A kayak is a small water vessel with two-bladed pedals to prop itself forward. Traditional kayaks have a cockpit where one paddler can fit in. Sometimes, this cockpit comes with a water-resistant spray deck, which shields it from water and prevents water from entering it.
Kayaks have seen enhancements over the years, with the addition of automatic propulsion systems such as engines, electric motors, and so on. One such innovation is the inflatable kayak. How do they differ from hard shell kayaks? We explore this in the following sections.
Inflatable and Hardshell Kayaks
Inflatable and hard-shell kayaks are the most widely used kayaks. The difference between hard-shell kayaks and inflatable kayaks is their physical makeup. The inflatables are made out of a PVC-based material, durable and strong, while hard shells are from rotomolded plastic.
An inflatable kayak has chambers, which hold the air inside the boat to keep it buoyant. The kayak is more durable if these chambers are constructed with drop-stitch technology. Still, they are not as rigid or durable as a hard shell, which can make it difficult to control in choppy water.
Hard-shell kayaks, on the other hand, have many features that inflatable kayaks do not, such as rigid construction, making it much easier to maneuver in choppy water. Interestingly, they are also lighter because they do not have the same inner chambers as an inflatable.
Do not confuse a kayak with a boat. Modern boats can accommodate several people, while kayaks are only suited to accommodate one or two people.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks are constructed using a wide range of materials. The most refined inflatable kayaks you'll find in the market are built from plastic polymer and synthetic rubber.
There are two methods of assembling inflatables. The first method is inserting tubes filled with air, similar to the process with a bicycle tire while the other method involves using airtight material directly inflated with air, similar to a tubeless tire.
Inflatable kayaks are durable and have the ability to stay afloat on the water for prolonged hours. These Kayaks are much lighter in weight; they weigh an average of 13 kg. The Kayak is air pumped which keeps it afloat on water.
Pros of an Inflatable Kayak
An inflatable kayak can handle more weight because it's inflated by air. While they may weigh about 13 kg, their threshold weight which is the maximum weight they can bear in water may reach as high as 225 kg.
These lightweight kayaks have another benefit to their name: they can be carried to water by one person. Conversely, kayaks made from heavy materials usually require about 2 to 3 people to take them to water.
Also, inflatable kayaks are available at a more affordable price. We recommend inflatable kayaks for beginners and experts alike. But more so for beginners, as they are affordable to start with. One of the tremendous upsides of an inflatable kayak is that once deflated, users can transport it easily.
Cons of an Inflatable Kayak
Safety is among the most significant concerns for those who go to water for any sport, especially kayaking. Although the material used to make an Inflatable Kayak is durable, it is not as reliable as other hard material Kayaks, such as Hardshell kayaks, when taken into rough waters.
Another downside to inflatable Kayaks is that they're more challenging to maneuver than other Kayaks. They have a shorter life span compared to more durable and stress-resistant hard shell Kayaks and are difficult to repair, as finding solutions for all the punctures may prove complicated. Besides, a repaired inflatable Kayak usually faces a high risk of getting punctured again.
Hardshell Kayak
Hard-shell Kayaks are built from an amalgam of substances, including wood plastic, wood, fibreglass, and other materials such as Kevlar. They are generally heavy and weigh around 25 kg.
They have an outer layer covered by a coloured gel coating that forms the surface layer of the Kayak. This covering protects while also enhancing the beauty. The plastic and fibreglass used are of specialized nature. In addition to providing extra protection and safety, they also prevent the Kayak from becoming too heavy.
Pros of Hard Shell Kayak
The hard-shell Kayak is deemed safer by comparison. These kayaks are built from solid materials which can withstand the strong currents of water bodies.
Since kayakers regard safety as important, the more experienced individuals prefer to use a hard-shell kayak where they can. Rough waters also require excellent maneuverability as one has to avoid rapidly emerging water currents and sharp rocks. Thus, hard shell kayaks are preferable in these waters.
Another significant benefit of a hard-shell kayak is that, compared to the inflatable kayak, they are a long-term investment; less susceptible to weathering, and have a much longer life. Albeit expensive, they provide the advantage of long-term use.
Cons of Hard Shell Kayak
There are several cons associated with a hard-shell kayak. Most significantly, they aren't easy to carry. They are also not foldable and take up relatively more space. This hinders movement through complex terrains like jungles and lakes during transportation. Its weight also means that the load it can bear in water is much less than that of inflatable kayaks.
Another downside of a hard shell kayak is that it is not as affordable as an inflatable kayak. It may also require several people to carry it to water, making it less attractive to single individuals. For people who go on vacation and want to take it out to lakes, the hard shell may be pretty challenging to keep safe in the hotels where they are staying.
Mark Thompson
Which Should You Buy: Inflatable or HardShell Kayak?
Kayaks have seen enhancements over the years. There has been the addition of automatic propulsion systems such as engines, and electric motors, replacing a single hull with two hulls, and so on.
With this knowledge about the properties, advantages and disadvantages, and differences between inflatable and hard shell kayaks, you should easily decide which one to purchase for your next kayaking adventure, whether alone or with others. Keeping in mind both types' unique pros and cons, such as storage, maneuverability, maximum weight, and ease of transport.
Overall, hardshell kayaks have the edge over inflatable kayaks in essential metrics like safety and durability. It is a recommended choice for that perfect outdoor experience. But you may choose inflatable kayaks for their comfort, ease of use, and portability.
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