Inflatable kayak practicality and practical uses:
An inflatable kayak is an economical kayak that's simple to maintain. An inflatable makes kayaking an economical sport. Inexpensive at purchase, simple to use, cheap and easy to maintain and their resale is relatively easy with good residual value.
Material and Construction:
A major component of an inflatable kayak is obviously the fabric. Inflatable kayak fabric technology has evolved greatly over the last 20 to 30 years, and now includes plastomers, polyurethanes and other fabrics, which can sometimes be stronger, lighter, thinner and less expensive to assemble than the original rubber fabrics. Of course, it costs a great deal of money to develop new fabrics or even to switch manufacturing processes to use them. Many manufacturers, big and small, don't have the will or the resources to do this, and that's why they generally hide that fact by resorting to condemning new technological advances in fabrics.
For instance, Sevyor (Stearns®) fabrics have always been on the leading edge of technology and their willingness to research and experiment has led to some innovative new fabrics. These new fabrics are developed to be the best for their intended use. Some manufacturers do not have the means or know-how to employ different fabrics, so they just use one. In these cases, the consumer may end up paying too much or getting too little.
Most fabrics consist of a strong, close-weave mesh of polyester or nylon material which is sandwiched between 2 coatings to provide extreme flexibility, superior air and water tightness, as well as resistance to abrasion and the sun's UV rays.
Heavy Duty Fabrics
Some inflatable kayaks are still made from a rubber-based fabric called Hypalon. While this is still a very good material, its major downfall is that it can only be joined by gluing, done manually. Problems including poor bonds, delamination of seams or fabric can still affect these glued fabrics. Today, many inflatables are manufactured from polyurethane fabrics. There are some hypalon fabrics that are "2-ply" or a double unit made up of hypalon/weave/hypalon/weave/hypalon and are used for extreme situations including bumper padding, bow skirts, anti-chafe patches and similar applications.
Seams
Apart from its superior toughness and durability, Sevyor Strongan fabric allows the use of computerized machine-welding process known as "thermobonding", the welding of fabric using hot air. Two sealing strips are thermally bonded to the butted fabric seams in a continuous electrothermal process. A highly airtight seal is created when the narrow inner strip literally melts into the collar material. The wider exterior strip functions as a overlapping structural connection and a sealer against water penetration. Thermobonding creates seams that are typically stronger than the fabric itself and produces a better seam than any hand-gluing method.
Inflatable kayak maintenance tips:
The buoyancy tube of your inflatable kayak is likely made of fabric using plastomer PVC or neoprene/hypalon rubber. Inflatable kayak maintenance is generally easy but essential.
Clean it every month: (if used extensively) but recommended seasonally before storing for the winter.
NEVER USE STRONG DETERGENTS (ACID, TRICHLORETHYLENE, MINERAL SPIRIT) OR SILICONE-BASED PRODUCTS TO CLEAN YOUR INFLATABLE KAYAK.
Inflate the buoyancy tube
? Open the self bailer and wash the boat with a hose to remove sand and other particles
? Remove the floor or floorboards where applicable
? Clean all grime, stains, etc (use products from your dealer if required)
? Check all inflatable sections for leaks, with foamy soap and water
? Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly
NEVER USE HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING EQUIPMENT. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BOAT
When deflating your inflatable kayak
• Check that the valves and gaskets are clean and not damaged
• Check to ensure the self bailer is not clogged
A 20% air pressure loss in a 24 hours period is normal.
Only address more serious air leakages: ie: .25 PSI in 5 hours
If you have a problem with an air leakage: first, check all valves are intact and in closed position (nothing clogging the valve).
Do not hesitate to contact your dealer for brand specific information.
Storage of your inflatable kayak
When storing your inflatable kayak, keep it in a clean and dry place that is not affected from major variations in temperature and other damaging environmental factors. You may store the boat deflated and rolled up or lightly inflated. If you own an inflatable with a removable tubeset, take it off for easier, more thorough cleaning. You may store the tubeset on or off the boat.
FOR LONG TERM STORAGE IN THE SUN (ESPECIALLY IN TROPICAL REGIONS), PROTECT YOUR BOAT WITH A COVER.
RODENTS CHEW ON FABRIC INCLUDING INFLATABLE KAYAK MATERIAL. STORE AWAY FROM RODENTS (RATS AND MICE).
