If you’re looking for a budget-friendly inflatable paddle board that can handle a variety of water conditions and loads, you might want to check out the iRocker Nautical 11’6. This board is a great option for beginner and intermediate paddlers who want a stable, speedy, and versatile board that won’t break the bank.
The Nautical 11’6 is one of the budget paddle boards in iRocker’s lineup, and it’s designed to offer a balance between performance and affordability. It’s made from two layers of PVC and a drop stitch core, making it durable and rigid. It also comes with a three-fin setup, 18 d-rings, an action mount, and a spacious deck pad.
I had the chance to test out the Nautical 11’6 on various occasions, and I was impressed by its stability, speed, and tracking. It’s not the most rigid or maneuverable board I’ve ever tried, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. Plus, it comes with a complete SUP package that includes a fiberglass paddle, a coiled leash, a dual action hand pump, a repair kit, and a backpack.
In this article, I’ll share my review of the iRocker Nautical 11’6 paddle board, covering everything from its construction and durability to its features and accessories. I’ll also compare it to some other boards on the market, and give you my final verdict on whether it’s worth buying or not. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The Nautical 11’6 is featured in:
Stability of the iRocker Nautical 11’6 paddle board (8.2 / 10)
If you’ve been searching high and low for the perfect SUP board, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “stability is key” more times than you can count. And let me tell you, they weren’t kidding. Especially if you’re an SUP newbie, a stable board can make or break your paddle boarding experience.
Take it from me, I’ve wiped out more times than I care to admit, and I can tell you that a stable paddle board can make the difference between a fun day out on the water and a bruised ego. But enough about me, let’s talk about the iRocker Nautical 11’6.
The Nautical 11’6 paddle board is a dream when it comes to stability. Where the Nautical 10’6 is a great choice for lighter paddlers, the Nautical 11’6 is a comfortable and stable ride for riders of all sizes and holds its own in various water conditions.
Now, I’m no lightweight. Tipping the scales at 220 lbs, I’ve ridden my fair share of budget boards that couldn’t handle the heat. But the Nautical 11’6? It took everything I could throw at it and stayed as stable as a rock.
I tested it out in 16 knots of wind, with some small waves coming from the side, and never once did I feel like I was about to take an unexpected swim.
And it wasn’t just me who thought so. One of our readers recently shared their experience with the Nautical, stating, “The Nautical was by far our favourite paddle board. It was easy to inflate, maneuver and felt very stable.” Talk about a rave review!
Now, I have to be honest here. The Nautical 11’6 isn’t quite as stable as some of the wider paddle boards, like the Bote HD Aero, Gili Meno 11’6 or Blackfin XL. But remember, these boards are wider and have more surface area to distribute your weight. So, it’s kind of like comparing apples to oranges.
Speed of the iRocker Nautical 11’6 inflatable paddle board (8.5 / 10)
Let’s talk about speed. The Nautical 11’6’s long waterline and streamlined shape make it a speedy little number. When I took it out for a spin, I was pleasantly surprised at how lightweight and quick this board was.
I found the Nautical 11’6 to be faster than some of the wider, heavier paddle boards like the Bote HD Aero and Blackfin XL. It’s not quite a true touring board, but if you’re a lighter paddler (like, less than 200 lbs), you could totally use this as a budget-friendly touring alternative.
So, if you’re looking for a budget all-around SUP that can carry a little extra weight, the iRocker Nautical 11’6 might just be your perfect match. It’s stable, it’s speedy and best of all, it won’t break the bank. Just remember, it’s not about the board, it’s about the rider. So, get out there and start paddling!
Tracking of the iRocker Nautical 11’6 (9 / 10)
You know that moment when you’re out paddle boarding, the sun is shining, the water is clear, and your board is gliding along like a dream? That’s the feeling I got testing the iRocker Nautical 11’6. Let me tell you, this thing tracks like it’s on rails.
Now, if you’re new to the paddle boarding world, you might be wondering, what the heck is tracking? Well, my friend, it’s the ability of a paddle board to hold its course. In simpler words, it’s all about staying straight when you’re paddling.
Ever tried paddling a board that veers off course every few strokes? Not fun, right? Good tracking makes your paddling more efficient, smoother, and frankly, way more enjoyable.
So, how does the Nautical 11’6 achieve this sweet tracking? Let’s talk fins. This inflatable paddle board sports a three-fin setup – a large center fin flanked by two smaller side fins. All the fins are removable, giving you the option to adapt the fin setup to your paddling needs.
I put the Nautical 11’6 to the test in all sorts of water conditions – from the calm serenity of a peaceful lake to choppy waters under a wind of 16 knots. And let me tell you, this board held its own. The tracking was on point, with minimal correction strokes needed.
So, where does the Nautical 11’6 stand amongst the sea of other iSUPs, you ask? Well, in terms of tracking, it’s a beast. Compared to other budget iSUPs, it’s a clear winner. Thanks to its shape, length, and that trusty fin system, it outperforms most of its peers in the same price range.
How about the high-end, pricy boards, you wonder? Surprisingly, the Nautical 11’6 holds its own. I’ve tried more expensive boards like the Gili Meno 11’6 and the Blackfin Model XL, and honestly, the tracking pretty much holds up.
Bottom line? The Nautical 11’6 is a showstopper for a budget inflatable paddle board. Its tracking ability is a testament to its well-designed three-fin setup, its sleek shape, and length. If you’re a beginner looking for a paddle board that won’t have you zig-zagging across the water, this one’s a solid bet.
Maneuverability of the iRocker Nautical 11’6 (7.5 / 10)
Let’s talk maneuverability, folks. In the world of stand up paddle boarding, maneuverability is your best friend. It’s the magic that lets your board turn on a dime, dodge those unexpected obstacles and, let’s be honest, makes the whole experience a lot more fun.
Now, how maneuverable is the iRocker Nautical 11’6? Well, that’s a great question. I’m glad you asked.
You see, the Nautical 11’6 is longer than your typical stand up paddle board. It’s fairly long water line and slightly streamlined shape make it glide on the water like a hot knife through butter. But don’t just take it from me, the iRocker Nautical 11’6 has received rave reviews from other paddleboarding enthusiasts, who also love its smooth and fast performance.
But let’s come back to maneuverability. If maneuverability to you means being able to pull some paddleboarding tricks and navigate around those pesky rocks and logs, the Nautical 11’6 might not be your first pick. Why? At 11’6 in length, it’s not as nimble as some of the shorter boards out there.
However, it’s light as a feather, which I found to be a huge plus. I could easily pull the board around with my paddle strokes, and even though it’s not the most maneuverable board I’ve ever tried, it’s not a deal-breaker.
In the grand scheme of things, I’d say the iRocker Nautical 11’6 paddle board offers a good balance between speed, stability, and maneuverability. It’s not going to turn as quickly as some smaller boards, but it’s not going to leave you struggling to keep up with your mates either.
Remember, my paddleboarding friends, every board will have its pros and cons. What matters is that you find the one that suits your style and needs the best.
Construction and Durability of the iRocker Nautical 11’6
Let me tell you about the construction and durability of the Nautical paddle board.
The Nautical is made from two layers of PVC and a drop stitch core. This makes it sturdy yet flexible, a combo that’s pretty hard to find. Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. The iRocker and Blackfin boards, with their three layers of PVC, do have a more solid feel. But hey, the Nautical 11’6 isn’t half bad!
Here’s where it gets interesting. We thought, why not put the Nautical 11’6 to the test? And no, we didn’t just take it out for a lazy Sunday cruise. We conducted what we like to call a ‘bent test‘. Now, you might be wondering, what on earth is a bent test? Well, it’s simple – and pretty ‘scientific’ if I do say so myself.
We balanced the board on two sawhorses set at a particular distance. Then, we placed a whopping 150 lbs of weight smack in the middle of the board. The goal? To see how much the board would bend. Is this exactly what it would face on the water? Not really. But it does help gauge the paddle board’s rigidity in a way that’s measurable and easy to compare with other paddle boards.
The Nautical 11’6 paddle board bent a neat 2″. Not bad for a budget board, huh? But, just to put things into perspective, boards of similar length like the Blackfin XL and the Gili Meno 11’6 bend only about 13/16″ and 2″ 1/16 respectively.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not here to rain on the Nautical 11’6 parade. The bend is a bit more, sure. But let’s not forget – this board is a budget-friendly option. And for the price, the board holds up pretty well. In my experience, it can handle a variety of paddling conditions and loads.
So, what’s the takeaway here? If you’re a beginner paddler who’s on the lookout for a well constructed, durable paddle board that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, the Nautical 11’6 might just be the one for you.
A word of advice though – always remember to consider your own needs and preferences before making a choice. After all, paddle boarding is all about having a good time, isn’t it?
Features and Accessories of the iRocker nautical 11’6
When it comes to budget boards, the iRocker Nautical 11’6 iSUP is an absolute champ, especially for those of us that are a little on the heavier side or love to paddle with some extra company. I mean, who wouldn’t want to bring along an extra person, a furry friend, or some extra gear while paddling? And trust me, this board makes it a breeze.
Now, let’s dig into the board specs that make the Nautical 11’6 a standout. First off, the three carry handles. These are located on the nose, center, and tail of the board and believe me, they’re a lifesaver when it comes to schlepping your board in and out of the water. Not to mention, the 4 grab handles on the 2 bungees that make handling the board a cinch, especially when your board is wet and you’re trying not to get soaked.
Next, we have the 18 d-rings. These are absolutely perfect for attaching your leash or optional accessories like a kayak conversion kit. Maybe you’re in the mood for a kayak seat or a cooler deck bag? Or need to tow the board? These d-rings have got you covered. The Nautical also comes with an action mount for attaching an action camera, waterproof speaker, cup holder, phone holder or fishing rod holder.
And let’s not forget about the spacious deck pad. It’s soft on your feet and offers enough space for a little SUP yoga. Nothing like a downward dog with a view, am I right?
When it comes to the fin setup, the Nautical has a trio of fins. One larger center fin and two smaller side fins. All fins are removable and easy to attach and remove through the snap-in fin boxes that iRocker uses.
The slight downside is that these fin boxes aren’t compatible with ‘standard’ US fin boxes, so finding aftermarket fins can be a bit of a challenge. But, on the bright side, if you lose a fin, iRocker sells replacements.
Now onto the accessories. The Nautical comes with an adjustable fiberglass paddle. I found the paddle to have little flex, which I personally prefer as it allows for more direct and efficient strokes.
The board also comes with a coiled leash, dual action hand pump, a repair kit, and a great quality backpack. A heads up though, the backpack doesn’t come with wheels, but you can snag these as an optional accessory. While this might seem like a downside to those who travel with their board, it does make the total package more compact and lighter. So, if you’re planning on a trek to your favorite SUP spot, this could actually be a plus.
All in all, the iRocker Nautical 11’6 is a pretty solid choice for anyone looking to get into paddle boarding without breaking the bank.
Cost and value
Let’s talk value for a moment, shall we? When you’re dipping your toes into the world of paddle boarding, you’re probably not ready to shell out big bucks for a high-end board.
That’s where the Nautical 11’6 comes into play. It’s a budget board that stands heads and shoulders above most other budget SUPs, and that can even hold its own against some more premium boards.
I’ve been on plenty of boards in my time, and I can tell you that the Nautical offers incredibly good value for its relatively low price. Check the current price of the Nautical 11’6 paddle board.
Warranty and customer service
Now, let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked: warranty and customer service. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You buy something, it arrives damaged, and then you’re stuck in customer service purgatory. Thankfully, iRocker isn’t like that. They offer a 1-year warranty on the Nautical, covering any manufacturing defects or damages during shipping.
In my experience, their customer service is pretty good, too. I’ve heard from readers who have had to deal with them once or twice, and each time, they’ve been responsive and helpful. So not only are you getting a great board at a great price, you’re also getting peace of mind. And let’s be honest, you can’t really put a price on that, can you?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iRocker Nautical 11’6 paddle board is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly inflatable SUP that can handle a variety of water conditions and loads.
Its weight capacity of 265 lbs, make the Nautical ideal for heavier riders or those who like to paddle with some extra company. Whether you want to bring along your kid, your dog, or your cooler, the Nautical can handle it with ease.
The Nautical is also a great option for paddlers who need more space and stability on their board. With its 11’6 length and 32″ width, the Nautical offers plenty of room for you and your gear. You can also use the 18 d-rings and the two bungee cords to secure your belongings and keep them within reach.
Finally, the Nautical offers a good balance between stability, speed, tracking, and maneuverability, and comes with a complete accessory package that includes everything you need to get started. It’s not the most rigid or agile board on the market, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.
