The Pros and Cons of Hardshell and Inflatable Kayaks
The President and Chief Officer of PHM Design, LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia, Carl Byington has been working as an engineer for more than 20 years. Prior to moving to Georgia, he worked in such places as Rochester, NY, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Outside of work, Carl Byington loves exploring and being active with an array of activities. He has run marathons on all seven continents and is an advanced kayaker.
While some kayak enthusiasts rent kayaks at the different locations they visit, others prefer owning their own boats. When purchasing your own kayak, one of the initial decisions you must make is choosing between a hardshell or inflatable kayak.
As evidenced by the name, inflatable kayaks are inflated and deflated at your convenience. This makes them easier to transport. Once deflated, they can be carried in a suitcase or duffel bag, so there is no need for a roof rack. Further, you can take them on vacation with you so you can have your own kayak when traveling.
In addition, inflatable kayaks are roughly half the weight of hardshell kayaks. They are made of synthetic rubber and plastic polymers rather than fiberglass or plastic, and are generally cheaper in price compared to hardshell boats.
While inflatable kayaks are more portable and more affordable than hardshell kayaks, they are not inherently superior. In fact, hardshell boats offer more maneuverability than inflatable ones. While this is becoming less true as inflatable kayak technology advances, hardshells will likely always be superior in this area.Moreover, a hardshell kayak tends to be superior in terms of it’s durability against wear, impacts with rocks, and leaks due to sharp object puncture damage.
Hardshell boats are also best for quicker transitions to the water. Since they do not have to be inflated upon arrival, you can set off on your water trek faster. All you have to do is remove the boat from your car.
In the case of the picture, Carl was happy to have a hardshell kayak when paddling around the swamps of Florida!
