Equipment: Kayak Construction Materials

Kayaks are typically made from one of four different types of material. Each material offers advantages and disadvantages. The types listed below are arranged by cost.

Polyethylene Boats

The least expensive, heaviest and generally most popular kayaks are made from polyethylene. Most novices and first time buyers will feel right at home in a polyethylene kayak. These plastic boats are strong, durable and able to withstand the abuse of being dropped, run into and grounded on oyster bars. Because of its resistance to dings and dents, most whitewater kayaks are made from plastic.

Plastic boats (often called Tupperware) are rotomolded, a process where powdered or beaded polyethylene is poured into a mold and placed in a oven. The mold is heated and spun to distribute the plastic evenly. After the kayak "bakes", the mold is removed from the oven, allowed to cool and the kayak is completed with seat, foot braces and other parts.

Wood Boats

If you're good with hand tools, have the time and don't mind repairs every so often, a wooden kayak may be just the boat for you. Wood kayaks are made from marine plywood covered with epoxy or fiberglass. Wood is light in weight and attractive, but tends to damage more easily than plastic or composite boats. Wood boats are not a good choice for Florida kayakers because of the harsh environment. Sand, sun and saltwater will all take their toll on wood kayaks.

Composite Boats

Fiberglass and Kevlar are the two most common materials found in composite boats. Fiberglass is an ideal material for kayaks as it is light in weight and fairly resistant to damage. Fiberglass boats are about 10% lighter than plastic and can be patched easily with duct tape. Kevlar is DuPont's name for a synthetic fiber called Aramid. The material has been popularized by it's use in bulletproof vests. Kevlar boats typically run twice as much as fiberglass, but offer weight savings and strength advantages. Both types of composite boats are coated with gelcoat, a glossy layer that makes the boat look attractive and reduce water resistance.

Skin Boats

The first kayaks were skin boats. These were used by arctic North Americans and made of seal skins stretched over an assembly of animal bones or wood. Skin boats today are made with wood or aluminum frames, a Hypalon rubber hull and nylon or canvas deck. The advantages of the modern "skin" boat is that it can be assembled or disassembled in as little as 30 minutes. Skin boats are a perfect match for those who require a kayak that stores in little more space than a backpack or someone who wants to transport their kayak on passenger aircraft. Skin boats are not cheap and can cost 50% more than their fiberglass counterparts. Skin boats are rarely seen on any Florida waters.

Press [Back] button on your browser to return to Kayak Equipment.