So, is the vision of having your folding kayak collapsing around you as you sink in the middle of the lake perhaps dampening your enthusiasm for using one? If this is only one of many recurring dreams you might wish to talk with a professional. But if you’re ready for a new sense of freedom, consider the advantages of today’s convertible kayaks. Look for portability and packability, durability of materials and convenience.
The main reason you’d want a folding kayak is for its portability and packability for ease of transporting and storage. Get one that fits in your vehicle, store it in a closet, and carry it easily to wherever you access the water.
Folding kayaks are built as structurally folding or inflatable, or both in the case of hybrid boats. Look for structural boats that are reinforced at their folds, and inflatables using high quality reinforced PVC, a UV-resistant treatment, as well as quality hardware.
In addition to the convenience of portability and storability there is the ease with which a folding boat can be unfolded and locked, or an inflatable boat can be inflated. Once you’re at the water, how long will it take to get out on it? Then again, once you’ve limited out and are done for the day, or there’s a storm approaching, how quickly can you re-fold or deflate?