Are you considering purchasing a used kayak or looking for a new one? It is essential to do some research before making any decisions. Kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy the water alone or with a partner, and it creates unique experiences through the landscape, wildlife, and secluded areas. This guide outlines the essential guidelines you need to know before purchasing an excellent kayak for your trip.
Types Of Kayaks
The first thing to consider when buying a kayak is the type you need. Many models are available for different sports, such as racing, touring, or tackling rapids. Here is an explanation of the different types of kayaks that are available and will guide you on which one suits your needs.
Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are designed to negotiate rapids with exceptional maneuverability. They have round bottoms, flat planing hulls, and short rocker to deal with waves. They are not suitable for touring because they are difficult to paddle in a straight line.
Recreational Kayaks
The 12-feet long kayaks are designed for use on ponds or bays as an all-around boat. Recreational kayaks are short and wide, which makes them have an advantage of a more natural turn, but they’re not suitable for traveling in a straight line.
Touring Kayaks
When going for an extended wilderness trip, the best kayak to buy is the touring kayak. The boats are long, and their carrying capacity is functional, but they’re not easy to turn compared to shorter boats. Sometimes, they’re called sea kayaks because their racks are well-designed, and they’re not restricted to the ocean. The model is specific for touring, and it offers less storage space for lighter weight exchange and maneuverability.
Downriver Kayaks
Racing kayaks are designed to travel quickly through the water. They’re narrow and long, which makes them tippy, and novice paddlers can’t use them. The boat has a straight keel that allows efficiency in tracking, but they’re tricky for turning.
Quality of the used Kayaks
Before buying a used kayak, consider its quality. Wear and tear is a common factor that affects the quality of a used kayak. Look at the signs on the hull, particularly with hardshell yaks for the worn-out sign. When buying your kayak online, don’t be afraid to ask for specific pictures of the yak’s different parts, and keep in mind the signs of repair to look out for. The stern on the kayak may also have been damaged due to dragging it along the ground. Sitting on the kayak while on the ground can cause it to have cracks on the hull. A faded appearance means that it has stayed under the sun for long, and its durability is affected. The yak gets its plastic, and this means the strength and ability get affected for it to remain in the water. Inflatable kayaks may have gotten torn or patched up in the past. Purchase one that’s professionally repaired, but pay attention to the kayak’s particular seams, and it should not have tape-lifting.
Dimensions of the Kayak
Length
Longer kayaks are more stable, more comfortable to paddle, and have less performance while carrying heavier loads. They move faster, track better, and each stroke glides farther than shorter kayaks. The efficiency of the yak if tremendous and has less effort. The longer kayaks are approximately 16 to 19 feet long. On the other hand, shorter kayaks are less expensive, lighter, easier for transport, and less cumbersome. They have quicker turns than longer kayaks with a short hull that suits narrow streams paddling for children and short people. The shorter kayaks get designed to be 5 to 6 feet short
Width
The width of a kayak influences the handling characteristic of the boat. The aim of the width is stability, but a narrow kayak with extra width will result in the yak not working well when the strong currents occur. More so, the width determines the carrying capacity of the Kayak. Many paddles go in line with very wide kayaks because its hull gets pushed aside more often than the water. The wide kayaks get constructed typically to be 42 inches.
The symmetry of the Kayak
Kayaks are symmetrical or asymmetrical in shape. The symmetrical yaks have a half front and back while the asymmetrical lacks this feature. The efficiency and ability of a boat to move in the water get affected by its symmetry. For a yak to be quick at maneuvering, it has to be symmetrical. They get to negotiate any whitewater or small stream with ease.
The design of asymmetrical kayaks involves a streamlined and lengthened bow that gets efficient and fast in its passage through the water. The ability to turn is, however, decreased, and its directional control increases. The shape has two forms, which include the swedeform and the fishform. The swedeform has more volume behind the midpoint while the fishform gets to have more capacity ahead of the midpoint.
Bottom shapes of Kayaks
The bottom shape of a kayak gets viewed from the ends, and it ranges from flat to rounded. The shape affects the stability and maneuverability of the Kayak. The flat bottom is stable, and it provides more resistance, making it ideal for recreational kayaking. The rocker at the front end is present in a kayak with a rounded bottom, and it helps with maneuverability. It’s suitable for advanced kayakers who want to negotiate the rapids.
Final Words-wrapping it up!
In conclusion, kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy the water alone or with a partner. Before buying a used Kayak, it’s crucial to consider the type, quality, dimensions, symmetry, bottom shape, comfort, and price. Do your research and inspect the kayak carefully before making a purchase. A well-maintained Kayak can provide you with years of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences on the water.
