When it comes to choosing the right type of kayak, you must know about the different hull designs of the kayak. The style and shape of a hull will have a strong effect on your boat’s performance in various conditions.
As it is very important to know all the pros or cons of various hulls types, we have put some vital information that can help you out make the right choice.
From the recreational to touring kayaks who like long-distance expeditions, you will find a wide variety in the kayak design. The kayak hull shape has been changed and adapted for years. Let us go ahead and check out different types of hulls. But, first, find out what is kayak hull is.
What is Kayak Hull?
A hull is your kayak bottom. The design and shape will decide the maneuverability, speed, as well as stability of the kayak. So, we can say that it is an important part of your kayak. You must check the kayak hull before you go ahead to buy a kayak.
Different Kayak Hull Types
There are four primary types of hull and are Rounded hull, V-shape hull, Flat hull, and Pontoon hull. Each of the hull shapes is optimized for various water conditions, and it is mainly because of differences in maneuverability, speed, and stability.
1. Flat Hull
The flat hulls are found on various vessels, which include whitewater yaks. Also, offering complete stability the flat hull is simple to maneuver but as it has higher contact with water, you will see it is not very quick on flat water.
Perfect for kayak fishing, the flat hull types are simple to manage for beginners and make the best first kayaks.
2. Rounded Hulls
These hulls have rounded edges so it gives your kayak a kind of ‘torpedo’ shape, which results in higher speed and this is because of lesser water resistance. The rounded hulls generally make more maneuverable kayaks and have more secondary stability.
While they will not appear very stable in the calm waters, but these kayaks are quite stable since they tilt on one side or other for this reason, they are good for rough water conditions.
3. V-Shaped Hulls
A V-shaped hull will improve speed and tracking. But, stability gets affected and makes these V-shaped hulls less stable over the flatwater, this can be a trouble for a beginner. However, they are highly suitable for handling currents and waves.
Just like rounded hulls, v-shaped hulls kayaks may feel very less stable in calm conditions than the choppy waves. Suppose you are just starting to kayak, then v-shaped hull will take a little time to get used to it, they are tough to manage.
4. Pontoon Hull
Pontoon hulls are very good for some special activities and are mainly used as fishing kayaks as their balance is very strong and so their speed. They combine the benefits of the rounded hull and flat hull.
The pontoon hull is also called a tunnel hull and is highly stable compared to other kayak hulls out there. Instead of having just one sharp and broad point in the water, the tunnel hull has got two. This takes up the “U” shape for putting high points in the water.
With amazing stability, you need to sacrifice the speed a little. Those two contact points form drag and don’t cut over the water or other options.
Final Words
Design symmetry, hull materials, weight positioning, and various other features (such as sponsons and keel lines) are a few factors that brands take into consideration while designing a full-proof kayak. But, knowing a little basic on hull shape will help you make the better choice on which type of kayak is perfect for your purpose and needs.