Vilano Navigator SUP Review | 2024

The Vilano Navigator SUP is an affordable, all-around inflatable stand up paddle board that was primarily designed for flat water and recreational paddling. If you’re in the market for an entry-level iSUP and you weigh less than 250 pounds, this is certainly a board that’s worth considering.

If Vilano is not a SUP brand that you’ve heard of before, it’s due to the fact that the Florida-based company is primarly recognized for their diverse line of bikes. At this point, Vilano has just a handful of inflatable SUPs ranging in size from 10′ to 12′.

In this Vilano Navigator review, we’ll go over this board’s best features, the construction, who it is best for, what’s included, the Vilano warranty, and the overall pros and cons. If you’re currently shopping for a budget-priced inflatable SUP, hopefully this review will give you a better idea of whether or not this is the best SUP for you.

In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary…

	Pros	Save Versatile, all-around design Save 6" thick, good rigidity Save Very affordable price point Save Plenty of D-ring attachment points for securing gear Save Comprehensive bundle of SUP accessories included
	Cons	Save Warranty is only 12 months Save Paddle doesn't float
	Price & Where to Buy it	Save

Vilano Navigator 10′ SUP Review: Board Overview

For an entry-level board, the Vilano Navigator really has a lot of nice features.

Up top, the Navigator features a diamond groove EVA foam traction pad which is comfortable to stand on and provides good grip. Mid-board is a convenient carry handle which makes it easy to carry the board when it’s fully inflated.

Vilano also includes four stainless steel D-rings along the edges of the deck pad. These are great for securing gear, tying down a SUP cooler, or attaching a kayak seat for seated rowing. Additionally, there are two D-rings located on the port side of the board’s rail — these are for attaching the included shoulder strap which gives you another convenient option for carrying the board when it is fully inflated.

Moving forward toward the board’s nose, you’ll find four additional D-rings with a bungee cord storage area which is perfect for stashing your backpack or drybag, flip flops, and other valuables. The board’s air valve is also located at the nose.

At the tail of the Vilano Navigator SUP is an 11th stainless steel D-ring for attaching a SUP leash. Also, on the flip side is a single, large removable fin.

Vilano currently offers two different Navigator color options: Blue/grey and grey/orange. Both are decent-looking boards, but we find the grey/orange color combo to be the most attractive.

The Vilano Navigator measures 10′ x 31″ x 6″ and is a board that is best suited to paddlers weighing less than 250 pounds. The board’s 6″ thickness and durable Korean PVC drop stitch construction give it good rigidity and durability.

This is the best Vilano SUP model for most paddlers. Larger individuals should bump up to the Voyager, which is 11′ in length and adds another 50 pounds of weight capacity.

Specs

	Length	10'
	Width	31"
	Thickness	6"
	Weight	26 pounds
	Max Capacity	250 pounds

Included SUP Accessories

Vilano has included a nice bundle of SUP accessories with the Navigator, making it a wonderful choice for beginners.

Included with the Navigator is a hand pump with built-in pressure gauge, a SUP backpack, a shoulder strap, and an adjustable SUP paddle. One thing that we would like to see improved is the paddle, as the one that is included does not float.

As with all of the Vilano inflatable SUP boards, the warranty coverage on the Navigator is one year and covers materials and manufacturer defects. This is on the short end as far as SUP warranty durations go, and we’d love to see the coverage extended to 2 or 3 years. Having said that, this is a budget SUP board so it’s understandable that the coverage is limited to a year.

FAQ

What size is the board when it is deflated and rolled up?
When deflated and rolled up, the Navigator is only a foot in diameter and 36″ long. It can easily be stored in a closet or even under a bed when not in use.

Is there anything special that needs to be done to maintain the Vilano Navigator?
Not really. Inflatable paddle boards are made to be extremely durable, and the only thing that you typically need to do is avoid leaving them out in the hot sun for extended periods of time. Also, it’s best to rinse off your board with fresh water and dry it well after each use.

What’s the best way to clean the Navigator?
A quick rinse with fresh water is typically all you’ll need to do. Once in a while, you might want to hit it with some mild soap and water if it needs additional cleaning.

Is the Navigator a good board for paddling my dog around?
Sure! The durable outer skin will protect the board from damage caused by your dog’s nails. Always remember to bring a dog life vest if your pooch is tagging along for a paddle — this is an important SUP accessory that often gets overlooked.

Additional Pictures

Final Thoughts

The Vilano Navigator is a nice entry-level inflatable iSUP that is a good choice for beginning paddlers. While it is a versatile board, it is best-suited for recreational paddling.

Overall, Vilano has packed a lot of value into this package, and we think it’s one of the better inflatable SUP boards under $500. For those who can afford to pay slightly more, we highly recommend the new iROCKER ALL-AROUND 10′ which features bombproof quad-layer PVC construction, safety handles for kids, and a better package of SUP accessories.

There are a couple things that we feel would add even more value to this package. First of all, Vilano might want to consider extending the warranty coverage to two or three years — this would match the best warranties currently being offered and would give buyers added confidence. This is especially important when a company is not yet a household name, as is the case with the Vilano SUP line. Secondly, it would be great if Vilano included a floating paddle with the package.

All in all, the Vilano Navigator SUP is a solid, low-cost inflatable board that should provide many years of fun if taken care of. If you’re in the market for an all-around SUP in this price range, it’s definitely one to seriously consider.

Click Here to Buy the Vilano Navigator SUP