Bote Deus Aero Inflatable Kayak Review (2024)

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This is a review of the Bote Deus Aero inflatable kayak. 

bote deus aero

Today, we’re going to take a look at Bote’s innovative paddle and kayak hybrid, the Bote Deus, and why it’s a favorite model for kayakers of all experience levels. 

The Bote Deus lends itself especially well to inexperienced kayakers who are just getting started. It may be the best inflatable kayak for those who want to experience the water in a variety of ways.

The open hull and wide configuration of the Bote Deus offer kayakers plenty of room to move around. Plus, you can bring along all your favorite gear to really enjoy the water. 

In today’s review, we are going to take a look at some features that you will only find with the Bote Deus. Our review will dive into the details of what makes this kayak so great and who this kayak is best fit for.

Ready to find out if the Bote Deus inflatable kayak is the best fit for you? Read on to see all that this inflatable has to offer and why it’s such a popular model in Bote’s lineup. 

Bote Deus Pros and Cons

The Bote Deus has a great mixture of benefits that lends itself well to kayakers of all experience levels, especially beginners. At a glance, here’s what makes this Bote Deus a popular option to consider. 

What I Like
  • Hybrid model – The hybrid model allows you to switch from sit on top kayak to paddle board in seconds. 
  • The sit on top configuration keeps you dry even if water gets into your boat. 
  • AeroUltra technology gives you a quality built kayak that looks, feels, and performs the way a hard shell would. 
What I Don’t Like
  • The Bote Deus does not come with a paddle, however, you can pick up a lightweight adjustable paddle without much difficulty. 
  • There is a bit of a learning curve to paddling in windy conditions because of the high side chambers 

Who Should Buy the Bote Deus?

The Bote Deus inflatable kayak was designed for all types of kayakers. Because you can transform it into a stand up paddle board, there are different ways it can meet your needs, no matter whether you’re more into SUP or kayaking experiences.. 

All that said, if you are a beginner kayaker, then the Bote Deus can be a great kayak for you. The sit on top configuration allows you to get acclimated to the water if it’s your first time on it. You won’t feel like you’re constrained inside the kayak like you would with other inflatables or even a hard shell. 

Because of the drop stitch construction, you also won’t have the “bounce” that is associated with traditional inflatables. The rigid construction will offer a nice stability, so you’ll feel secure while on the water. 

If you’re ready to remove the top chamber and use it as a stand up paddle board, that stability remains intact. If you are starting out in the world of paddle boarding, the Bote Deus can be a great hybrid model to get you comfortable. 

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Features and Benefits of the Bote Deus Inflatable Kayak 

Ready to see why the Bote Deus inflatable kayak is such a game changer in the world of inflatables? Let’s take a look at some of the best features this inflatable kayak has to offer. 

Also read our Sea Eagle 370 Inflatable Kayak Review.

Easy to Set Up 

The Bote Deus inflatable kayak is easy to set up. It comes packed in a travel bag that is easy to store and to carry around. 

Once unpacked, there are four chambers that need to be inflated. The two side chambers, the bottom chamber, and the top chamber – which also serves as the seat if you slide the seat panel in. 

When fully inflated, the Bote Deus Aero measures out to 11′ L × 33″ W × 14″ D. It features a beautiful teal, grey, and white design with a faux wood front that gives it a nice vintage appearance. 

The Bote Deus Aero is made out of a military grade PVC construction that is very durable, yet makes the Deus incredibly lightweight as well. Fully inflated, this inflatable kayak weighs only 41 lbs. It’s easy to tote around when you are going solo, and effortless when carried with a partner. 

Rigid Drop Stitch Construction 

The Bote Deus is made out of Bote’s inflatable AeroUltra technology. This unique construction is what gives the Deus unparalleled stability mimicking even the best hard plastic kayaks. 

Aero technology relies on a mixture of high quality materials like the military grade PVC skin combined with a drop stitch construction. The drop stitch inflation can be found on the floor chamber and on the side chambers. 

Unlike traditional inflation, drop stitch uses thousands of tiny fibers that connect the top of the board to the bottom of the board. This unique construction makes the Deus super stable and helps to ensure peak rigidity. The boat becomes a super stable kayak that does not bounce back the way traditional inflatables do. 

Over the top of the drop stitch inflation is the military grade PVC construction that protects your Bote Deus from punctures, scratches, and scrapes. Together, this design construction makes the Deus a versatile recreational kayak that can withstand a rough time on the water. It’s also this construction that makes it a stable stand up paddle too. 

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Versatile Kayak Configuration

Speaking of versatility, this inflatable kayak is one of a kind in the Bote’s inflatable kayak category. By utilizing industry shaping design, the Deus Aero can transform from a SUP platform to a kayak in a matter of seconds. 

The removable top chamber provides a sit on top kayak configuration when it is in place. But once you remove the top chamber, you have a super stable stand up paddle board. This hybrid setup means maximum fun – no matter where you are! 

When you want to take apart the sit on top configuration, you can remove the top chamber and use it as an additional float. This can be a fun way to use your Bote Aero if you are going out on a lazy river day. Tack on your Kula, or additional gear and float away. 

The four chambered construction of the Bote Deus Aero is pretty unique as well. At the tail end of the Boat Deus, there is an open transom that allows any water that gets into the boat to stream out. Much like a self bailing cockpit, this open transom keeps water from collecting in your boat. 

And because the seat panel sits high, this recreational kayak is constructed so that you never sit wet. Any water in the cockpit will trickle right underneath your seat panel through the two openings. 

Multiple Seat Positions 

The Bote Deus recreational inflatable kayak enters the inflatable kayak category with no rival thanks in part to its versatile seat positions. This sit on top kayak offers plenty of ways for you to relax on the water. 

First, there is the inflatable top chamber that can be used with or without the easy to slide in seat panel. If you do slide in the seat panel, you can secure it and adjust the support it provides with the G clip attachments. These clips are in the front and the rear. 

Support on a sit on top kayak is especially important because you don’t want the top chamber to sag on you. With the Bote Deus, You won’t feel the seat buckle under you thanks to the drop stitch chamber support right underneath the seat. 

Adjustable Foot Bar

Once you are seated and using the Bote Deus in its paddle configuration, you will find the removable foot bar to be super helpful in allowing you to have the right amount of push back as you paddle. There are three settings on the foot bar, which you can slide  to the right length in order to adjust for your comfort. 

The Deus incorporates this new design to provide a super comfortable experience while you kayak. This uniquely designed feature not found on other inflatable kayaks will only enhance your experience on the water. 

In a paddleboard configuration, you can remove the foot bar to its furthest setting so that it is out of your way, or you can remove it completely. 

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Improved Tracking and stability 

When this inflatable kayak is in its stand up paddle board configuration, the unique design will give you a really fun, sturdy experience. The innovative AeroUltra construction offers exceptional rigidity so that you don’t lose your balance. Plus, the quality grade PVC construction means you won’t lose your grip as you are standing.

The three fins on the bottom of the boat also help with performance. The shorter side fins allow you to have greater tracking as you paddle in kayak configuration. When you use the Bote Deus as a stand up paddle, slide in the removable center fin for better stability. 

The flared bow on the front of the Bote Deus also helps to give you a smooth ride. Due to the rubberized keel, this inflatable kayak will cut through the water cleanly, even in less than calm waters.

What Others are Saying about The Bote Deus

We’ve read countless reviews, and scoured the internet to see what owners of the Bote Deus make of it. Time and time again, owners comment at first glance, feel, and look, about the exceptional construction of the Bote Deus. 

Verified user, Brandy L., shares with Bote,  “I love my Deus. I have back issues that we’re getting worse with my regular ISUP (not Bote brand) but since purchasing my Deus, I can paddle (standing or sitting) for hours without having back issues the next day. I love the stability, flexibility & agility of the Deus. I get compliments & comments on it every time I take it out.” 

The stability Brady expresses is something that users comment about often as well. Unlike a traditional kayak where you might be left feeling sore after an outing, that is not the case with the Boet Deus. 


Because it is much wider than other more traditional kayaks, you have a lot of room to move and stretch around. The ability to move around is welcomed when you are out on lengthy adventures. 

One user on Reddit, Bytesofmirth, raves about the construction, stability, and self bailing tail. However, this user does point out the learning curve that exists when paddling in high wind.

Overall, users really like the construction of the boat, how it performs, and how adaptable it is. This highlights the strength of the boat as being one of the most versatile inflatables for a range of kayakers. 

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Final Thoughts on the Bote Deus Aero

The Bote Deus is a fantastic kayak and SUP hybrid no matter your experience level. If you are just getting started on the water, then this can be a great boat for you to consider. More experienced kayakers will certainly enjoy all the versatility that the boat offers as well. 

If you are ready to take the plunge on a quality built kayak like the Deus, click here to get your hands on this model. Already own one? Be sure to let us know in the comments section what you love about it.

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