There’s a kayak for any purpose. Whether you want to go fishing in the flats or racing across the bay, there’s a purpose-built model for your needs. Kayaks come in a range of price points, with dozens of manufacturing brands.
If you’re purchasing a new kayak, you have options for hard-shell or inflatable models. What’s the difference between the two? Is the inflatable or fiberglass hull design the better choice?
Well, it depends on what you want to do out on the water. This post gives you an inflatable vs hard kayak comparison.
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Inflatable Kayaks Explained
An inflatable kayak? Is that a thing? Yes, you have options for recreational and purpose-built fishing and touring kayaks in inflatable models. Some brands, like Intex, might seem like inflatable toys, but they’re more durable than you think, and they come with an affordable price tag.
Hard Shell Kayaks Explained
Traditional kayak design incorporates in use of plastic materials in affordable models. However, plastic is somewhat heavy, reducing the performance of the boat. Some specialist kayak brands, like Stealth, produce models with fiberglass or carbon fiber materials. The result is a durable, high-performance kayak with a huge price tag.
Inflatable Kayaks Pros
- Inflatables are ideal for beginner recreational use.
- Inflatables are lightweight, weighing between 25 to 35-lbs.
- Inflatables are buoyant and sit higher in the water and hard hulls.
- They are incredibly affordable.
- Inflatables are available in purpose-built models for fishing and other activities.
- Inflatables carry load capacities up to 5440 to 900-lbs, depending on the design.
- Inflatables are easier to transport, carry, and store.
- Inflatables are cheap and easy to repair.
Inflatable Kayaks Cons
- Inflatables can picture on sharp bottoms and objects.
- The higher riding position isn’t suitable for long-distance or racing.
- The flat hull adds to drag, increasing paddling fatigue.
- Inflatables are less responsive and maneuverable.
- You have to inflate the boat before every session.
- Recreational inflatables are only suitable for flatwater use.
Hardshell Kayaks Pros
- Hard-shell kayaks are ready to launch and easy to set up.
- Hard shells have more glide in the water.
- Hard shells are more durable and last longer.
- Hard-shells handle and maneuver better than inflatables.
- Hard-shell models are available for dedicated ocean and whitewater use.
Hardshell Kayaks Cons
- Hard shells are heavy and more challenging to carry and store.
- Hard-shell kayaks are expensive to repair.
- Hard shells are costly to purchase.
- Hard shells require roof racks for transport and are heavier to load.
Intended Use and Water Conditions
Inflatable kayaks are the better choice for beginners that don’t intend on making kayaking a regular pastime. If you want a boat for the family or the occasional trip to the lake, the inflatable is affordable and gets you everything you need to have a great time on the water.
Inflatables suit use on flat water. The recreational models can’t handle whitewater applications, and you can’t take them out on the ocean. You get dedicated whitewater inflatable “duckies” that can run rapids, but they generally cost more than the hard-shell boats and carry up to eight passengers.
However, for the purposes of this post, we’re not going to refer to duckies; we’re going to look at the recreational inflatable models. Inflatables do better in calm, flat water when you want to take a trip down the lake or a slow-moving river with no obstructions or submerged hazards.
The hard shell is the better choice if you’re thinking about taking kayaking seriously or want a purpose-built model designed for performance use. The hard-shell kayak is much more expensive, up to 4X the cost of rec inflatables or more.
However, they are much more durable than inflatable models, and they come in a range of lengths, designs, and price tags.
Design, Construction, and Materials
Rec inflatable models typically rely on design and construction with Polyethylene, vinyl, Hypalon, or thermoform ABS materials. The top-end ducky feature thick Hypalon that won’t tear, even on sharp rocks.
However, the rec models usually feature 300-gauge vinyl construction that will tear on sunken objects like sharp tree branches and rocks. Hard-shell models come in a range of materials. Entry-level rec models feature plastic designs, making them heavier and slower than those models manufactured with fiberglass, ABS plastic, or carbon fiber.
When it comes to performance, carbon fiber is the strongest and lightest material and the most expensive. Fiberglass is the international standard for hard-shell models. You get a lightweight, durable hull that glides through the water and feels responsive.
Apart from the ducky, inflatable models come with flat-bottom designs on the hull. So, they are harder to maneuver and create more drag on the water. The hard shells come in a range of hull designs, from flat-bottomed to deep V-shaped hulls that slice through chop and improve glide.
If you’re looking for a kayak for racing, you’ll need to go with a hard-shell model, or you’re going to finish dead-last in every event, guaranteed.
Weight
The inflatable is the best choice for people with bad shoulders that can’t lift a heavier hard shell off the roof racks without help. Inflatables are lightweight, and the heaviest models have a dry weight of around 34-lbs when inflated with the seats.
This feature makes them easier to inflate and carry to the water. They’re also a great choice for kayak camping, as they are easy to carry on your portage, where a hard shell would require some effort. A hard shell can weigh around 15 to 20-lbs more than an inflatable model of the same size and dimensions.
Capacity
The inflatables handle more gear and equipment than hard shells. Most inflatables can handle up to 200-lbs for single-seater models and 440-lbs for tandems. The whitewater dickies can accommodate up to eight people and their gear.
Some specialist kayak camping models can carry loads up to 900-lbs, with compromising handling and maneuverability. In contrast, hard-shell kayaks have load ratings of 200 to 400-lbs, depending on the model.
Transportation and Storage
Transport and storage are where inflatable models shine. Inflatables are easy to dry, deflate, fold and pack away into a dedicated carry bag. Toss it in the trunk of your car and head home, no hassle. Hard shells are a different story.
Hard-shell models can be up to 20-lbs heavier than inflatable models. You’ll have to buy a set of roof racks for your vehicle, and you might need a roller system to help you get it onto the racks if you can’t lift it yourself. To secure the kayak properly to the racks, you’ll need a “J-cradle” system. The accessories required to transport your hard-shell kayak can add another few hundred dollars to your kayak purchase.
When you arrive home, you can pack the inflatable kayak bag away in a closet until your next trip to the lake. It’s the ideal choice if you live in an apartment building with no garage. Hard-shell owners need to have dedicated space available for the boat in their garage or yard. It’s best to store the kayak in the garage, but some owners might need to leave it outdoors and cover it with a tarp to keep the sun off the hull.
Performance, Maneuverability, and Speed
The hard-shell kayak takes the win in the handling and performance departments. You can’t beat the performance of a hard-shell kayak. The hull cuts through the water, giving you an effortless glide. Inflatable creates more drag, requiring you to paddle harder to get the same results as the hard shell.
Inflatables are harder to turn, and they require skegs on the hulls to improve the tracking in strong currents and rougher waters. Since the hull on inflatables creates more surface friction, you’ll find your arms burn out faster from paddling an inflatable.
Stability
While the handling isn’t as good as a hard shell, the inflatable offers superior stability on the water. The higher ride height and improved buoyancy make for a stable, secure ride and less chance of capsizing.
Hard-shell models have more movement in the water. While they are great in a straight line, they have a lower ride height in the water, and less buoyancy, making them easier to tip and capsize.
Comfort and Seating
As standard models, the inflatable kayak is the more comfortable option. Most come with inflatable seats, providing a plush, comfortable seating arrangement. The seats are fully-adjustable, giving support to the lower back.
Inflatables are available in single, tandem, and up to eight-seater designs, depending on the brand and model. However, some hard-shell fishing and touring kayaks come with options for aftermarket seats that make for a comfortable riding experience.
Maintenance and Service Life
Hard-shell kayaks are harder to maintain. With hard shells, you have to wash them down and wax the hull for the best results with your maintenance tasks. If you experience damage to the hull, you’ll have to spend more on repairs. Sure, you can do minor ones yourself, but epoxy resin repair kits are expensive.
Severe damage to hard shells requires professional repair. If you leave your kayak out and the snow packs on it in the winter, it could crack and compromise the hull, requiring an extensive and costly repair to the boat.
If you own an inflatable, you’ll have to ensure you dry the kayak properly before packing it in the carry bag. Packing a damp boat away results in mold growth, ruining the boat. Inflatables come with up to ten years of service life. It depends on the frequency of use, the conditions or use, and the boat’s maintenance.
Hard-shell models can last a lifetime with the right care and maintenance. They might be more expensive than inflatables, but you’ll likely never have to replace them. Hard-shell kayaks also retain their value on the secondary market, while inflatables depreciate to almost nothing.
Price Comparison
The price tag is probably the most notable difference between hard-shell and inflatable kayaks. Inflatables are so affordable, which is a big part of what makes them attractive to recreational users. Why fork out over $1,000 for a kayak for the summer when you can buy an inflatable for less than half the price?
Sure, inflatables are affordable, but many have a purpose-built design for fishing and other activities, making them strong contenders for a traditional hard-shell kayak. However, if you think you’re going to be using the kayak regularly, you might want to consider getting some real equipment.
The hard-shell model lasts a lifetime and gives you a much better kayaking experience. However, you’ll have to consider if the price tag is with the investment. The last thing you want to do is purchase an expensive hard shell and leave it to gather dust in the garage all summer.
It’s all about what you want to do with the kayak. Are you a rec user, or are you thinking about taking up kayak racing? What you want to do on the water determines your kayak purchase.
The Verdict – Which is the Better choice?
So, which one is the better choice? Consider these final takeaways if you’re still on the fence about deciding on a hard-shell or inflatable model.
Inflatable kayaks are better for people that want the following from their kayak.
- Beginners that want to paddle in flat, calm water.
- Recreational users that don’t kayak often.
- People with limited storage space.
- People with shoulder and back problems need a lightweight boat.
- People with limited budgets need an affordable model.
Hard-shell kayaks are better for people that want the following from their kayak.
- Kayaking enthusiasts.
- Improved control, tracking, maneuverability, and speed.
- Less maintenance and no sinking risk.
- Whitewater applications, like playboating and creek boating.
- People that have storage available for the kayak.
The choice is up to you. We’ve given you the comparison, but it’s up to you to choose the right kayak for your needs and budget.
