Saturday, December 5, 2009

Top 7 Tips in Choosing a Kayak Canoe Boat

By Hunter Livy

Every kayak canoe boat should answer the unique needs of their owners. Precisely, this is the reason why you cant just pick any kayak based on appearance or personal preference. There are a couple of important concerns that you should have in mind.

- First of all, ask yourself what you will be using a kayak for. Different kayak models perform differently depending on your purpose. If for example, you would like to use a kayak for flatwater fishing, you are better off with a flatwater model that has an open cockpit. This will allow you greater ease in movement as compared to close cockpit models.

- Another important thing is to know where you will be using your kayak. This may not be a concern for you if your water locations are fairly accessible and if you have the right van to transport your kayak. If the situation is the opposite, you should consider getting an inflatable kayak. Inflatable units are light and easy to transport and can even be inflated on the spot for greater convenience.

- Durability is always a top concern when picking a kayak. Obviously though, most commercially available kayaks have to be made of durable material. Otherwise, they will never sell. Composite material, plastic and fiberglass are among the most durable materials. They are however a bit heavy and expensive. More affordable and lighter options would be inflatable kayaks. Some are so durable that they are specifically intended for class III and IV rapids.

- Your kayak canoe boat should come with special features. Skegs for example are additional bottom rear attachments that allow greater kayak maneuverability. Bailing drains are also an important kayak feature. These help you bail out water in rough waters and can keep closed in calm waters.

- Kayakers also generally like stable boats regardless of the purpose. More stable, flat boats however may be harder to turn than those with less flat bottoms. There is however, no need to fear. Most kayaks are built to stay upright even when they tilt because of water conditions.

- Storage and maintenance are two other considerations when choosing a kayak boat. If you do not have a very big garage or an extra outdoor storage room, you might have a hard time figuring out how to store and protect your rigid kayak from the elements. If space is a problem, get an inflatable kayak. You can wipe it dry and deflate it for storage in its own bag. Some personal inflatable kayaks are so small that they can fit into garage shelves.

- Price is also another concern for a lot of buyers. Plastic, fiberglass and composite kayaks are generally more expensive that inflatable kayaks. Consider just how much you can afford to splurge on a kayak.

Selecting the right kayak canoe boat is not always easy. Aside from these seven tips, there are a few other smaller considerations to think over. If you are in doubt, make sure you take the time to research first on a particular kayak brand and model. If you do not want to take a risk with your choice, go for a brand with money back guarantees.

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