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Old 05-26-2018, 06:59 AM   #1
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Inflatable vs Hard shell Kayak impacting toad choice

Hi,

We have both hard shell single kayaks and an inflatable Sea Eagle 3 person Kayak. With our old coach we used to transport the hard shell kayaks inside but the inflatable goes in a bay. Our newer coach is too nice to have the kayaks inside and they were a pain to load and unload.

We purchased the inflatable so we could bring our 60lb Lab with us, she was fine on our first outing but on the second one she jumped out and capsized the kayak, needless to say my wife was not impressed. Now we leave our Lab in her crate with the air con on.

Anyway back to my question.

Has anyone used both hard shell and inflatables and can compare the two?

Also if we stick with an inflatable we can get whatever toad we want but if hard shell the toad will need to be able to carry them.

Mainly for use for potting around on small lakes and rivers.

Thanks,
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Old 05-26-2018, 07:06 AM   #2
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I hated my sea eagle. gave it away. I much prefer my sit a top kayaks.

It really is a personal preference though.

How often do you actually use them? If often I would not go with a inflatable, if once in a while the inflatable makes more sense.

You can get vertical racks to carry the kayaks on the back of your coach and still tow a vehicle.

You can also keep them on top of the toad with a roof rack.
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Old 05-26-2018, 07:16 AM   #3
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Thanks Link,

On some trips we use the hard shell ones every day for an hour or two, other trips they have sat unused.

The Sea Eagle is only easier for transportation and being abe to take our dog but not even sure if we will do that anymore. Its not bad at all and better than no kayak :-)

Putting our hard Kayaks on a toad sounds like the best bet.
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Old 05-26-2018, 07:30 AM   #4
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Inflatable easier to carry, hard shell want get a air leak by dogs toe nails.
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Old 05-26-2018, 07:36 AM   #5
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We negated the dog nails by putting down a foam pad.
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Old 05-26-2018, 08:17 AM   #6
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Partly, it depends on how much distances you will be paddling. If you will be covering a lot of miles, you want kayaks with a reasonably efficient hull shape. Unfortunately, nobody has yet found a way to design an efficient shape into an inflatable.


While there are many hard hard shells available with nice sleek hulls, there are also some very inefficient ones available.See TopKayaker.Net: Kayak Performance Based On Design Features.


Joel
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Old 05-26-2018, 08:22 AM   #7
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I've only had one inflatable but it was a cheapy. I wouldn't want another one like that. The sit ons we have now are the way to go. Unless it was one of those short Smart cars, it really doesn't matter what the toad is. There are rooftop mounts for just about everything out there. Getting a toad with a factory luggage rack does make things easier though.
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Old 05-26-2018, 09:00 AM   #8
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Thanks both,

I must check out the racks for the back of the coach.

My wife would like a convertible toad but would have to be 4 seater for the dog.
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:04 AM   #9
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A lab wanting to jump into water? Go figure. Its in their blood. Let her swim.

I am no help with the kayak question.
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Old 05-26-2018, 10:40 AM   #10
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Thanks Mike,
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Old 05-26-2018, 11:00 AM   #11
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I think you can get Yakama (or similar) roof mounted kayak racks for just about any vehicle made. Really shouldn't impact what you use for a toad.
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Old 05-26-2018, 11:08 AM   #12
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Hi,

I do have a set of Yakamas at home I have used in the past.
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Old 05-26-2018, 02:48 PM   #13
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We also have a Sea Eagle as well as hard kayaks and a canoe. As said, the hard shells are much less efficient to paddle. I bought the Sea Eagle because it wouldvfot in the basement of the class A. Sold the A and now it sits in the basement of the house. My wife, who is an avoid paddlers, doesn't like it.

There several foldable kayaks that are hard shell or stretched canvas when assembled. We were on a tour with one several years ago and they didn't have trouble keeping up. The good ones are pricey, but it is an alternative.

My preference is my hard shell sit on top.
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Old 05-26-2018, 03:05 PM   #14
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We have this inflatable kayak and like it just fine.
https://www.rei.com/product/736947/a...flatable-kayak

Prior to this we'd been using in hard shell kayaks, but didn't have our our own, always rented.
We went for a couple of two hour paddles last weekend and thought it was just fine. It tracked fine and didn't have any trouble keeping up with my sis and BIL in their kayaks. (actually BIL was in a sit on to kayak and sis was on a hybrid Stand-up Paddleboard/Kayak.
When we got back they took our kayak out for a short spin and said that it paddled well and that they didn't notice any obvious different JUST because it was an inflatable.
Obviously there were difference in what they just were using, but it would be different just going to a sit inside kayak.
We're paddle about and enjoy nature type kayakers, we're not out on speed runs or anything like that.
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