Kayaks offer a boater many options. Some features to consider in comparing kayaks are the style of kayak you want to buy, the number of passengers and amount of cargo you want to carry, the material the kayak is made from and whether it is a sit-on-top or sit-in model. Spend some time making kayak comparisons before purchasing, and if possible, visit a store that will let you rent or test a kayak.
Structure
The first kayak comparison to make concerns the structure. There are rigid kayaks, inflatable kayaks and folding kayaks. Rigid, or hard-shell, kayaks are made from plastic, wood, fiberglass and composite materials. Folding kayaks are made from fabric stretched over a frame; and inflatable kayaks are simply filled with air. Both folding and inflatable kayaks are easy to store and transport. The downside is inflatable boats can be easily punctured if they are not handled carefully. Plastic hard-shell kayaks are probably the most common type, and they are usually priced competitively.
Stability
When comparing the types of kayaks, consider the amount of stability and control you want from your boat. Kayaks have both initial stability and final stability. Initial stability refers to how likely the boat is to lean to the side when you get into it. Final stability refers to how likely the kayak is to tip over once you're in it. The shape of the boat's hull determines the stability characteristics of the kayak and also governs the boat's speed. A kayak with good initial stability is usually wider than one with good final stability, which makes it slower. A kayak with good final stability is narrower, will lean through turns without capsizing and will be faster than a kayak with good initial stability.
Purpose
Kayaks are designed for different activities, and no one kayak will handle all situations well. Decide where you are going to use your boat before making any kayak comparisons. Recreational kayaks are designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. If you are envisioning paddling on calm waters and don't need speed, a recreational kayak is probably a good choice. Touring kayaks are longer than recreational kayaks and are designed for long trips. They track well, which means you spend less energy paddling the boat in a straight line. Sea kayaks are designed for open water and include buoyancy features to prevent capsizing. Whitewater kayaks are highly specialized vessels designed for running rapids and swift water.
Cargo
Kayaks come in single-passenger and double-passenger models. If you are going to kayak with family or friends, will each person need his own boat? Tandem kayaks make it easier to talk and share paddling chores, and they keep boaters from becoming separated. Single-passenger kayaks are more maneuverable, with each person getting to pilot her own boat. Double kayaks may have more storage area than a single kayak. Be sure to check cargo capacity when doing kayak comparisons.
Sit-on-Top Versus Sit-In Kayaks
Traditional sit-in kayaks are designed to enclose you in the boat. You sit in the cockpit with your legs out in front of you inside the boat's hull. Sit-in kayaks tend to keep you dry unless you capsize; and they can be fitted with a spray skirt that prevents water from entering the boat. Sit-on-top kayaks are open to the elements, much like a canoe. If you tend to feel claustrophobic or worry about capsizing, consider a sit-on-top kayak. A sit-on-top kayak tends to be more stable than its sit-in cousin; and if it does flip over, you have a good chance of being able to climb back in.
Transportation and Storage
One of the most important aspects to consider when comparing kayaks is size and weight. Unless you choose an inflatable kayak or folding kayak, you must also think about how you are going to transport your boat, which means looking at roof racks and gear designed to help lift the boat up onto your vehicle's roof. Inflatables and folding boats can often fit into car trunks or truck beds. Also consider where you will store your kayak when it is out of the water.
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