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New Thermoplastic Kayaks for 2005
The new kayaking season is about to begin, and we'll be seeing a lot of great new models on the water in 2005. Among the most exciting are the new thermoformed plastic models that will arrive this spring.
Over the last couple of years, kayak companies have
patented their own proprietary plastic sheets, which they heat-press into the shapes of kayaks. Thermoplastic kayaks bridge the gap between the basic rotomolded plastic models, which are made by melting pellets, and the higher-end composite (fiberglass, Kevlar, graphite) models.
First and foremost, the new thermoplastic kayaks are durable. A sales rep let me try a model last June. He then used it every weekend for
kayak demos from Maine to Pennsylvania. Hundreds of people test-paddled
this kayak all summer long. Talk about rough treatment! This poor boat got
rammed into shore, tossed around, and banged against everything you could imagine. I saw the kayak again in
October, and I couldn't believe what great shape it was in. It had some superficial
scratches, but none of the deep, speed-slowing gouges that a rotomolded boat would have shown. The ABS plastic in thermoplastic kayaks is tough!
The hull of thermoplastic boats is about three times stiffer than its rotomolded cousin. This translates into better performance because the hull is not "oil canning" (flexing) in the water. It also retains its shape better, because it's more heat-resistant.
The thermoplastic models deliver plenty of "eye candy," with a
high gloss sheen as beautiful as you'll see in top-end composites. The shine and smoothness of the
finish just beg to be touched and admired. UV inhibitors are incorporated
into the plastic to block out the sun's damaging rays and protect this great
look. In contrast, the rotomolded kayaks age rapidly. When exposed to
intense sun over a period of time, their polyethylene plastic gets brittle and fades.
Thermoplastic models are also
lighter than rotomolded ones, but not as light as
composites. The new "Kestrel" by Current Designs, for example, weighs 45 pounds in
polyethylene, 40 pounds in thermoplastic, and only 30 pounds in composite hybrid.
And now we get to the bottom line: price. As with its other traits, the thermoplastic splits the
difference between the rotomolded kayak and the composite. For an ideal mix of durability, performance, outstanding looks, and affordable price, thermoplastic kayaks are hard to beat.
These new 2005 models will be in stock early this spring. Until then, dream
about sunny days, warm water, and paddling a new kayak.
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