What Is Best For You; An Inflatable Kayak Or A Hard-Shell Kayak?

If you are buying a kayak for the very first time it is very exciting but there are a lot of things that you need to consider and to think about. You will need to consider what type of kayak you need for the type of activity you will be doing with it.

What types of kayaks are there?

* Hard sided or rigid kayaks
* Inflatable kayaks
* Collapsible kayaks

Hard sided kayaks are also known as rigid kayaks and they are made traditionally from wood. Wood kayaks are beautiful and can be very symbolic to those that own them or make them with their own two hands; however they do require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.

More commonly, plastic kayaks are found. Plastic kayaks are typically the least expensive of all of the rigid kayaks; however you will find that they are also the heaviest of them all. If finances are an issue then you may want to choose plastic for a first kayak, because not only are they more inexpensive but they also do not damage as easily and therefore do not require frequent repairs. However, be aware that when the plastic kayak does sustain damage, they are much more expensive to repair.

There are also kayaks that are made of fiberglass, which is another very popular choice. Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for rigid kayaks because it is much more lightweight and it is easier to repair. However, you will pay more for a fiberglass kayak.

You can also find kayaks that are made from composites such as carbon fiber or Kevlar. These composite kayaks are more expensive, but they are much lighter and easier to maneuver.

What About Collapsible Kayaks?

Collapsible kayaks are typically more expensive than hard sided kayaks or inflatable boats because they can completely collapse. Basically they are made of a fabric that stretches over a metal or wood frame to take the shape of the kayak. They are very tough and durable and although they are typically more expensive, they also hold their resale value very well.

What About Inflatable Kayaks?

Inflatable kayaks are quite possibly the best choice for someone who has never owned a kayak before. They are very portable, and extremely lightweight. There is an inflatable kayak that is created for every type of kayaker whether you enjoy easy paddling or white water rapids. The prices of inflatable boats are generally cheaper than that of hard sided boats and they also are remarkably tough and durable as well.

What Is Better, A Hard Sided Kayak Or An Inflatable Kayak?

There are a lot of different opinions about what is better, an inflatable kayak or a more traditional hard sided boat. Both have their pros and cons.

Many people are under the impression that you cannot take an inflatable boat into white water rapids. However, that is not true; in fact there are many different inflatable boats that are created especially for the purpose of white water rapids.

If you are looking for an inflatable kayak to take into class IV rapids, an excellent brand of kayaks to look at are manufactured by Sea Eagle. Sea Eagle has been one of the world's leading manufacturers of inflatable kayaks since 1967. Sea Eagle manufactures inflatable kayaks for one to two people; they even have boats that will seat three people. If you are planning on using your boat for overnight trips or camping you will want to choose a boat that will accommodate you, your traveling partner and all of your equipment.

The beauty of an inflatable boat is that it can hold a few hundred pounds but only weighs a few pounds itself. A two person kayak can carry not only two people, but their gear and their equipment such as paddles as well. Even though the boat carries so much, only one person is necessary to carry it to the water.

With a hard sided boat, you will not be able to find a boat large enough to carry two people, their gear and equipment that is lightweight enough for only one person to carry to the waters edge.

Another major difference between boats is the price between inflatable kayaks and hard sided kayaks. Hard sided boats are generally much more expensive and require more maintenance over the life of the boat. With an inflatable boat, you will pay less for the initial purchase of the boat, and it will not cost as much to maintain it either.

What Is The Bottom Line?

The bottom line is that when you are choosing a kayak for yourself, you need to choose a boat that will suit your needs, your lifestyle and your boating needs. Depending on if you are looking for a tough and rugged sea kayak that can withstand white water rapids, or if you are looking for a light weight boat perfect for easy paddling in a lake, there is an inflatable kayak that is right for you and your budget.

© 2005 http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com

About the Author
Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com. His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including inflatable kayaks, small fishing boats, boat accessories, and more.

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Cruising & Sailing Information:

Related Articles

If You Can Afford A Vacation - You Can Afford A Cruise!
Some vacations are just more fun than others!There will be very few times in your life when you are completely free. Free from cares, responsibilities, chores, deadlines, timetables, ringing phones or demanding voices.
How To Save Money On Cruises
1. If you're 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts.
Cleaning Sails
Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with a dirty sail, you say "yuk" and are glad that is not you out there. Sometimes you feel sorry for the gent, knowing that cleaning sails is difficult and can take hours.
Caribbean Cruise: An Enchanting Experience
A Caribbean cruise is the world's most popular cruise. The Caribbean islands are a dream destination and the journey is equally out of the world.
Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era
Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world on a stately Cunard has been the exemplar of the good life for 163 years. Cunard's rich legacy of lustrous White Star Service? and realm of privileged indulgence are the gold standard by which others are measured.
Short Cruises - The Perfect Match For First Time Cruisers
Would you like to try a cruise, but aren't sure if you'd really like it? Some people are intimidated about making a seven-day commitment to a cruise vacation. What if they experience motion sickness? What if they feel claustrophobic? For some people, these are very real concerns.
Italy Cruise Expert Guide
History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people andstunning views - an Italy cruise has it all! You canvisit the main sites of Italy on a European cruiseor a Mediterranean cruise, but to really experienceItaly - to really taste it - you need to immerseyourself in everything that Italy has to offer bytaking an Italy cruise.Italy cruises depart from several ports around thecountry.
Celebrity Alaska Cruises!
Alaska cruises can be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance that magnificent experience with Celebrity Alaska cruises.
10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin
The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick the right cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruiseship.1.
Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide
The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for U.S.
World Cruise - A Relaxing Experience
Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding crowds in a casual attire and in clean air and just a small group of likeminded people as company? You are on a World Cruise- around the world, Australia and New Zealand, the Orient, South America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. The ships are equipped with spacious, well-furnished cabins with private facilities having a well-upholstered lounge, a library, good deck space and a small pool.
Defeating the Drug Smugglers in Ultra Fast Boats, Skimmer Craft and Hydrofoils
The drug smugglers have ultra fast boats, skimmer craft and hydrofoils, which makes it difficult to give pursuit by conventional marine craft. The problem is getting worse as drug smugglers ratchet up the game stakes using ultra fast water craft, submarines and aircraft.
Reducing Wake Turbulence and Wing-Tip Vortices Using Contoured Winglet Designs
Some Taiwan scientists have figured out a way to reduce the wake from ferries crossing the harbor, most harbors and lakes, many rivers have speed limits to reduce the wake which cases hardships accidents, inconvenience and damage to other craft. We have all heard of the gentleman who ended up between the dock and hull of a large boat and was crushed to death, so obviously it is a serious matter.
The Merchant Navy and the Internet
A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea, ships and all those that sail on them? It sounds strange as who knows what the Merchant Navy is or what those at sea actually do all day, those who work in the Industry that is. Isn't the Merchant Navy something to do with fishing or fighting? What is interesting about that? "Get a real job", some would say and others would ask "and so why haven't you got a sun tan".
The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship
The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of the Princess fleet. Her innovative design takes the Princess "Personal Choice Cruising" theme to a new level.
Bermuda Cruise Expert Guide
At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of Bermuda in the Western Atlantic is one of the smaller destinations in the world to visit on a cruise ship. Only a day and a half sailing from the U.
Meguiars RV and Marine Boat Cleaners and Waxes; Test Results
One of the most famous and popular brands in the wax industry is Meguiar's. Meguiar's has stood the test of time as a brand name.
Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To Yachting Vacations
Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the rich or famous; the price being unachievable for most people. Prices have now dropped considerably with the introduction of chartering and many yacht owners now offer other potential seafarers the opportunity to 'rent' their boat for their dream vacation.
Luxury Cruises On The Mediterranean
A classic Mediterranean cruise visits major port cities located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the countries of Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece and Turkey and the islands of Malta, Crete and Sicily. Some cruises also include stops in Egypt.
Buying the Perfect Boat
Why is it, that when you are looking to buy a boat, you can never find one that suits your needs? This is what happens to many people every year and in particular to ourselves. It's just like buying a house.