Kayaking has grown in popularity in large part due to the durable, inexpensive construction of modern boats. While requiring less maintenance than materials used in years past, plastic or cross-linked polyethylene kayaks still need proper care to retain their strength and appearance. Kayaks are also constructed of fiberglass, composites, polyvinyl chloride and coated fabrics, with each material having its own specific requirements for use, handling and storage.
Plastic Kayaks
Improper use and storage can ruin a modern plastic kayak. Tough, relatively light, and virtually maintenance free, polyethylene plastics revolutionized kayak building when they came on the scene, but the flexibility and toughness of a plastic kayak has its downsides. Dragging a soft plastic boat across a hard surface will scour grooves that will increase drag, and may eventually wear a hole in the hull. Always carry your kayak rather than dragging it. Ultraviolet rays from the sun quickly degrade a plastic kayak, therefore storage must be indoors or covered. Plastic kayaks can warp if not evenly supported in storage, or if tied down excessively tightly. Store all kayaks upside down to keep water out. Support the hull in several places or stand it on end.
Fiberglass Kayaks
Fiberglass kayaks are strong, light and low maintenance, but prone to cracking under impact. Avoid dropping your boat, or scraping across rocks while paddling. Care for a fiberglass kayak includes regularly using an ultraviolet protectant, and storing out of direct sunlight. The clear coat resin that gives a fiberglass kayak its glossy shine will become chalky and opaque with prolonged sun exposure. A fiberglass kayak is more rigid than a plastic boat and will not change shape in storage, but it may crack if loaded while supported unevenly.
Composite Kayaks
Composite kayaks are similar in construction to fiberglass boats but use modern fibers such as carbon and graphite. These boats are extremely light and strong, yet brittle and more difficult to repair. In use, this means avoiding contact with rocks, and using care when loading and unloading so that weight isn't concentrated on a rock underneath the hull. Storage should be indoors out of direct sunlight, as the epoxies used in composite kayaks are broken down by ultraviolet light. Because these hulls are so light and rigid, they should not be loaded unless they are in the water. They will not change shape in storage.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks made of PVC reinforced nylon or other fibers can be quite durable. Punctures while paddling are a possibility, so avoid sharp rocks and debris. Patch kits are available for small punctures, but a large tear usually requires replacement. Do not over-inflate, and on sunny days be sure to allow room in the air chambers for thermal expansion. The key advantage of the inflatable kayak is that it collapses down for storage, however, to avoid mold, discoloration and rot, allow the kayak to dry before deflating and store in a cool dry place. Avoid exposure to solvents and allow the fabric to warm before unfolding if it has been stored in freezing temperatures.
Skin Kayaks
Skin on frame kayaks, sometimes called Greenland kayaks, are made of treated fabric covering an inner frame, usually made of wood. Skin kayaks are designed for open water and are more vulnerable to puncture or rips when encountering a sharp rock or rough bottom. Because only a thin layer of cloth keeps the hull intact, they should always be carried, never dragged. While skin kayaks are extremely lightweight and flexible, their structure requires even support in use as well as in storage. Don't load the boat until it is in the water. Do not enter the kayak until it is afloat. Because the wooden frame can rot, always store a skin kayak upside down in a cool dry place.
Considerations
Your kayak is at great risk riding atop your car. Few materials can withstand striking the pavement at 60 miles per hour and being run over by a truck. Check tie downs frequently and adjust if you see your kayak moving.
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