What Are The Cons Of Inflatable Kayaks?
Hard shell Kayaks would always find ways to outshine inflatable kayaks considering the great benefits of inflatable kayaks. Inflatable kayaks were built for ease in carriage and with consideration for storage.
The inflatable kayaks come with downsides as there have been complaints and reviews about how bad their performances have been good and helpful as well as otherwise.
Inflatable kayaks, assuming we all are not fully aware of the idea of them; these kayaks can be folded and placed in a bag pack for easier carriage; for usage, they are inflated and then afterwards deflated.
The Hard shell kayaks take up space and need to be driven to the kayaking venue. To answer the question of what are the cons of inflatable kayaks? There are a lot but here are the common and easily noticed amidst a few that varies according to users:
The Cons
They are not made for high-end top speed
They do not go well with a lot of kayak spray skirts
Stability
You can be easily blown off when you are not a strong paddler; some do not come with leg straps or securement for the legs while kayaking.
Durability
The inflatable kayaks are quite durable, though not as strong as hard shell. They might not be able to take on stability in rough waters and can be susceptible to deflation when they hit rocks and other hard materials while kayaking.
Depending on the brand, production material and cost as well. Some inflatable kayaks are not as durable as would be expected.
Pricings and Warranty
Depending on the type you buy, either the low-end or high-end inflatable kayak, bear in mind that they cost quite a bit.
The company the kayak is purchased from gives the warranty, but most don’t last for more than a year or two at maximum.
Control
They do not have as much control as you would get with the stable hard-shell kayak
Inflation and Deflation Time
It takes extra time to inflate and set up as well as deflate and dry after usage. They cannot be safely transported when fully inflated, the best idea is to carry it along and inflate when you reach the kayaking venue.
They require two people to carry and sometimes prove to be awkward during carriage on land. The paddles require breakage and assembling after and before outings.
Comfort
Unlike a hard-shell kayak, the inflatable kayak might not give as much comfort and board space. The on-board storage space also tends to vary according to brand, shape and sitters.
Shelf Life/Care
Not all inflatable kayaks would be drained naturally when there’s water in the cockpit. When not properly cleaned, they are susceptible to mould.
Most inflatable kayaks are made using PVC material this makes it susceptible to damage from UV rays. The high-end tend to last for up to three years depending on the company.
Valves are like weak points in inflatable kayaks because they can reduce the amount of air sealed in when dirt gets in them.
Speed
The speed of the inflatable kayak depends on the type. It costs around $1,000 to get a high-end inflatable kayak and with this, it still does not guarantee the maximum speed you expect to get from a hard-shell kayak.
Possibility of Popping and Repair
It also has the tendency to pop or tear if not handled with care; though this can be fixed, these types of trouble come about by the purchase of a low-quality inflatable kayak.
Width
Considering the build of an inflatable kayak, it comes out wider than a hard-shell kayak and does not hold in as much.
Related Articles
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Español 
Italiano 