Kayak - inflatable or rigid?

[Tom]

I am looking at buying a kayak for paddling around on windless days, I like the Stearns inflatable because it is portable and can store easily on the boat, but wonder how it compares in performance compared to a rigid model. Specifically, will it not paddle as easy, less momentum, have the bow blow around in the wind?

 

[Rick Ellis]

Just Got an Inflatable

I just went through the same delima and decided on a inflatable. I have used it three times now. Pumps up fast and easy. Storage not even an issue. Performance-is good not the best but okay. Paddles real well to windward but downwind I seem to make 360's now and again. No big deal. All and all I am a happy camper (sailor).

 

[Miles]

Inflatables are nice but...

they don't paddle anywhere near as well as a rigid kayak. They do have the big advantage of easy transport and storage though. We've got one that we play around with in calm anchorages. It works well for getting to shore but if you really enjoy kayaking you'll want a rigid one.The problem is that the hull flexes when you paddle and it doesn't track very well. The ease of storage is a big plus though. It's nice to have a kayak you can just pull out and inflate rather than having having it back home in the garage. Might as well get both, you can't have too many boats! ;.)

 

[joe phibbs]

disappointed

West Marine's early May flier advertised the Stearns' for $69.!!!!!!!! I went there and they said it was a misprint. I argued, to no avail. But now that I have seen you guys' comments, I wouldn't have been happy. btw, I offered to pay full gross for one and the other at $69, (one for the bride and one for me)but they couldn't get within $100 of the total but they were close. So we will keep looking. joe

 

[Geof]

We have an inflatable kayak

It's a Sevylor - Tahiti Classic I believe - two person. It's great around the anchorages, inflates in about 4 minutes with the foot pump and came with an extra added bonus feature that we never ever thought of.When the kids want to swim while we're on the hook, they turn it over and use it like a floating platform. You can also lie on it and sunbathe.They spend hours on it.Stows great, cost about $100 on sale. If it last two years of weekly weekend use we win out in the long run.If you've ever paddled a rigid kayak, these things are a joke in comparison, but for us it fits the bill.Geof

 

[Larry W.]

kayaks

Tom; I've had two of those yellow plastic rigid kayaks and while they paddle great, I hated the WET BUTT and the fact that they're hard to store and transport. I'm looking into a couple of inflatables for the wife and I to paddle around the cove in.