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Posts Tagged ‘Kayak’

There are seventeen or more brand name kayak builders out there.  That gives a lot of choice and sometimes too much choice may be confusing.  On the other hand, you might be one of those who like to know what all their options are.  One of them may catch your eye and inspire you to explore further.

Each manufacturer has a particular niche in kayak design. Their market may be general or specific, depending on what the customer is looking for. Most of them also manufacture inflatable canoes.

Each of these boat builders has a range of kayak sizes and designs which further extends a customerâ??s choice.  Broadly speaking, the range falls into categories according to:  length and width; height; unloaded weight and fully loaded weight; and then whether the boat has been designed for touring, fishing/hunting, general recreation or whitewater.

Below are the main inflatable kayak makers.  The list is as comprehensive as possible. However new boat builders come into business and it takes time for their name to be found on the internet.

Advanced Elements

Aire/Tributary

Airhead

Bic Yakkair

Chinee (from China)

Gumotex (From Breclav)

Hyside

Innova

Intex

NRS

RST

Saturn

Sea Eagle

Sevylor

Soar

Sotar

Walker Bay

Nearly all of the manufacturers have a mission statement which describes what they are enthusiastic about in the boat building scene.  Where necessary these statements have been abbreviated, but of course, the full version can be found on their websites.

Advanced Elements

â??It is our goal, at Advanced Elements, to develop new and unique paddlesports products that enhance our customersâ?? outdoor experience.  Our focus is on designing and manufacturing â??inflatable kayaks with cutting-edge technologyâ??â?.

Aire/Tributary

â??AIRE manufactures the worldâ??s finest inflatable kayaks and accessories for whitewater kayaking and touring. With their best-in-the-business 10-year warranty, AIRE is our line of premium, U.S.-made, kayaks. Constructed of Ferrariâ??s patented Precontraint PVC fabrics and urethane AIREcells, they set the standard for durability, performance and innovation.â??

â??Tributary kayaks offer a tremendous value for paddlers on a budget. All Tributary kayaks are constructed using a unique two-layer system, an air retentive layer inside and a protective outer layer, and are backed with a solid 5-year warranty (1-year warranty on Tomcat & Sawtooth inflatable kayaks).â??

Airhead

AIRHEAD watersport product designers pay a lot of attention to small details to ensure that your AIRHEAD product is the safest and most durable your money can buy. AIRHEAD towables and kayaks are constructed with the best materials available. Most bladders are constructed of durable 30 gauge K80 impact resistant PVC. Covers are made of 100% nylon, never polyester like other brands. Two layers of polyurethane coating reinforce the nylon; all seams are double-stitched with high grade synthetic thread. Handles and tow harnesses are heavily reinforced.

Bic YakkAir

â??The upper part of the YakkAir consists of a solid, double layer fabric envelope around two urethane inner tubes inflated to low pressure. A combination that is strong and light.

The submerged part of the kayak is highly sophisticated, combining a high-pressure floor, a PVC skin and a keel all working together to give a hull that is a rigid and dynamic double concave shape. The PVC skin protects the hull and rubber bumpers from bow to stern give excellent protection against knocks and bumps.�

Clear Blue Hawaii

They do one model, the Hanauma II, with clear viewing panels made either of polycarbonate glass (bullet proof) or PVC.  They offer a lot of information about the technology used in making their kayaks.

Hyside

â??Twenty-two years ago we began with the idea that the only way to make and sell the top product was to create a boat from the toughest performance oriented material available. We began to study the strengths and weaknesses of every comparable product on the market. The first distinction we noted was that between plastic (PVC) and rubber (Hypalon®) boatsâ?¦â?¦â?

Innova

â??Innova inflatable folding kayaks – Touring and whitewater, heavy duty, very portable and compact.  Nothing travels like an Innova kayakâ?.

They do not have a mission statement.  More information and a brochure can be obtained by filling in a form on their website.

Intex

â??In a highly competitive global marketplace, many companies do not share the strong and sustained level of commitment that the Intex companies do to Quality, Service and Price.

During the manufacturing process, highly trained Intex employees continuously monitor a wide range of factors from the quality of raw materials, the calibration of the machines, the making and assembly of each product, product testing, and finally to the careful packaging of every item to ensure that our customers get the best possible product at the best possible price.�

They have a US Coastguard ID and are a member of NMMA.

NRS

â??Today, we are still putting into practice my original, perhaps somewhat naive, belief that a business enterprise can provide purpose and enjoyment in our lives, rather than just a way of making money.  At NRS, our purpose is to treat you, the customer, in the way we like to be treated.  In many ways the company feels to us like a family, and we hope that you, too, get a bit of this feeling when doing business with us.â?

RST Marine

â??Introducing Red Star Marine, exceptional quality, performance and value in inflatable sports and marine products. Red Star has partnered with one of the largest and most sophisticated inflatable products manufacturing facilities in the world. Using world class design and manufacturing facilities, we strive to deliver the highest quality recreational inflatable kayaks available anywhere.

Domestically, Red Star Marine is a member of and works closely with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Inflatable Boat Manufacturers Association (IBMA) to ensure strict compliance with safety and construction regulations. All of our products are manufactured in excess of USCG standards and inspected annually by NMMA.�

Sea Eagle

â??Stem to stern, itâ??s constructed of tough 1,000 denier polyester-supported high-pressure fabric with quadruple-thickness electronic-welded seams. How tough is the Explorer Kayak? In torture testing, we pounded it mercilessly with the claw of a claw hammer. It had no effect. Neither did stabbing it with a screwdriver. We simply couldnâ??t penetrate the â??crocodile hideâ? hull.â?

Sevylor

â??As potential grew for PVC products, Sevylor developed a PVC that had â??memoryâ?? – the ability of PVC to return to its original shape regardless of temperature.â?

â??With itâ??s 60 year tradition, Sevylor is known for top-quality products in the watersports and recreation markets.  We are continuing to introduce new, innovative, and unique products designed for water sports and leisure living. Sevylorâ?¦we take fun seriously.â?

Stearns

â??We supply the complete range of Stearns Inflatables  Kayaks & Accessories. Great for family activities & trips.  Inflate in minutes. Very stable & easy to use and no storage or transport problems!â?

Saturn

Our credo: â??Pay for the boat, not for the brand!â? Boats for the people! Why pay thousands for expensive brand boats when you can pay just a few hundred for a SATURN boat of the same quality and materials.â?

Our mission is not to overcharge customers but to offer kayaks and boats at lowest possible prices, so that anyone can afford them.

The unusual point here is that women make the boats.

Soar

â??..they are built of reliably rugged DuPont Hypalon and can take a lot of abuse.â?

Sotar

Our kayaks are all welded, no glue at all and constructed out of 40 oz urethane with a 3000 denier base fabric.  We do not use PVC or Hypalon in order  durability and lightness is maiantained.

Our kayaks all come standard with adjustable foot braces, adjustable thigh braces, inflatable floor, adjustable back rest with zipper pouch, and tie-down â??dâ??  rings in front and back.  Every boat comes with a patch kit, boat bag and pressure guage.

We will build custom size kayaks on request and ee also offer a 6 year warranty.

Walker Bay

â??From naval architects to water sports professionals to avid recreational boaters, Walker Bay doesnâ??t just manufacture marine products, we share a passion for boating and on-water living.  Every product goes through extensive design, development and testing with the result being a collaborative expression of varied team expertise.  We stand behind our products, and whatâ??s more, we use them.â?

So kayaks can have clear panels for viewing marine creatures below, or they can be pounded with a claw hammer or they can be made out of material that re-shapes itself, or they are built with materials being moulded by new types of technology.  Some manufacturers belong to organizations which look after customers in the field of safety and construction regulations.  Others give long warranties because of their faith in their products.  All aim to make kayaking an experience worth having.

Sotar, Soar, Gumotex, Hyside, Saturn and Chinee kayaks cannot be found on our website.

However for any of the others visit http://www.theboatingstore.co.cc

 

If you are in the market for an inflatable kayak it is wise to do a little research on the different manufacturers before you purchase. Inflatable kayaks have come a long way over the years and they are no longer considered ‘pool toys’. There are certain inflatable kayak brands that are high quality, extremely rugged and well made boats that with a little care will last a lifetime and provide great performance. Knowing a little bit about each kayak brand can help you to make a well informed decision.

Inflatable Kayak Manufacturers:

Advanced Elements – One of the most popular brand names on the market for mid-range priced inflatable kayaks. Their kayaks are known for being great quality and suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. They are popular because they are affordable, nice looking and well made inflatables. They offer a model that will suit every need and lifestyle.

Aire – Known as one of the absolute best manufacturers of inflatable kayaks, Aire has a reputation for excellence and a 10 year warranty on most of their kayaks to back them up. The Aire company has been around for more than two decades and they make mostly whitewater kayaks that are known for awesome performance. Many kayakers won’t even use an inflatable unless it is an Aire kayak.

Airis – Not as well known as many other brands but are quickly making their way up in the inflatable kayak world. Airis is owned by Walker Bay which is a marine company that is known for making extremely high quality marine boats. They got into constructing inflatable kayaks and the reality is that quality wise, there is no other inflatable kayak company that can touch them. They are heads above the rest and are already gaining in popularity.

Innova – Innova kayaks are European made and are very well constructed. They have quite a large selection of inflatable kayaks from mid range to elite. They are making huge breakthroughs with constructing inflatable kayaks without the use of PVC (which is harmful to the environment). Some of the Innova kayaks are used for search and rescue over on the West Coast of Vancouver Island by the Canadian Ranger Kayak Patrol. They are excellent quality and most are quite affordable.

NRS – NRS kayaks were founded over 30 years ago and are a very well known name in whitewater inflatable kayaks. They were founded by a man who was extremely passionate about whitewater kayaking and it shows in the excellence of his business and the quality of his boats. NRS kayaks are built for every type of paddler and tend to not be overpriced.

Sea Eagle – Sea Eagle has been manufacturing inflatable boats for over 40 years. This company is as solid as the boats they manufacture. There are a couple of great things about Sea Eagle kayaks. They offer versatility, they are unbelievably tough, they come with a great warranty and a 100% guarantee and they are priced so that everyone can afford them. Sea Eagle is probably the most popular of any other inflatable kayak manufacturer out there.

Tributary – Tributary is owned by Aire Kayaks. Their Tributary line is manufactured overseas as opposed to in the U.S. like the Aire line. They are consequently lower priced and not as great of quality. However they are still constructed very well and are more than excellent for most recreational kayakers. Tributary offers a more affordable option than the Aire kayaks and with still the great design and performance.

Bic, Coleman, Sevylor – These are the cheaper brands of inflatable kayaks. They are mostly manufactured in China and the quality is nowhere near the other manufacturers listed above. However they can still crank out some decent inflatables that may be good for lazy days on the lake. I wouldn’t personally recommend these brands though they are making huge improvements as the years go by and they are quite popular with first time users.

Final Thoughts on Inflatable Kayak Manufacturers

Now that you know a little more about each manufacturer it is up to you to decide what kind of inflatable kayak you want and how much you are willing to pay for it. There are lots of options available and the quality of inflatable kayaks will likely pleasantly surprise even the most stubborn of hard-shelled kayakers. With great warranties and rock solid construction, many of the manufacturers listed above will likely be around for decades to come.

Why do you need an inflatable river kayak in the first-place? It may be the case you already enjoy kayaking but don’t have a place to store a standard kayak. Or if you enjoy kayak fishing you should definitely invest in one. There are many places where one can find an inflatable river kayaks, it’s just the matter of looking in the right place. Here are few companies that you should try out.

Sierra South

Sierra South have a vast selection of new and used inflatable river kayaks and rafts for you to consider, and at affordable prices. You should check out their Dagger Agent 6.0 which is one of their best sellers, the Agent 6.0 is the latest play boat design from the Dagger. The rocker front and back allows one to do front and back surf as well as traditional moves.

Another Dagger kayak that we rate is the Dagger Agent 6.2. The Agent 6.2 is basically an upgrade from the 6.0 and at the time of writing was retailing for hefty $1000. No doubt it is pricey but in our opinion well worth it because it is an inflatable river kayak that you know is going to be durable and should last you for years.

Clavey

You would likely have heard of Clavey if you have purchased an inflatable river kayak in the past or are an experienced kayaker. They offer inflatable kayaks as well other interesting gear such as white water rafts, touring kayaks, camping equipments, gear bags and other kayaking equipments which you will find useful on your kayaking trip.

Zebec Boats

If you don’t mind looking through a large collection of inflatable river kayaks this is the company for you. They feature number of kayaking brands, including the Sport Bug, which is one of their best sellers. If you haven’t heard of the sport bug, this kayak has built-in transom, self bailing floor, patch kit, collapsible aluminium oars, foot pump, carrying bag and it also comes with 5 years warranty.

These are just a list of few retailers and companies that you may want to look at for a durable inflatable river kayak, so relax and browse through their selection before deciding which one is the best for you. If you want more input you should visit a good kayaking store where a well-trained staff will be able to help you determine your needs and suggest the best kayak for you. A quick list of criteria’s to consider are how many people will be using the kayak which can help you decide number of seat you need in the kayak. Also consider whether you want to buy a kayak or would you be better off renting one, which could be a better option for you. This basically depends on your enthusiasm for the sport and whether you are willing to participate regularly otherwise there is no point of buying a brand new inflatable river kayak. You can find more information on inflatable kayak on various web sites on the internet.

The fastest growing trend in the kayaking industry is clearly the use of inflatable kayaks. Today’s technology makes these inflatable crafts more rugged and maneuverable, while remaining lightweight and portable. Even seasoned kayakers are gradually making the switch to inflatable kayaks.

Inflatable Kayaks are Extremely Portable

If you have ever owned a hard-shell kayak, you realize how difficult it can be to transport your kayak. You have little alternative to strapping your kayak to the roof of your vehicle. Then you have to drive to a road accessible ocean, lake or river. Next you have to awkwardly carry your hard-shell kayak to the water. Hopefully the water isn’t too far from where you had to park your vehicle.

With an inflatable kayak, you simply fold the deflated kayak into a backpack and you can go anywhere. Most inflatable kayaks are less than forty pounds in weight and some are even less than thirty pounds. They also fold up very compact once deflated. Transporting them in the back of your car is no problem at all. Then think of all the mountain trails you can take your inflatable kayak to. You could easily paddle on remote lakes or rivers. Or how about taking your kayak on vacation with you? Bring it in your luggage on the plane and you could be kayaking almost anywhere in the world. That would be pretty difficult to do with a hard-shell kayak. You could take an inflatable kayak on a city bus or bicycle to the water. During off season, the kayak would take up minimal storage space.

Inflatable Kayaks are Tough and Durable

When most people think of an inflatable kayak, they picture a cheaply made plastic boat for kids. They picture a kayak that would burst from hitting the smallest rock or branch. If you’ve owned one of the older, cheaper style inflatable boats, you know you also have to invest in repair patches or a roll of duct tape.

New high quality inflatable kayaks are changing people’s impressions of inflatable boats. New inflatable crafts are made from puncture and abrasion resistant rubber, often reinforced with polyester fabric. This is much stronger than the PVC material used for most cheap inflatable boats. Under normal circumstances it is quite unlikely that you would puncture these new rubber materials. Even if you did, most inflatable kayaks have at least three separate air chambers.

Inflatable Kayaks are Easy to Use

What is easier than carrying your kayak right to the water’s edge and inflating it with a foot pump within five to ten minutes? Most people have pumped up an air mattress at least once as a child. Then after it is filled to the appropriate air pressure, set your inflatable kayak in the water and get in like any other kayak. You can straddle the kayak and then sit down. Or you can place your paddle across the kayak to brace yourself as you get in.

Kayaks are very stable, but with inflatable kayaks it can be much easier to get back in if you fall out. You simply grab the cockpit of the kayak and pull yourself up like you’re getting out of a swimming pool. This makes an inflatable kayak very convenient for snorkeling or swimming. Before getting back in, it is easy to dump out any water that gets aboard. Some inflatable boats are even self bailing.

Another misconception about inflatable kayaks is that they have very poor maneuverability. People think you would have very little control in an inflatable kayak. This isn’t the case with newer inflatable kayaks though. Many of these inflatable boats have optional foot controlled rudders to make for easy turning without missing a stroke. Some of these optional rudders just help the kayak track straight. A lot of inflatable kayaks have maneuverability comparable to hard-shell boats.

Where Can I Use an Inflatable Kayak?

Inflatable kayaks are made in a variety of styles to accommodate almost any conditions. For the casual kayaker, there are lower priced models best suited for flat-water lakes and rivers. There are more expensive models designed for moderate or advanced whitewater. Many models are even suitable for surfing. Many people like to use their inflatable kayak for fishing or hunting. You can get to more remote locations or fish directly from your kayak. Inflatable boats are also great for shallow water that would be too difficult for a hard-shell boat to manage.

Conclusion

For either a beginner or an advanced kayaker, inflatable kayaks are becoming a popular choice. They are extremely versatile and much cheaper than a hard-shell kayak. For less than half the price, you would be able to take your kayak to a variety of places that you never thought possible. While you probably wouldn’t be able to perform any barrel rolls, you can still have a lot of fun with an inflatable kayak. Once you try an inflatable kayak, you’ll wonder why you ever used a hard-shell.