If you are buying your first kayak should first consider the different types available. Would a folding, inflatable or rigid kayak be your best option? You will have many questions and will need information to make it easier to make the best decision. There are a bewildering number of different options so we'll consider the range of kayaks to buy.
Types of Kayaks Available
* Rigid – made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, wood plastic
* Inflatable kayaks
* Folding kayaks
Rigid Kayak's Construction Materials
These are the types of kayaks familiar to most people. The cheapest choice here is plastic but this will also be the heaviest. Plastic models are fairly robust and long-lasting but are practically unrepairable if they are severely damaged. Slightly more costly is a fiberglass material which will be lighter and easier to repair but also is easier to damage. Additional production materials include graphite composites, Kevlar and carbon fiber which are lighter but more expensive. Although less popular, wood boats can be bought, chiefly in the form of a kit to assemble yourself. Though wood kayaks are fairly easy to mend they require a lot more looking after than most other types of boats.
Some Features of Inflatable Kayaks
These types of kayaks are very good for transporting and storage. They are among the cheaper models to buy, easy-to-use and the performance is up to that of the rigid kayak. Inflatable kayaks are also very buoyant and stable so they stay upright easily, which makes them perfect for a beginner. You can use them for whitewater, calm water and surf kayaking so they are exceptionally versatile. You may perhaps be concerned about their robustness but if you don’t choose the cheapest and purchase a good quality inflatable it will be as strong as a rigid kayak. For most of us, unless you are going in for serious competitions, an inflatable kayak will more than likely prove the best choice.
Some Features of Folding Kayaks
Folding kayaks tend to be much pricier than rigid kayaks but they are however very long-lasting, tough, stable and flexible. They usually have an aluminum or wooden frame covered with fabric. While they are more expensive they frequently have a higher secondhand value and are much more long-lasting than many of the other types of kayaks. However they are often slower and performance is usually inferior to a rigid kayak.
The majority of folding kayaks use different fabrics for the hull and the deck. The decks are frequently made from a cotton/hemp blend or a man-made material. Material generally used for hulls is a synthetic material such as PVC, polyurethane or Hypalon over a synthetic cloth like Dacron. Folding kayaks frequently have chambers filled with air in the hull to to help prevent capsizing.
Conclusion
Once you have decided between a rigid, folding or inflatable kayak it's time to think about where you will be using it. Yet again there are various alternatives between fishing, recreational, sea, whitewater and more. The type you purchase will be dependant on what you will be using it for. For further information to help you choose and some good deals visit Cheap Kayaks for Sale
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