Do Modular Kayaks Leak? Everything You Should Know

Kayaking is a very enjoyable activity. However, you need to understand several dynamics of kayaking before you can discover the full potential of kayaking. Some of them include the following:

• Kayaking skills
• Types of kayaks
• Safety kayaking tips
• Right kayaking equipment

While all these are necessary, today, I am going to touch on one of the many forms of kayaks that we have called the modular kayak. In this post, I will answer to this question: Do Modular Kayaks Leak?

But before that, there are a few things that I want to shed some light on. Hold on tight, and let’s hit the road.

What is a Modular Kayak?

We have several types of kayaks. A modular kayak is just one of them. If you don’t know what this type of kayak is, then read this through.

A modular kayak is referred to as the snap kayak in other quarters. It is a kayak that can which allows you to piece it together (one piece at a time). The kayak can also be taken apart. In so doing, it affords you un-waivered stability and durability, which the hard and rigid kayak will give you. In addition to that, it gives you the flexibility and the mobility that a folding or inflatable kayak offers.

Benefits of a Modular Kayak

The modular kayak, as you have guessed, comes with a modular design. This type of design allows them to snap-together easily. As such, you can easily customize them to meet your exact needs.

The design also gives them the added benefit of simply being very portable. They are easy to carry without sacrificing their buoyancy or handling in any way. This design is also ideal for people who love to hike.

More importantly, storage is also very easy. Once you breakdown this kayak into pieces, you’ll find that it takes very limited storage space. As such, anyone who has a small room can still own a kayak and enjoy the ultimate kayaking experience.

Again modular kayaks will come in all kinds of sizes and shapes that are fit for different purposes. This gives them the high versatility that most other kayaks don’t have. It is one of the major reasons why I love them.

Finally, this model also saves money. Thanks to its design, which requires no roof racks or tie-downs. In fact, the only thing you need to get to the shore is to break the kayak down and then throw it at the back of your truck.

So Do Modular Kayaks Leak?

Like I said before, the best modular kayaks come with sections that are watertight. When these watertight sections are joined together, the water moves underneath freely without sipping through.

Unfortunately, this may not be the case every single day. On some days, you may fit your modular kayak and find out that it is leaking. So yes, modular kayaks do leak.

What Causes Modular Kayaks To Leak?

The main reason why most modular kayaks leak is when there is poor fitting in the joints of the pieces that form the modular kayak. If there is any form of looseness, then this could easily lead to leakages.

This is how it happens. When there are loose joints, the kayak will open a little if the vessel is lifted by the passing waves from one end. This slight opening allows some water to sip through and, in so doing, trigger the leakage.

However, if the sections have clipped together tightly, then they will easily prevent you from having any form of the leak, and as such, you won’t require any additional seal to experience a watertight touch.

How to Fix the Leak in a Modular Kayak

There are a few tricks that’ll help you to fix any form of leak that might occur in your modular kayak. They are simple and will include the following options:

• Fitting the modular pieces tightly
• Using bolts that have sufficient gaskets
• Applying a watertight seal in areas that water sip through

Bolts that have sufficient gaskets will ensure that there is no water that passed through the holes. In so doing, you’ll maintain a smooth ride without any worries of experiencing a leak in your modular kayak.

Minimizing Leakages: Factors to Consider When Buying Modular Kayaks

Another thing that will help you to minimize the chances of leakages is to consider the following factors when buying your modular kayak.

Capacity

The first one is the weight limit and capacity of the kayak. Don’t use a one-person modular kayak to carry two people. Don’t exceed the weight limit too. In case you do, the pressure exerted on the kayak will easily cause it to fall apart. Eventually, it’ll allow some water to sip through.

Remember this. A kayak will have a listed weight limit. This is the amount of weight that it can handle and still remain afloat.

Accessories

Modular kayaks should again come with the right accessories. These accessories include the right bolts, ideal size of bolts, exact pieces, and proper user manual, among other things. It is these accessories that’ll help you to have a proper fitting and a safe ride.

Design

It would be best if you also looked at the design. A wide base kayak is easy to fit and hardly leaves any loose ends. This is unlike a narrow base kayak, which is tricky and might fall apart so easily in case of poor fittings.

Conclusion

So do modular kayaks leak? You’ve got the answer to that. However, the leak is often caused by the use of poor accessories and again by the wrong set up. Make sure that you follow your user manual properly. It is the thin line between a smooth ride and things falling apart.

These problems are hard to find if you follow all the instructions. That’s why many people love the use of a modular kayak. In addition to that, the kayak is safe, easy to fit, transport, and store, among other things.