Gili Manta Ray 15’ Multi Person - Review 2023

Review

• DIVEIN.com Score: 4/5
• Construction: 4/5
• Stability: 4.8/5
• Maneuverability: 3/5
• Portability: 4/5
• Price/Quality: 4.2/5

The largest board from Gili Sports at 15’ this multi person board is made for family fun and spending the day out on the water with friends. It was not built for maneuverability or speed but will surpass all other boards on stability. The dimensions of the Gili 15’ ensure the board is extremely stable even with over 5 people on it. You can jump as much as you like on it and we promise you it will be a challenge to fall off.

Considering it’s massive size, the board is relatively lightweight at just 52lbs. The board is like a raft and by using the bungee systems to transport it all, you can have a leisurely picnic on the water.

Thankfully the board comes with 2 paddles ensuring no one is alone in trying to move the board. Although it is worth mentioning that due to its size and lack of speed we would recommend using it in safe waters with minimal currents. It’s best in lakes or very flat, sheltered coastal waters.

As well as the 2 paddles, the board has two paddle holders, excellent when wanting to stop for a picnic and not lose your paddles. It also has 5 action mounts where you can set up some GoPros, 4 Scotty mounts for fishing, as well as 16 D-rings for you to attach a number of accessories to, such as a leash or an SUP wind sail.

Despite its size, it is portable thanks to its lightweight and grab handles. The 3-piece adjustable travel paddles can fold down and fit into the included rolling duffle bag. The main challenge was inflating the Gili Manta Ray 15’ due to its size. Gili, very thoughtfully, has included 2 dual-chamber iSUP pumps to help with reducing the inflation time.

The high-quality materials used in the construction of this multi person inflatable make the Gili Manta Ray a good investment for families and groups. Built using dual fusion military strength PVC along with a drop-stitch interior core the Manta Ray paddle board is durable and strong. The materials used also ensure its stability on the water and make it lightweight for optimal portability when inflated and deflated.

Overall the Gili Manta Ray 15’ is an amazingly massive paddle board for anyone looking to enjoy family and group adventures during the summer months. It may not go fast but it makes up for it with fun and stability. The included accessories and great features make it a comprehensive and affordable package.

Features

• With its dimensions of 15’ x 56” x 8”, this board is massive and features incredible stability.
• One of the highest weight capacities in iSUPS at 1150lbs the Gili Manta Ray can carry up to 5 adults. Excellent for family fun.
• An extra-large, grooved traction pad that acts as an anti-slip yet is comfortable when standing and sitting.
• Big bungee systems at the front and rear of the board to load the board with personal belongings.
• The Gili Manta Ray comes with 9″ Snap-In Race Fin and four Snap-In Side Fins, all removable for optimal storage. It is also compatible with the Gili 3″ River Fin and 4.5″ Speed fin if paddling in shallow water.

Although the Gili Manta Ray 15’ is constructed with fun in mind it includes a lot of high-quality accessories. The features and accessories which are included in the purchase of the board ensure that the Manta Ray is enjoyable to use. An added bonus of this paddle board is the comprehensive package accessories that are included, such as doubles of pumps and paddles.

• Paddles: The package includes two 3 piece adjustable fiberglass or carbon fiber travel paddles. You can choose your preferred paddle at the time of purchase. The paddles are strong and durable. Both paddles come with t-shaped handles and can be separated into 3 pieces, ideal for transporting, especially when the board is deflated.
• Pumps: Gili has included 2 dual-chamber pumps with the purchase of the Gili Manta Ray to reduce the amount of time it takes to inflate the giant iSUP. The pumps can inflate the board twice as fast, thanks to double the power of the dual chambers. With continuous pumping cycles in both upward and downward action, the pumps make it easier to inflate the board to 15PSI.
• Rolling Duffle bag: Although the Manta Ray is lightweight for its size, the included rolling duffle bag makes it a lot more portable when deflated. The duffle bag is also large enough for all the included accessories and extra smaller personal belongings, making it super easy to transport to the beach or lake.
• Fin kit: The Gili Manta Ray 15’ comes with a full fin kit, including 9″ Snap-In Race Fin and four Snap-In Side Fins, the board is also compatible with the 3″ River Fin and 4.5″ Speed fin if paddling in shallow water. All fins are detachable making it easier to store and fold the board.

Stability

By far the most stable board Gili has ever produced. The incredible dimensions of this board make it sturdy and stable even with 5 adults on it! Rigidity is improved by the drop stitch inner core and along with the use of military-grade, dual-layer PVC material the Gili Manta Ray is super sturdy.

Along with its massive shape, the Gili Manta Ray 15’ comes with a comprehensive fin kit that includes a 9″ Snap-In Race Fin and four Snap-In Side Fins, which ensure the board is stable and give it a little help with maneuverability.

The most remarkable feature of this board is its stability. Where it underperforms in maneuverability or speed it makes up for in its unmatched stability. You can have at least 5 adults on this paddle board and it will be a challenge to rock it!

Maneuverability

Considering the size and rigidity of the board the Gili Manta Ray 15’ is still realtively maneuverable in the water. Thanks to the two included paddles as well as the comprehensive fin kit you can still get the board to make simple turns.

The dual fusion PVC along with the inner drop stitch core makes the board lightweight which helps with handling the board. That said, if you don’t have two people paddling at the same time the tracking will be off and you will have a difficult time maintaining your course.

We definitely recommend making use of both paddles for optimal maneuvering of the Gili Manta Ray. We must also point out that a more coordinated paddle team will get better maneuverability, as well as speed. Don’t expect high speeds, but you can definitely expect to have fun.

Portability

Despite its size, the Gili Manta Ray is surprisingly portable. At 52lbs it is reasonably lightweight considering the dimensions.

The Gili Manta Ray also comes with a high-quality, rolling duffle bag. The wheels on the bag make it a lot easier to transport. The bag is also large enough to fit all the added accessories and even a few personal belongings.

Once inflated the board has six side-mounted grab handles. These are great for carrying the board to the water’s edge. The grab handles are also excellent for tying down extra items and even pulling yourself up in case you fall into the water.

The Manta Ray comes with two paddles, and the board has two paddle holders which also facilitate transporting it to and from the water. The huge bungee cord systems at the front and rear of the board are ideal for carrying extra equipment and personal belongings. All these features make the iSUP very portable and easily transportable.

Overall a very portable board despite its size. Lightweight materials paired with smart features make it easy to transport both when inflated or deflated. As it is made for groups, extra hands also make it easier to carry, we wouldn’t recommend trying to move it on your own, especially once inflated!

Price/Quality Ratio

The Gili Manta Ray iSUP is made of premium, high-quality materials and all the materials sourced are as environmentally friendly as possible. This means that the padddle board does come at a slightly more expensive price.

The comprehensive kit with a variety of accessories and features makes this a very affordable paddle board package. The high-quality features, materials, and accessories ensure that you are fully equipped for paddle boarding with family & friends on adventures.

For families and groups of paddle boarders, this board is a good investment if looking for quality, durability, and lots of fun.

Optional Accessories from Gili

• Gili 12V Electric iSUP Paddle Board Pump
• Gili Aluminium 3-piece Adjustable Travel Paddle
• Gili 12V Alligator Clip to Cigarette Lighter Plug for Electric Pump
• Gili Kayak and Paddle Board Anchor Kit: Folding Grapnel Anchor
• Gili Cup Holder for Paddle Boards

Do we recommend it?

Yes, we definitely recommend the Gili Manta Ray 15’ for families of groups who are looking to adventure on the water together.

Due to its size and stability, this paddle board is excellent for all levels, especially beginners who want to try out paddle boarding. It may not go fast but we can guarantee that you will have fun!

Despite its size, it is easily transportable and inflatable. The materials used are high quality and Gili ensures that each paddle board order directly benefits our oceans, reefs, & endangered sea creatures. Gili has also ensured that the board is well equipped to guarantee a fun day out on the water. If you feel like the Gili Manta Ray isn’t for you, you might want to check out our roundup of the best Gili Sports paddle boards to see what suits you best.