Inflatable kayaks: description, varieties and recommendations for choosing

Recently, many people prefer active recreation. One of the most popular options for this pastime is kayaking. It should be said that they can be of different categories. A boat of this type is easy to operate, comfortable, spacious and gives you the opportunity to get a lot of pleasant emotions and impressions. One of the most popular options are inflatable kayaks. They are affordable, easy to transport and convenient to use. We will try to figure out what they are, talk about their varieties and give recommendations for choosing.

It should be said that inflatable kayaks, if we talk specifically about their features, have a relatively small weight - up to 15 kilograms. Such a boat is very easily transported to the place of crossing, it is easy to carry it with you on some trips. Another feature of this type of transport will be that the air hull allows the boat to float very easily and makes it practically unsinkable.

It should also be said that Inflatable kayaks are called for a reason, but because of the presence of special inflatable compartments. Such models with an inflatable bottom usually consist of either 2 or 4 cylinders. They usually do not have a central deck, but they can be located at the stern or in the bow. Sometimes the design receives additional rigidity if an duralumin tube frame is used or a bottom made of this material.

Now let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of inflatable kayaks. Let's start with the positives first. The first important point is that boats are assembled extremely quickly. An experienced person can assemble a double kayak in just 15 minutes. But even in the assembled state, this type of boat is very compact. In rare cases, the dimensions of the folded boat can be more than 100 x 40 x 400 centimeters. Even when folded, the inflatable kayak will be very light. This allows you to take it on long hikes with foot crossings.

Another advantage of such a craft would be affordable price. The average cost of an inflatable kayak is about 30 thousand rubles. At the same time, it can take up to 300 kilograms of cargo. This is a mass of two adults, a child, as well as things for a small picnic. In addition, various user groups love inflatable models for the following benefits:

• small mass;
• excellent maintainability;
• ergonomics;
• good stability on water;
• unsinkability;
• practicality;
• good load capacity.

At the same time, inflatable structures have some disadvantages, without which not a single thing can do. The first point - an inflatable boat should be protected from broken glass and nails in boards near the shore. At the same time, it is almost impossible to break through the hull of such a kayak on the water.In addition, no matter how hard the manufacturers of just such boats would try, the models in question have a lower speed than frame ones. Under normal conditions and weather without wind, the speed difference will be up to 2 kilometers per hour.

Another disadvantage is that a large volume of cylinders, which are located on the sides on both sides, reduces the space that can be used to accommodate cargo.

Now let's say a little about the categories of kayaks under consideration. Classification here can be carried out according to various criteria, for example, the number of seats. According to this criterion, a kayak can be:

• single;
• double;
• triple;
• quadruple.

The maximum for the boat is 4 people. If you need to put more people on the boat, then it is better to look for something else or divide the company into several crews and just take a few kayaks. The most popular model today is the 3-seater, as it has not very large dimensions, but at the same time it has a good carrying capacity. Another classification option can be according to design features. According to this classification, a kayak can be:

• monoballoon;
• two-layer;
• frame-inflatable.

If we talk about monoballoon models, then they are one-piece product, which is usually made of reinforced PVC type. In a fully inflatable model, stability and rigidity are set by well-inflated cylinders in the bottom and sides. But volumetric cylinders reduce the amount of usable space inside. Two-layer models have an outer shell, as well as plug-in inner cylinders.Such models are distinguished by a clearly defined keel and nose.

The boat will have excellent stability on the waves, keep the course well, and the risk of its overturning will be minimal. And frame-inflatable models are reinforced with metal elements. The volume of cylinders here will be less, but a number of manufacturers simply put 2 rows of cylinders.

Now let's say a little about the most popular kayak models and their manufacturers. The first model we mention will be a kayak called "Khatanga" from the brand "Stream". It has excellent running characteristics due to the presence of optimal contours and the use of modern technologies and materials. The model has excellent maneuverability and directional stability. Its strength is very high, so that when it collides with obstacles, you can not be afraid that it will deform or get damaged.

"Khatanga" is a universal model with a transom, which means that it can be used for fishing, hunting and tourism. It belongs to the category of double and has a carrying capacity of 220 kilograms. When folded, such a boat weighs about 18 kilograms.

Another interesting model "Laguna", which is produced by a company from Moscow called "Free Wind". The kayak is made of PVC and has 2 internal inflatable balloons. Both the outer shell and the cylinders are welded. To make the kayak ready for use, simply inflate it. It does not have any rigid elements, so it has a small weight. The nose of the kayak is slightly raised, which makes it possible to protect a person from splashes. It is also double and has a load capacity of 220 kilograms. Its folded weight is 13 kilograms.

Another model that deserves attention is called "Pike". It is produced by Stalker. This kayak is one of the lightest and most affordable on the market. It is extremely stable thanks to its flat bottom. It is very easy to jump into the water and climb back from it. There is simply nothing to break here, since the design is as simple as possible. This means that with any impact or collision, there is no risk that the boat will deform or break.

To start using it, you just need to inflate it. The model belongs to the double. Its carrying capacity is 300 kilograms. The folded weight is 10 kilograms.

The next interesting model has a name "Viking 3.8" from the Aquagraphics company from St. Petersburg. This double kayak is designed for lakes and calm rivers. It is perfect for fishing. To protect the bottom from deformations, there is a protector here, which is glued to the bottom along the entire length from bow to stern. The load capacity here is 220 kilograms, and the weight when folded is just over 14 kilograms.

Another model that I want to talk about - "Fishkayak" from the company "TimeTrial". This model is made of reinforced PVC and consists of 2 air compartments. It is designed for 1 person. Its weight when folded is about 13 kilograms. There is no place for a motor here, but already in the initial configuration, the model has a place for oars.

If we talk about how to choose a good kayak, then it should be said that the first point will be that there are special categories of boats - for hunting, fishing, sports and so on. That is, from the very beginning it should be understood for what purposes the kayak will be used. This will help to weed out a large number of models at once.

The next point is that the kayak should be as light, inexpensive and simple as possible. The fact is that it may happen that for some time you will have to carry it on yourself. And it will be simply uncomfortable to carry a lot of weight, and therefore the mass is very important. Another point is that it is better to buy a kayak, and not a boat, as many people think.

If suddenly you need a model for sea travel, then you should choose the option without frame elements. The fact is that sea water is a rather aggressive environment. If there is no frame, then there will be no problems with corrosion. Much will depend on the scope of such a boat.

If we talk about tips for using the product, then the first thing you should know is - the kayak must be handled with care, no matter how strong it may be. After all, any material has a margin of safety, and at some point the kayak can still be damaged by some impact.

The next important point - if the kayak is damaged, then repairs must be done immediately so that the material does not lose its properties and characteristics. And the third important aspect is Only quality repair materials that are original should be used. Otherwise, you risk that the kayak may leak at the most inopportune moment.

For information on which kayak to choose, see the next video.