Best kayaks for 2016 by types
Before deciding what kayak to buy you should ask yourself:”What type of kayak would suit me the best?” .As there are many types of kayaks choosing the right one for you is critical.We review best kayaks 2016 by types: Self-bailing kayaks, Sit-on-top kayaks, Tandem kayaks, Fishing kayaks, Multisport/Racing kayaks.
Self-bailing kayaks
Self-bailing kayaks are mostly used for fast-moving waters and they have ports at their bottoms which in fast moving waters blocks the water from entering in the boat. If you like to ride in fast moving waters then self-bailing kayaks are the choice for you.
Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
Specs:
- Exterior: 381 cm/86 cm
- Hull Weight: 14.5kg
- Max. Capacity: 295 kg
- Interior: 325 cm/38 cm
- Tube Diameter: 25.4 cm
- Deflated: 79 cm/48 cm/20 cm
- Chambers: 3 (Port, Starboard and Floor)
- Material: 38 mil PolyKrylar (K80 PVC)
Sit-on-top kayaks
One of the most popular types of inflatable kayaks are Sit-on-Top kayaks. Because of their design and easiness to use they are featured at most resorts and recreational facilities. SOT kayaks are much more user friendly than their fiber-glass counterparts. On one hand it’s impossible to become trapped if a SOT kayak rolls over. On the other hand they are made of roto-molded plastic so if you happen to bump into rocks or you scrap it with sand you won’t see any damage a bit.
If a Sit-on-top kayak is what you need then you will find it easy to buy a SOT kayak that’s under $1,000.
Riot Kayaks Escape 12 Sit-On-Top Flatwater Recreational Kayak (White/Blue, 12-Feet)
Specs:
- Length: 12’ (365 cm)
- Width: 30.7” (78 cm)
- Weight: 68.3 lbs (31 kg)
- Max capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Cockpit size: Sit on top
Tandem kayaks
Careful consideration should be taken when choosing a Tandem kayak. One of the reasons is that not all tandem kayaks are inflatable so if you choose a hard made tandem kayak the transport would be harder, you would need a special license and insurance that costs money to transport them. Another reason is that tandem kayaks are not aiming at family kayaking, they need another style of paddlers that are not suited for recreational use.
Tandem kayaks are used for performance and durability. If you want to abuse your tandem kayak you should choose one that’s made of roto-molded plastic.
Hobie Mirage Oasis Tandem Kayak
Specs:
- Crew: 1-2 people
- Length: 14’ 6” (4.42 m)
- Width: 33” (0.84 m)
- Capacity: 550 lbs (249 kg)
- Fitted Hull Weight: 93 lbs (42 kg)
- Fully Rigged Weight: 127 lbs (58 kg)
- Hull construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene
Fishing kayaks
More and more fishers are starting to use kayaks for fishing because of their flexibility and versatility. Kayaks can get them in narrow spaces, inlets and then can get them in open space easily. Top line kayaks provide GPS units, attachments for rod holders, storage for battery packs and tackles while keeping them dry and easy to reach.
Malibu Kayaks X-13 Fish and Dive Package Sit on Top Kayak
Specs:
- Length: 13’ 10” (4.21 m)
- Width: 29” (0.73 m)
- Depth: 13” (0.33 m)
- Hull Weight: 60lbs (27.2 kg)
- Max. Capacity: 450lbs (204.1 kg)
Multisport/Racing kayaks
Multisport/Racing kayaks are made of very lightweight materials, they are narrower than other types of kayaks and they require more experience, but in the hand of an experienced user they are very fast.
They are made generally for competition racing but they can be used for other things such as fitness or recreation.Multisport/Racing kayaks are very long and narrow to reduce the wetted surface area and drag which results in an increase in speed through waters. Because of their length they maintain excellent tracking but they are also equipped with a rudder, which is controlled by the paddler with his feet, to help with turning and to allow small correction while racing.
Paddling perfection slingshot
Specs:
- Length: 18.83’ (5.7 m)
- Weight: 57 lbs (25.8 kg)
- Width: 20” (0.5 m)
- Max. capacity: 320 lbs (145.15 kg)
