When to consider an Inflatable Canoe or Kayak

There are a number of inflatable canoes and kayaks on the market and many of us will have had our judgement coloured by the toys we encountered when we ourselves were children.  Typically this would have been a brightly coloured thin PVC lightweight material similar to a cheap lilo and good for use about once.  Generally for use on the beach but highly dangerous because even a mild offshore wind would take inflatable canoe and child out to sea.  This type of product is still available and should be avoided at all costs.

Then there is the intermediate inflatable product.  Similar to an inflatable dinghy it is made of a reinforced, much thicker PVC plastic and borrows from the technology used for white water rafting. Inflatable canoes and kayaks made to these specifications are very good, generally quite large and highly expensive.  There cheaper alternatives around but they are produced and sold on the understanding that they have a shorter life and should be replaced more frequently.  Human nature being what it is, you are likely to end up paddling an unsafe boat.

We are very big fans of the inflatable canoes and kayaks made my STEARNS in the USA and marketed in Europe by the German company Secumar.

This two-person Secumar open canoe sets the standard for all other inflatable canoes to follow. It delivers a sporty adventure on rivers and lakes and being extremely stable it is excellent for beginners with very good tracking properties yet still easy to manoeuvre. Experienced canoeists will also be impressed.

This inflatable canoe is happiest on lakes, rivers, open water close to shore, and in certain circumstances on easier white water stretches.

It carries two people or 165 Kg but weighs only 19 Kg with three air chambers for rigidity and safety. When deflated it fits into the included holdall bag with dimensions L 62 x W 52 x H 25 but inflates to a very respectable L 330 x W 100.

The inner bladder is manufactured from nylon reinforced PVC which is puncture resistant and extremely air-tight; one inflation will last for months. This is zipped into an extremely tough 600 denier polyester heavy-duty tarpaulin outer cover which is colourful, tear and scratch resistant with a reinforced floor supporting two tracking fins. There is also two abrasion rails to protect from rocky shorelines or unseen obstructions. Comfort comes from the inflatable seats and padded backrests and convenience from bungees on bow and stern and carry handles.

This is a quality product designed to give many years of intensive use. In addition to this great canoe, our package includes two STEARNS jointed single bladed canoe paddles in their own tough carry sack and the STEARNS Foot Pump which is equally designed to give long life.

The one and two person kayaks have many extra features as standard including Neoprene knuckle guard, abrasion runners front and rear, tracking fin, repair set, carry handles, bungee cord for holding extra, gear, map window/dry pocket, D-rings at side, zipper down cover with splash guard.  STEARNS also do a white water version with thigh straps which is capable of an Eskimo-style role.

The STEARNS canoes and Kayaks are a quality product designed to give many years of intensive use. The Family Boat Shop offer these canoes and kayak for sale as packages that include a paddle or paddles in their own tough carry sack and the STEARNS Foot Pump which is equally designed to give long life.