Bilbo wrote:
I am looking for a basic inflatable that I can use as a family
recreation type boat and:
1. Can carry 2 people

How much weight combined?

2. Will handle reasonably well in calm water or maybe a little bit of
chop. Bottom line: no whitewater action contemplated. Just maybe
some kayaking on the bay or lake / river.

NRS Bandit 2 would be my recommendation. The AIRE Tomcat 2 (made in China)
has PVC inner tubes, and PVC is not noted for longevity. If you were
planning to use the boat a lot in 1-2 years, Tomcat would be recommended.

If you're talking about 2 heavy people, the AIRE Lynx 2 is probably the
only IK with enough carrying capacity, but it costs $1265 and is optimized
for whitewater, not fla****er.

3. Is better than a pool toy
4. Can be stored compactly

Yup, $895 retail at http://nrsweb.com - but seek other advice.
Look at the Boat People website, especially the page on touring IKs:
http://theboatpeople.com/iks_touring.html
The Solar II might be suitable, $729.

Frankly I'm looking to spend as little as I can, but not buy junk.
Granted, I don't want to spend much because my demands on this kayak
will be pretty low, but I don't want something that will leak and fall
apart in two uses, either.

Nor do you want something that will deteriorate after 5 years in storage,
I'm assuming.