Inflatable kayaks, inflatable canoes, and inflatable boats with all the support you need.

I bought a used inflatable kayak and need information on it. How do I get it?

The best way is by visiting s Supplier's Index, searching for the brand and visiting their website. If they are not listed, try contacting us and maybe we can help answer your question.

What fabrics are inflatable kayaks made from? See Maintaining Your Inflatable

For many years all inflatable kayaks were made of Neoprene/Hypalon (or rubber) materials. Today modern materials and construction processes have made it possible to make inflatables out of strong plastic materials called PVC or Strongan (Sevyor's fabric). So, today most inflatables are made out of PVC or Hypalon. Each fabric is different and requires different fabric and glue for repairs.

Are inflatable kayaks safe and stable?

Yes! Inflatable kayaks are said to be the safest and most stable boats in the world now with the patented construction methods, technology used and the innovative designs allowing redundant safety systems to be in place (ie. multiple chambers in the tubeset in case 1 gets punctured, other still stay inflated). Because of their safety reputation, inflatable kayaks are now essentially the standard for use by the military, coast guard and other rescue agencies worldwide.

How big a kayak do I need for my family?

There are too many criteria to consider for us to answer this question accurately for each user, but generally criteria include, number of people to go in the boat, their average weight, how much cargo will you have, for use in lakes or oceans, calm water or rough water, size of engine, personal safety peace of mind needed, tow it, put it on the roof or fold it up, and your budget. When you know the answers to these, visit a dealer and they'll show you boats that meet your needs.

What size do I need for my yacht?

There are too many criteria to consider for us to answer this question accurately for each user, but generally criteria include, number of people to go in the boat, their average weight, how much cargo will you have, for use in lakes or oceans, calm water or rough water, size of engine, personal safety peace of mind needed, tow it, put it on top of your boat, put it on davits or fold it up, and your budget. When you know the answers to these, visit a dealer and they'll show you boats that meet your needs.

How do I find out who manufactured my kayak?

Inflatable kayaks will have a logo, decal or other branding on them most of the time. If not, they should all have an I.D. plate or patch identifying the boat brand, model, serial number, length, width, weight, capacities, manufacturer contact info and more. This plate is often located on the transom (back) of the kayak. Contact the manufacturer using a Supplier's Index to attain information you may be looking for or may require in the future.

How do I find a repair facility for my inflatable kayak? See Maintaining Your Inflatable

Go to a Supplier's Index and search for the listing of the manufacturer of your kayak. Click there to go to their website and locate the "dealer list" to search for a dealer/repair facility in your area. If brand loyalty is not an issue, or your brand has no dealer in your area, some of the bigger manufacturers have many dealers to choose from as most dealers will repair any brand of inflatable kayak.

I recently bought a used inflatable kayak and need parts for it.

Go to Supplier's Index and search for the listing of the manufacturer of your kayak. Click there to go to their website for information and parts. If it isn't listed, they probably don't have a website.

I want to repair my inflatable kayak. What do I do?

Repairing a kayak yourself is a difficult and often costly task. It is a complex procedure and the glue, solvents, fabrics and tools required are not easy to get and are usually expensive. However, most dealers stock these items and will sell you them, some will even offer directions and advice. Be warned though that "self repairs" may end in a visit to the dealer anyways, so a dealer evaluation before you try is always the best idea to determine the difficulty of the repair.

I want to build my own inflatable kayak Does anyone sell patterns and supplies?

Building an inflatable kayak is complex, and expensive and is best left to the professionals. Building your own kayak will likely cost more than buying one and could prove to be a safety hazard as well. Insuring it or passing government inspections/regulations my be difficult also. Patterns for the sections of the inflatable collar are hard to get and it is unlikely a manufacturer will supply them or that a dealer would have them. However, if you really want to try, a dealer will likely sell you the fabric, glue, parts, etc.

How do I learn more about inflatable kayaks?

The best way to learn more about a specific brand is by visiting a Supplier's Index, searching for the brand and visiting their website. If they are not listed, try using our Information, Advice and Support page to learn more, or by contacting us and we can help your or we will find someone that can answer your question.

How Do I Find A Leak In My Inflatable Kayak?

Use a soapy water mixture (dish soap) and spray it all over your inflatable kayak while it is inflated. Watch for small bubbles, hissing and other telltale signs. Works every time!

Common Definitions:

• ANCHOR FAIRLEAD: device that provides chafe protection on the bow of the boat and through which the anchor rode is lead.

• BENCH SEAT: rigid plank on which to sit while rowing.

• BILGE PUMP: electric pump to remove water from the hull.

• BOLT ROPE (or flange): a flap of material containing a section of rope which is used to slide into a slot in the hull to hold a buoyancy tube in place (also used in a similar manner for attaching seat cushions).

• BOTTOM OF THE HULL: The part of the hull that's under water. Its form is a determining feature in the boat's navigation capacity.

• CAVITATION: a situation when the propeller gets air or insufficient bite in the water and loses its power. Can happen due to motor mounted too high, seas conditions and tight turns.

• CHOPPY WATER: Agitated sea due to waves and wind coming from different directions.

• COATING: interior and exterior covering of fabric by a flexible sub- stance. The interior layer assures air tightness, the exterior insures resistance to abrasion.

• COCKPIT: the area of the boat occupied by passengers. Floor drains provide for removing accumulated water.

• CONE REINFORCEMENT: rigid caps that provide protection for the ends of the buoyancy tubes.

• DECITEX: weight measurement of the thread that constitutes the textile strength.

• DECK: a horizontal platform on which you may stand. Large boats may have numerous decks.

• D-RING: A ring whose metal part is D-shaped. Used especially when beaching and towing.

• FLOOR: a surface on which you may stand. Floors may be slats in fabric sleeves, interlocking or hinged sections of wood, aluminum or composite materials, or fiberglass as in Ribs.

• HAND RAILING: profited grab rail for passengers to hold on to while navigating.

• KEEL: (for a foldable boat) the inflatable lengthwise part found under the boat, between the boat bottom and the floor. The inflatable keel is a supplementary safety compartment.

• LACING CUFF: a flap of material (usually positioned on top of the tube) through which life lines are lead. Lacing cuffs frequently act as upright reinforcements for the buoyancy tube.

• LIFE LINE: line around the boat to help passengers keep steady while navigating and when boarding.

• MOTOR BRACKET: physical part of the boat to which the engine is mounted.

• MOTOR SHAFT: That part of an engine that goes from below the motor head to the propeller. This height is variable for a given horsepower, it can be short, long, or extra long.

• OARLOCK: U-shaped, circular or other shape which holds the oar and secures it to the buoyancy tube permitting movement for rowing.

• PLANE: Transitory phase during which the boat goes from pushing the water at low speed to sliding over it. Usually this phase is accompanied by porpoiseing as the boat overtakes its own bow wave.

• PRESSURE GAUGE: measuring instrument that indicates the level of air pressure in the buoyancy tube.

• RUBBING STRAKE: Composition of resistant flexible lateral bands that protect the boat from damage caused by rubbing (ie. against the dock).

• SELF BAILER: device that permits accumulated water to exit the boat, while not permitting water to enter the boat. Usually, a plug wilt he used to close the self bailer when the boat is at rest, anchored or not operational.

• STRINGER: aluminum lengthwise bars that lock the floorboard elements in place when mounted on the boat (foldable boats).

• TILLER ARM: a lever with controls used to steer and throttle an outboard motor when a remote helm station is not used.

• TRANSOM: structural component of the hull of the boat on which the motor or motor bracket is mounted.

• TRIM TABS/TRIM FLAPS: extension of the bottom of the hull beyond the transom that aids in stability and planing.

• WATER EVACUATION PLUG: found at lowest part of hull's stern. It permits water to evacuate from inside the hull (boat out of the water).