Inflatable kayak

[Csail]

Swmbo wants a decent two man inflatable kayak, the dinghy was too heavy on our camping trip (and too big) so any ideas of good ones to get for coastal use?

[sighmoon]

We have a http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEVYLOR-HUDSON...10111002r28968 . I'll leave them to sing its praises, but I'll tell you what they won't:

It fills up with water dripping of the paddles, as you need to swap sides with the paddle now and then. Alternatively, you can use a two bladed paddle, and get water in on every stroke.

It's hard work to paddle compared to a normal kayak; partly because the tubes make it very wide, and partly because it isn't quite as rigid or as narrow as a normal one. I think it's still a little easier to row than an inflatable dinghy though.

It has a hard wearing cover on it to protect the Hypalon. This means it takes a long time to dry out properly as water gets between the cover and the air chamber. Even with every day warm sunshine on it, it takes a few days.

[whipper_snapper]

[ QUOTE ]
It fills up with water dripping of the paddles, as you need to swap sides with the paddle now and then. Alternatively, you can use a two bladed paddle, and get water in on every stroke.

[/ QUOTE ]

Have you tried drip rings ? Not a complete fix but a big help.

[Csail]

So would a rigid one with wheels be a better option?
Other question which provoked this post is, where can i buy s/s U bolts but rectangular profile to secure box section ally. legs and wheels to the dinghy transom?

[AngusMcDoon]

Ask Nathan (of this parish) of sailing round Britain slowly fame. He has an inflatable kayak instead of a dinghy. He calls it condom.

[sarabande]

Indespension for all trailer bits, if you don't have a branch of Western Towing in Cardiff.

http://www.indespension.co.uk/b2c/ap...031&slnk=1

http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAct...elatedlocation

[RivalRedwing]

the grand daddy of portable kayaks is a range of folding ones made by Klepper

http://www.klepper.com/en/index.php

not the cleapest in the world but they are the dogs doo dahs

[Csail]

Cheers for ideas, the Klepper ones are too expensive though.
Andy

[stewsam]

Hi Andy, the klepper ones are expensive to buy but mine was my dads, past a little bit of maintenance, it's lasted thirty years...

[sighmoon]

Thanks, but yes, we have them. We have two bladed paddles. Part of the trouble is the increased width, I think. It means the dripping end has to come right into the middle of the boat.