Gili 12′ / 15′ Manta Ray Multi-Person Inflatable SUP Board Review

Reviewed By Charles Davis / Paddle Boards Editor

September 26, 2022

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12′ / 15′ MANTA RAY MULTI-PERSON INFLATABLE

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Summary

For the ultimate water adventure with family or friends, the Gili 12’/15’ Manta Ray Multi-Person Inflatable SUP Board is what you need to invest in. The extra wide and ultra long iSUP comes in two sizing options to ensure you find the perfect model for your needs.

The largest SUP in the Gili paddleboard family, you can choose the 12 foot long or 15 foot long option to fit family or friends, your pet dog, and essential gear for your water expedition. The oversized fun paddle boards also offer more generous deck space, up to 45 and 56 inches, respectively.

Thanks to its spacious design and uninterrupted performance, the paddleboard caters to all water adventure needs. You can use it for anything from touring rides with friends or family, to fishing trips, or even, longer camping trips.

In addition to the obvious oversized design of the board, the Manta Ray series also achieves a top score when it comes to the necessary and practical accessories. For one, this ultimate multi-person inflatable paddle board comes with two break-apart 3-piece travel paddles and a durable rolling duffel bag. Inside the SUP package, you will also find two dual chamber hand pumps, a 9-inch snap-in race fin, 4 snap-in side fins, and a repair kit.

The family-friendly paddleboard is made using military-strength PVC material with a fully seamed finish. In turn, this gives the board superior durability and solid stability to withstand the elements of different water conditions. This construction style also gives the board light and portable finish, with a total board weight of just 35 and 5 lbs., respectively.

Moreover, the inflatable SUP board maintains a generous load capacity. The inflatable board can support loads of up to 725 and 1150 lbs, respectively. With such a high capacity, the boards allow you to bring on board a good number of people. The 12-foot long model can comfortably carry up to 3 riders while the 15-foot option supports 5+ riders.

But, even with its extra wide and long profile, the multi-person iSUP holds impressively on various water conditions, whether you drag it through shallow waters or circumvent water with a slight current. The seams on the board plus its slightly pointed nose ensure minimal drag when paddling.

The Manta Ray series paddle board stands out for its multi-person ability. However, its second significant selling point is the generous accessories it comes with. The board features multiple Scotty and action mounts to accommodate various gear on your trip. You can bring with you anything from Gili Waterproof speakers so you can jam to your playlist mid-river or an action camera to capture the adventure memories.

You can also attach fishing rods or transform the iSUP into an inflatable kayak instantly by mounting kayak seats. You will also find oversized bungees on the paddleboard where you can attach extra fishing or camping gear.

To complete the look, you have the choice to pick two paddles from any of the three available materials. You can go for the basic, midweight fiberglass paddles with nylon blades to keep the total costs a minimum. Alternatively, you can pick the lightweight, stiff paddles with carbon shafts and nylon blades for slightly better performance.

But, if you are in the mood to splurge, you can’t go wrong with the lightest and stiffest high performance full carbon paddle with a carbon shaft and blade. When done, you can pick the look you want, be it blue, teal, or orange paddleboard.

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Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
Designed for the family – accommodates up to 5+ riders
You can bring along a family with kids, close friends, a pet, and gear
Wider deck and a longer tail for comfort even during long expeditions
Multiple Scotty mounts and oversized bungees
Instantly transforms into a kayak by mounting up to two kayak seats
Available in two lengths
Two paddles made from full carbon, carbon/nylon, or fiberglass
Available in three color options

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Material: Military-strength polyvinyl chloride
Length: 12’/15’
Width: 45”/56”
Thick: 8”
Capacity: 725/ 1150 lbs.
Volume: 590/735L
Board weight: 35/52 lbs.

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Features

The Manta Ray series is swarmed with a series of useful and practical features and accessories. Five versatile action mounts on the board can hold everything from your cup holders to fishing rods, anchors, and action cameras. In fact, the mounts are enough to mount all these accessories simultaneously.

Alternatively, you can add kayak seats for instant inflatable fishing or touring kayaks. You will also notice two huge 6-point front and rear bungees for extra gear storage. If you wish to create extra space for gear or riders, you can effortlessly remove the rear bungee system. The inflatable board comes with additional D-rings so you can conveniently attach extra gear.

On the other hand, the paddleboard’s dual integrated paddle holders stash away both paddles for hands-free chilling when not paddling. For a safer rider, the board is equipped with nose, tail, and center grab handles. You can also make use of the grab handles during transportation for more ease.

The versatile grab handles also allow you to tie down extra items, attach them to the dock, or even grab on when you accidentally fall into the water. An extra large grooved traction pad offers extra grip to the deck so you don’t slip or fall. However, the EVA traction pad still offers excellent comfort, whether you are sitting, standing, or lying down.

Here are extra features to enjoy on the multi-person paddle board:

5 versatile action mounts for small accessories
4 Scotty mounts for additional accessory mounting
Dual paddle holders for hands-free lounging
Front and rear (removable) oversized bungee system
D-rings to attach extra gear
6-sided mounted grab handles for easy handling and added security on board
Dual integrated iSUP valves for rapid inflation and deflation
Extra large grooved EVA traction pad for added grip

Specifications

Dimensions (LxWxH) : 12’/15’ x 45“/56” x 8“

Weight: 35/52 lbs.

Color options: Blue, teal, and orange

Paddle: Fiberglass, carbon/nylon, or full carbon

Accessories: Duffel bag with rolling wheels, two travel paddles, two dual chamber hand pumps, 9-inch snap-in race fin, four snap-in side fins, and repair kit

User Experience

Usability: 98% – The Gili manta Ray Multi-person SUP board offers all the necessary features you’d need from a fun multi-rider board. Its PVC construction and thicker finish give it the solid stability much needed to support multiple riders. This construction also improves its strength and ruggedness to survive the elements in different water conditions. Plus, its wider deck and longer length offer the much-needed space for riders and enough gear. With the accessories integrated into the board, you will not easily get bored. On a lazy afternoon, you can mount cup holders and a waterproof speaker to enjoy a cold drink with your favorite playlist or podcast in the background. Or, you can get more serious, pump out your fishing gear (and even mount comfortable kayak seats) for a relaxing fishing session.

Durability: 97% – The inflatable paddleboard’s intuitive construction and design gives it a superior durable finish. In addition to the military-grade PVC fabrication, the board has a fully seamed design so you don’t have to worry about losing stability or form on the water. This construction also fully protects the board from abrasions, dents, dings, and other forms of damage. Considering that the board supports multiple riders, gear, and overall higher load capacity, the extended length, thickness, and width help to even out the load further and to prevent possible weight-related damage to the board.

Pros

Massive load capacity – a little over a ton
Great for family or close friends
Extra wide deck, thicker profile, and PVC seams provide excellent stability
Two paddles allow for smoother paddling
Multiple on-board accessories

Cons

The deck pad doesn’t cover the entire length of the board
Takes a little long to inflate with the provided pump
The duffel bag doesn’t come with an integrated pocket

Overall Rating

Usability: 97% – The Manta Ray inflatable paddleboard offers all-around performance. While it is not exactly fine-tuned for high speed and maneuverability, it still offers sufficient functionality in this area. Additionally, the iSUP offers solid stability to accommodate your multiperson rides while the additional storage features, such as mounts, add to its functionality while you are on the water.

Durability: 98% – The SUP’s premium military grade PVC paired with the extra length, thickness, and width balance the board for better stability and superior durability. The fully seamed PVC construction also provides excellent protection from various potential damages on the water.

Price: 97% – The Gili Manta Ray multi-person iSUP offers features that meet the standards of a premium hard shell paddleboard. Yet, it comes at nearly a fraction of what you’d expect to pay for a good quality hard shell board. So, while the board is certainly not a budget-friendly board, it still offers you a bang for your buck.

Overall: 98% – Unlike other iSUPs, the premium quality Manta Ray series offers an impressive fully seam-sealed and solid finish that holds well and keeps stable on the water. The paddleboard also rates pretty well in sufficient space for riders and gear. Plus, you will enjoy the multiple onboard accessories, whether mounts for cameras and kayak seats or multiple paddle holders to accommodate both paddles. The Manta Ray series also offers excellent value for money. You get a premium iSUP with the performance of a premium hard shell at a fraction of the money.

Globo Surf Overview

The Gili Manta Ray series is the ultimate paddleboard for a full day of fun on the water with friends or family. It offers excellent stability on the water while still giving you good maneuverability and movement with minimal drag. Plus, its numerous accessories and features make the water adventures even more unforgettable.

Nonetheless, you’ll still have to sacrifice alittle time to pump the paddleboard to your satisfaction. However, if you are a single rider, the Gili 12’/15’ Manta Ray Multi-Person Inflatable SUP board may not be the best option with so much space and bulkiness.

12' / 15' MANTA RAY MULTI-PERSON INFLATABLE

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Last Updated: November 2, 2022 Last Updated: November 2, 2022