Choosing a Folding, Inflatable or Rigid Kayak – Which is Best For You?

If you are buying your very first kayak might want to first consider the types that are available.  Would a rigid, folding or inflatable kayak be your best option? You will have many questions and will need all the information you can find to help you make the best decision. There are a confusing number of different choices so let’s have a look at the construction types of kayaks to buy.

What Types of Kayaks Are Available?

* Rigid – made of wood, plastic, carbon fibre, Kevlar
* Inflatable kayaks
* Folding kayaks

Construction Material of Rigid Kayaks

These are the sorts of kayaks that most people are familiar with. The least expensive option here is plastic but this will also be the heaviest. Kayaks made from plastic are reasonably tough and durable but are virtually unrepairable if they are severely damaged. Slightly more expensive is a fiberglass construction which will be easier to repair and lighter but also is damaged more easily. Further construction materials include graphite composites, Kevlar and carbon fiber which are very light but often much more expensive. Although not nearly as popular, wood boats can be found, especially as kits to put together yourself. Though wood kayaks are very easy to mend they require a good deal more maintenance than the other types of construction material.

Some Features of Inflatable Kayaks

These types of kayaks are of course the easiest to store and transport. They are among the cheaper types to buy, easy-to-use and the performance is up to that of the rigid kayak. Inflatable kayaks are also very stable and buoyant so easily stay upright, which makes them suitable for a beginner. They are suitable for calm and whitewater as well as in the surf so they are very versatile. You may perhaps be unsure about their sturdiness but if you don’t buy the cheapest but buy a decent quality inflatable it will be as tough as a rigid boat. For many people, unless you are going in for serious competitions, an inflatable kayak could prove the best option.

Folding Kayaks

Folding kayaks generally are much pricier than the rigid type but they are however very long-lasting, strong, flexible and stable. They typically have a frame made of aluminium or wood covered with fabric. Although they cost more they frequently have a higher secondhand value and have a longer useful life than the other sorts of kayaks. On the other hand they are often slower and performance is usually inferior to a rigid kayak.

The majority of folding kayaks use different materials for the hull and deck. The decks are usually made from a cotton blend or a man-made material. Material used in the hulls is a plastic such as PVC, polyurethane or Hypalon which covers a synthetic material like Dacron. Folding kayaks generally have air filled chambers in the hull to give excellent buoyancy.

Conclusion

After you have decided between a rigid, inflatable or folding kayak you should think about where it will be used. Yet again there are lots of choices such as fishing, recreational, sea, whitewater and more. The type you buy will be dependant on how and where you will be using it. For some more information to help you choose and some good deals visit Cheap Kayaks for Sale