Page 158 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

KAYAKING

THERMOFORM KAYAKS

THERMOFORM KAYAKS offer a superb, mid-
range compromise between polyethylene and
composite kayaks.
Thermoformed kayaks use an advanced plastic
laminate construction to combine the affordability
and durability of plastic
with the lighter weight, +
shiny aesthetics and sleek PROS
feel of composites. Since
manufacturing is signifi- • More scratch-resis-
COMPOSITE KAYAKS
ARE LIGHTER ON YOUR cantly less labor-intensive tant and lighter than
SHOULDER, BUT NOT than composite construc- rotomolded polyeth-
ON YOUR WALLET.
PHOTO: ONTARIO tion, thermoformed kayaks ylene kayaks
TOURISM are priced only marginally • Acrylic outer layer
above rotomolded. provides a glossy
The thermoforming finish that looks like
COMPOSITE KAYAKS process uses a vacuum more expensive
to wrap heated plastic
composite kayaks
COMPOSITE KAYAKS in- Aramid fiber—synony- and evenly than hand-pressing sheets over the kayak • Attractive price-to-
clude those made from lami- mous with the brand Kevlar— the layers, but some compos- molds, allowing designers performance ratio
nates of fiberglass, aramid fi- offers strength and rigidity sim- ite expedition kayaks are still to produce finer lines and • Easier to repair than
ber, carbon fiber, or a blending ilar to fiberglass, but is lighter built entirely by hand. Finally, more complex shapes polyethylene and
of these and other high-tech and more expensive. Aramid fiberglass tape and resin join while using less material can be recycled at
synthetic fabrics. Some man- and fiberglass-aramid blends the deck and the hull together. than rotomolding. Less end-of-life
ufacturers also add foam or are more common in weight- Composite kayaks are beau- material is not only more
honeycomb cores between the saving light touring kayaks, tiful to look at and efficient efficient, it also results in –
fabric layers for extra rigidity. expedition kayaks and surfskis. to paddle. This construction a lighter kayak. Deck and CONS
The primary differences be- Carbon fiber is the light- allows for sleeker lines than hull are thermoformed
tween these various composite est and most costly compos- rotomolding or thermoform- separately, then trimmed, • UV-exposed ABS
kayak materials are weight and ite kayak material. While it is ing, and composites are stiffer detailed and joined at the will degrade over
cost, with the lightest materials typically used in elite sport and than plastics, making them sheerline with adhesive time, even with
being the most expensive. If a racing kayaks, ultralight carbon faster and more responsive and tape. proper maintenance.
kayak has a composite con- rec and touring kayaks are also on the water. The plastic sheet mate- Store your kayak
struction, be sure to clarify available. Composites, especially pre- rial used to make ther- indoors, if possible,
which material it’s made of. Whichever fabrics are used, mium layups like carbon fiber moformed kayaks fuses or upside-down on
The three most common are: all composite kayaks take shape and aramid, are also lighter on an impact-resistant ABS an outdoor rack
Fiberglass is the original, in a similar way. Gelcoat is your shoulder—but not on plastic base layer to one • Be cautious in
tried-and-true composite ma- sprayed into separate deck and your wallet. These are the most or more thin outer layers cold climates. At
terial. The excellent strength- hull molds followed by hand- expensive hard-shell kayaks. of glossy acrylic. It’s this below-freezing
to-weight ratio and affordable laid layers of cloth bonded by Still, the longevity of compos- shiny, scratch- and UV- temperatures, hard
cost of fiberglass makes it the resin. Vacuum bag technology ite kayak materials means that resistant acrylic cap that impacts can shatter
most popular choice for pre- allows the resin to be injected a one-time investment can last gives thermoform kayaks thermoformed plas-
mium sea kayaks. and distributed more quickly your whole paddling career. their head-turning finish. tic laminate
Whether you are in the • Many manufacturers
+ – market for a premium rec don’t offer thermo-
kayak, lighter weight fish-
formed kayaks—this
PROS CONS ing kayak or expedition- material might not
ready touring kayak, be an option if you
• Lightweight construction with a superb • Most expensive hard-shell kayak material there’s a thermoformed have your heart set
strength-to-weight ratio • The stiffness of composites makes them option to suit your needs on a specific design
• Performance, responsiveness and effi- susceptible to severe cracks and punc- and budget.
ciency are superior to polyethylene kayaks tures from direct hits. Avoid surfing into
• Scratches, spider cracks and even punc- rocks or banging down bony rivers
tures can be garage or field repaired with • Used kayak shoppers are likely to encoun-
minimal tools and a YouTube education ter retro teal-and-purple color schemes
• Composites are UV-resistant and abra- and outdated outfitting, since well cared
sions leave smooth scratches, which don’t for composite kayaks can still charge
impair hull speed decades after their prime
THERMOFORM KAYAKS OFFER AN
ATTRACTIVE PRICE-TO-PERFORMANCE
158 RATIO. PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E