BOTE Deus Aero Kayak
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 10
Setup: 6
Value: 8
OVERALL: 7.2
The inflatable for you and your dog.
The BOTE Deus Aero is one of those watercraft that instantly makes people stop and ask questions. It looks like a kayak, paddles a lot like a stand up paddleboard and promises to do both in one inflatable package. On paper, it sounds like the perfect solution for people short on storage who want comfort, versatility and something that feels more premium than a basic inflatable. In reality, it delivers a very enjoyable experience, but not without some clear trade-offs that are worth understanding before you buy.
Comparison
Rank: #5
Open Size: Mid-long & wide
Packed Size: Bulky pack
Weight: Moderate-heavy
Capacity: Moderate
Best For: Leisure paddlers who want a comfortable, stable inflatable for calm water and relaxed outings.
Pros: Extremely comfortable, very stable, durable build, versatile kayak and SUP use.
Cons: Heavy, expensive, poor tracking in wind, difficult to pack away.
Verdict: A premium, comfort-first inflatable that is great for relaxed paddling but not great for performance-focused users.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the BOTE Deus Aero compares to others in our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks, or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 335cm x 84cm
Packed Size: 91cm x 43cm x 33cm
Weight: 19kg
Capacity: 136kg
Approx Price: $1,299.00
First Impressions
Straight out of the bagm the BOTE Deus Aero feels impressive. The materials are thick, the construction feels solid and once inflated, it genuinely does not feel like a cheap inflatable at all.
It sits high, looks stylish and has a very premium finish that makes it feel more like a small boat than a blow-up toy. The removable seat is big, supportive and comfortable, almost like sitting on a padded chair rather than inside a kayak.
At the same time, you immediately notice the size and weight. This is a big, bulky inflatable and while it feels reassuringly sturdy, it also hints that portability will not be its strongest point. It gives off strong ‘leisure cruiser’ vibes rather than ‘lightweight performance craft,’ which turns out to be a pretty accurate summary, as you’ll see below.
Setup/Packdown
Setting up the Deus Aero is surprisingly straightforward for something that looks so complex. There are five air chambers, but the included hand pump is excellent and makes inflation quicker than expected. Reaching the higher PSI does take effort, but it is manageable for most people, and an electric pump makes the whole process much easier. Attaching the seat and fin is simple and logical, too, so overall, the first-time setup is far less intimidating than it looks.
We found that packing it down is a very different story. This is easily one of the hardest inflatables to get back into its bag. The thick sidewalls and rigid structure require it to be folded in a very specific way, and even then, it can feel like a wrestling match. Drying it properly before storage is also important, as it is not something you want to leave damp inside that tight bag. The wheeled bag helps on flat ground, but it is heavy, awkward on sand and not fun to carry up stairs. Over time, it does get easier, but it is never effortless.
Paddling Experience
It’s easy to see why the Deus Aero is all about comfort and stability.
Sitting down, it feels incredibly secure, even for larger paddlers or those bringing along a dog or a cooler. The seat is high and supportive, making long, relaxed paddles very comfortable. The open design and high sides at the front keep gear dry and give plenty of space to move around.
As a kayak, it paddles more like a SUP than a traditional kayak. It floats high on the water, which makes it stable but means it does not naturally track straight without active paddling. The removable fin helps, but it still requires more correction than a performance-focused kayak. Turning is easy and responsive, which is great for rivers or casual exploring, but over long flat paddles, it can feel a bit inefficient.
Wind is the biggest challenge. Those tall sides act like a sail, especially when standing up or paddling on breezy days. In calm conditions, it is a joy to use, but once the wind picks up, you will work harder to stay on course.
As a SUP, it is very stable and easy to stand on, but again, best enjoyed on still water. This is not a craft designed for speed or distance, but rather for relaxed days on lakes, rivers and sheltered coastal areas.
Final Verdict
The BOTE Deus Aero is a comfortable, stylish and extremely versatile inflatable that shines as a leisure craft. It is not a high-performance kayak or a true SUP replacement, but it does a good job of blending both worlds for casual paddling. The heavy weight, high price and awkward pack-down process are real downsides, but for people who value comfort, space and versatility over speed and efficiency, it can be a very enjoyable piece of gear. If you have calm water access and want something fun, social and flexible, the Deus Aero delivers exactly that.
Want to see how the BOTE Deus Aero compares to others? Check out our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.