For starters, the aesthetic of the Bote Lono Aero inflatable kayak is incredibly well thought out. It’s the perfect mix of rugged and trendy, falling right in line with what a high quality inflatable should look like.
Underneath the surface of design is where the Lono Aero stands out. Bote uses its state of the art Aero technology to craft a high quality, rigid, and durable kayak fishing inflatable.
Layered Build
The inner core of the Lono Aero has tens of thousands of tiny composite fibers. These fibers connect the top half of the board with the bottom half in what is known as a drop stitch construction. Once you inflate the four chambers, these fibers work to create a really nice and rigid inflation that allows the kayak to feel sturdy and strong.
The impressive inflation technology does not stop there. Bote includes a second layer known as a fusion composite layer. This layer sits just above the drop stitch inflated chamber. Lastly, you’ll find a final BVA foam pad on top of the fusion composite layer.
This foam pad gives the board its nice comfortable and high quality feel. Whether you use it as a standard kayak or a SUP, you will feel extremely stable thanks to the non slip, stable surface.
Underneath the board, Bote has gone a step further by using a durable military grade PVC skin that protects the underside. The base is virtually indestructible when it comes to scratches and punctures. Even on rough surfaces like oyster beds, your kayak should not succumb to a puncture, thanks to mounted side bite fins and a keel guard.
Finally, the best part about this impressive Aerotech build is that the high quality construction does not take away from the weight of the boat. You still have an incredibly lightweight kayak that is easy to transport.
This lightweight portability both before and after the Lono Aero is inflated is one of the key features of the Aeroultra technology Bote is so well known for.
Additional Attachments
With the Bote Lono, there are some attachments that you’ll certainly want to consider. A great attachment is the Bote Rocket Rac that can conveniently hold four different fishing rods.
If you are a tournament kayak fisherman, then this rack attachment will allow you to stay on the water for as long as you need. Much like a traditional fishing boat would allow you to do.
Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System
Other accessories include the Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System. These two components allow you to have greater control over your navigation and speed. The pedal driven operation transforms your experience on the water and helps you take a break from paddling so that you have no more numb fingers while out on long adventures.
Bote Kula
Lastly, there’s also the iconic Bote cooler or “Kula” as the brand stylistically prefers. The sold separately Kula allows you to pack along refreshing drinks and snacks that will stay nice and cold. For a hot summer’s day on the water, this can be a great luxury feature that will allow you to enjoy your adventure that much more.
Bote’s Kula conveniently pops into the built in Kula port on the Lono kayak. If you have a different model of the Bote kayaks, the Kula will also pop into those boats too.
Performance
The performance of the Lono Aero inflatable kayak is truly unmatched. The incredibly well built construction coupled with all the ways you can tailor the boat really offer you superb performance.
There are three fins on the bottom and with the removable center fin, you have really amazing tracking and control. The center fin gives you steady tracking, while the keel guard and mounted bite fins protect the base when you are in shallow water. You will also have increased tracking with the sidebite fins on the hull of the boat.
Separate Pedal System for Speed
If you want to bump up the speed, you can install the sold separately peddle system. Doing so gives you faster speeds, greater control, and overall more fun on the water. Lastly, you can always bump up to the sold separately kayak paddle for better performance.
Accessory Mount
If you are an adventurer who loves to capture your time on the water, you will certainly love the accessory mounting point on the front of the boat. The Lono Aero is one of the few inflatables that will include an accessory mounting point to capture your adventures via GoPro or other compatible devices.
Apex Pedal Drive
The Apex pedal port features a clear cover that allows you to see right through your board into the water when it’s not in use. Once you open the Apex pedal port, you can install the Pedal Drive system using the Apex link bar connector.
When the pedal system is in place, you can install the rudder steering on either the left or right side of the kayak using the rudder steering attachment points. The Apex pedal drive delivers superb performance that’s worth the upgrade.
Versatility
There are so many great features about the Bote Lono, but perhaps the best is the fact that it can transform from a fishing kayak to a high quality stand up paddle configuration in a matter of seconds.
As a Kayak
When it is in its kayak form, the boat has a really sturdy and high quality removable top chamber. This chamber is made out of the same rigid and sturdy Aero technology as the rest of the kayak. The removable seat weight is 7 lbs and provides you with plenty of comfort and space for when you’re out on a long day of fishing.
This top chamber has the classic adjustable ergonomic Bote seat. The seat is supported by a hard plastic insert that keeps the seat from drooping. Plus, because you are high above the water, any water that bails out of the boat will touch only your feet, leaving your bum nice and dry!
As a SUP
When you remove the top chamber, the Bote Lono Aero inflatable easily transforms into a SUP. Once removed, there are many ways you can use the removable top. Leave it behind so that you can go out with a SUP or bring it along, but allow it to be a tandem piece that carries along your kids, dog, or cooler on lazy river days.
Fishing
Not many inflatables can serve as quality fishing kayaks. With the Lono Aero, the unlikely is completely reimagined with the result being a superb fishing machine.
The back of the Bote Lono features a self bailing open bow space. Along with removing excess water, this open section allows you to do an array of fishing activities. You will have plenty of space to set out your stripping fly line, and if you add in the Rocket Roc, you can set out up to four spinnings or fly rods.
Spacious Design
There is lots of room for you to move around as you fish too. And because the core of the boat is a SUP to begin with, you can fish standing up if you want to get a bit of that SUP fishing experience.
If you prefer to sit instead for some paddle fishing, the cockpit has plenty of space for you to take a seat without feeling cramped. Because you are sitting high on the water, you will have plenty of room to move around the way you would with a larger capacity kayak.
Along with being able to move around freely, there is enough space for you to reach for all your needs while out on the water. The Bote Kula port is located right behind the seat. This allows you to easily turn around to grab a cool drink or refreshing snack.
Because you get so many different ways to experience the water, you can say goodbye to compromise with the Bote Lone Aero inflatable kayak. The versatility of being able to do different types of fishing with Lono Aero is really unmatched.
Storage
With all durable inflatable kayaks, there has to be a space for you to store away your belongings while out on an adventure. With the Bote Lone Aero inflatable kayak, it’s pretty impressive just how much extra gear storage space you will actually have access to.
Cockpit Storage
The first major storage area is the cockpit. The hull weight has a capacity of 51 lbs. Here you will find bungee straps set up that will allow you to secure necessary belongings according to the hull weight. The bungee cords on the rear allow you to secure other items you bring along but don’t want to risk getting wet.
Under-seat Storage
Underneath the seat is a nice spot for you to store fishing gear like a tackle box. And with a velcro attachment at the rear of the boat, you don’t have to worry about your gear falling out. The velcro stash pockets on the rear and velcro stash pockets on the sides of the boat are also great for tucking away gear too.
Although the removable top chamber has a port for your Kula, you can always keep it empty. This will allow you to have another section of the boat for stuffing away additional belongings.
What Others Say About the Bote Lono Aero
Users who have purchased the Bote Lono Aero inflatable are impressed by how the construction is able to ensure peak rigidity. This gives kayakers a strong sense of stability when they are sitting, standing, and moving on the boat.
Some users have noted how the stability can get lost in conditions where there are high winds or choppy waters. While this is expected of an inflatable kayak that sits high, under normal conditions, you won’t have this issue. One Reddit user highlights his experience with riding on choppy waves,
Another Reddit user highlights how stable and spacious the Lono Aero is. Scrimshanderer shares his first impression and experience,
Overall, the Bote Lono Aero inflatable has proven to be a really well-built inflatable kayak. It’s really well suited for individuals who want to go out fishing but also want to have a boat that they can take out to relax in too.
Conclusion
As with all inflatable kayaks, the best kayak for you is the one that fits your needs. What makes the Bote Lono Aero such a great inflatable kayak to consider is the fact that you can tailor it to fit your needs exactly.
While it is on the pricier side when it comes to inflatable kayaks, it’s undeniably one of the best constructions out there. Say goodbye to compromise and get it all with the Bote Lono Aero inflatable.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on the Bote Lono Aero inflatable kayak, click here.
We hope our review of the Bote Lono Aero inflatable has helped guide you in your journey to finding your next favorite inflatable kayak.
