The Best Modular Kayaks in 2022 & Buying Guide.
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Modular kayaks are those type of kayaks which can be taken apart and put together in seconds. They can go from solo to tandem by adding an extra midsection piece and even multi-person by adding as many midsections as needed.
Most modular kayaks are being used for recreational purposes, fishing and touring. Amongst the most popular brands, we will mention Tequila! GTX (recreational, fishing kayak), Martini GTX (recreational kayak), Mercury GTX (touring kayak), Tequila! GTX Angler (fishing kayak) – from Point 65 Sweden and Snap-On Top, Scout from Snap Kayaks USA.
We have delved into different types of modular kayaks including solo, tandem, sit-on and sit-in versions. We have reviewed each model based on the recommended purpose like fishing, weekend trips, and sports. Additionally, we have covered pros and cons based on functionality features such as stability, maneuverability, speed, and tracking.
Tequila! GTX Solo quick review
The Tequila! GTX solo version is one of the fastest on the market, being designed for high maneuverability and stability. It fares well against in-wind conditions and is excellently on in-waves. It comes with a capacity of 265 pounds, making it one of the high-capacity solo kayaks out there. Colors available: red, blue, yellow, lime.
Tequila! GTX Tandem quick review
In tandem mode, the Tequila! GTX kayak is a sit-on-top model with high maneuverability and stability. It weighs a total of 77 pounds with a capacity of 530 pounds. The model provides high speeds, tracking, and excellent in-wind workability. Colors available: red, blue, yellow/orange, lime, yellow.
The Martini GTX is one of the best multipurpose kayaks out there. It is marketed by its makers as a high-quality kayak that will offer you versatility, good performance, and portability.
Are you a novice to kayaking? Are you planning to go fishing or enjoy a ride with your family? This should definitely be your first choice. It is very spacious and can carry supplies and necessary gear. It comes with an air seat which is flexible plus a backrest for great comfort.
Its seat covers are very durable. Moreover, it has exit foot braces for proper leg support.
When it comes to speed, it is fast. Its mid-width of 27.6 helps it achieve a bullet shape which acts as a speed boost. The body is made of UV-resistant polyethylene, ensuring that it can withstand damage in those hot sunny days in the summer.
It contains a paddle park compartment and allows for use of both single blade and double blade paddles. Furthermore, the model has an in-built rudder to help in directional support.
One of its imperfections is less durability. Since it’s a kayak with various pieces it is bound to have dents and scratches hence fast wear due to the attaching and detaching process. This vessel is also wide, making it slow in the water. Another problem is that a paddle is not part of the supplied equipment.
Martini GTX Solo quick review
In solo mode it measures 10’5″, with an aft section of 5’9″, with the stern section measuring 4’8″. It can handle up to 530 lbs –those are two average adult weights. It is lightweight and only weighs 77 pounds. The cockpit is roomy and quite comfortable. The cockpit measures about 33″ x 18″ and can be spray-covered to ensure continued dryness in rough waters. Colors available: red, blue, yellow.
Martini GTX Tandem quick review
As a full tandem, the total length is 13’8″. This Martini GTX has a patented ‘snap to’ design for modularity. This means that a midsection can be added with ease making it a 2-piece kayak. The design works for group excursions as each member can carry their own piece. It is a bit slow but handles very well in flat water. Colors available: red, blue, yellow/orange, lime, yellow.
Tequila! GTX Angler solo quick review
It’s easy to assemble and manage. However, it’s not very fast which can be attributed to the intended use- fishing. When it comes to maneuverability, the model proves king compared to the tandem. The initial stability and end stability when is use is very impressive. As a solo, it remains steady and wonderfully withstands waves. It gets even better; it has a tracking keel to enable straight navigation.
Tequila! GTX Angler tandem quick review
Planning to go fishing with your friend? The Tequila! GTX Angler can easily be converted to a tandem. The addition of a second mid-section makes more room for carrying fishing gear or an additional paddle. For example, each mid-section is equipped with additional rod mounts. Simply put, the mode is reliable and high-performance. Colors available: green cammo, yellow/orange.
Martini GTX Angler solo review
The solo version comes as two pieces. Its deck has mounts that enable the addition of more rod holders or other equipment needed by an angler. For a dry ride, you can use spray paint on the deck and around the cockpit. The cockpit is quite spacious and comfortable with dimensions of 33 by 18 inches allowing for easy entry and exit.
Martini GTX Angler tandem review
The model supports snapping in a mid-section to transform it from a solo vessel into a two piece kayak. All sections are equipped with several rod holders. Two of these are flush-mounted just behind the seat, while one is located on deck mount just in front of the paddler –it is removable and replaceable.
The aptly named Snap Kayak is manufactured in the United States, specifically Syracuse, NY. It a stable sit-on-top kayak made for high performance and can be used as a solo tandem vessel.
As with most modern kayaks, it has a modular design that makes it easy to assemble and disassemble for easy carrying and transportation. It also comes with a foldable backrest, a welcome for those going with a partner. Other outstanding features of the model include contoured foot braces and a cup holder.
This vessel comes with three pieces, a front section measuring measures 69” x 30”, middle section measuring 67″ x 30 “, and a back section of 38”x 30”. Fully assembled, it measures 14.5 feet in length. Its design includes a built-in carry handle, paddle pack and bottle holders. It also has a gear storage compartment with drainage. This storage can be split apart if separate storage of items is required.
As earlier noted the vessel is 14.5 feet long, giving it a longer waterline length compared to other kayaks in its category. This, however, comes with a set of disadvantages, including being less manageable and difficult to maneuver in rough waters.
That said, the long waterline length makes Snap Kayak be very fast. Furthermore, its 30” width is comparably narrow giving it a reduced wetted surface area- another speed-boosting feature. Additionally, the wide midsection gives the model great secondary stability.
The design takes into consideration the interrelation of parts to ensure that different sections do not affect speed and stability. That said, the model is mainly designed for calm waters hence should be used in rough waters. Another downside is that its design does not include rod holders.
In terms of power and versatility, the Scout kayak seems to offer just that. Featuring a patent-pending modular design, this kayak becomes an easy one to use in water and carry around. It’s one of those kayaks that will allow easy customization and scalability
For those wishing to use it as a tandem, the mid-section can be added to the Snap Scout Kayak to achieve this. It’s is crafted using durable, blow-molded HTP polyethylene. The material is not an easy victim of tear or damage from extreme weather conditions and scratches.
Kayaks are mostly rated by quality, with creators having a rigid, high-performance design in mind and this model does not disappoint; it’s a high-quality vessel with comfortable seat plus a backrest to ensure a comfy ride. Also, its hull shape happens to be very unique and provides amazing stability.
Some of the model’s limitations include lacking proper drainage – no drain plug. Even when flipped upside down the water doesn’t drain well and you have to use a towel to dry it for transportation in your car back.
Modular kayaks are those designed in a way that you can easily take apart and join the parts. This is done in very little time and doesn’t require technical tools. The kayak comes in 3 separate sections.
These sections allow you to easily snap the pieces together in order to create a solo, 2 piece, 3 piece or multi-person kayak. The sections are the front, a mid-section, and a back section.
When buying a solo modular kayak though, it will have two pieces. For the tandem mode, you have two acquire the mid-section. The sections fit perfectly like Lego blocks giving you a chance to join as many mid-sections as you wish.
1. Weight capacity – A very important factor is the weight capacity of the kayak. This is the sum total of the paddler’s weight and additional gear weight- including the catch for anglers. As a rule of thumb do not get one whose weight you exceed.
2. Length and width – The speed, trajectory, stability, and ease of maneuverability are greatly influenced by the length and width of the kayak. For a fast vessel, get one that is long and narrow.
If you are looking for stability and one that turns easily, go for a wide short model – best for beginners. If you are looking for a touring kayak that can be used in big rivers, large lakes and withstand large waves, go for one that is at least 14-18 feet long.
If your desire is a good recreation kayak that can navigate through narrow inlets and passageways, you should go for one that is at least 8-15 feet in length. This is the ideal length for calm waters such as small lakes, creeks, and rivers.
3. Sit-in vs. Sit-on-top – This is another major feature of modular kayaks that will help you when narrowing down your choice. Here are the highlights of each design.
4. The hull type – The hull design is the shape of the bottom of the vessel. It influences the primary stability (Initial stability when stepping in) and the secondary stability (Stability when paddling) as well as the performance of the kayak.
5. The body material – It is wise to look for a kayak made with durable material. The material should be able to withstand harsh UV- rays and salty water without fading. A kayak made from low-quality material will fade fast, meaning the plastic’s strength and ability to remain watertight will get compromised.
6. Extras – For a kayak meant for fishing, it is important to consider the extra gear and features that come with it. An angler will need to look for one that has rod holders, a fish 0- meter, and GPS Mounts. For recreational kayaks, you can look for those that come with paddles since most come without. Other accessories you need to consider include the type of foot braces, cup holders, storage, seats, pedals, fins, skeg (an extension of the keel for stability), backrest and rudders.
The reason why you should consider using a kayak is shown by the large number of advantages that clearly outweigh the cons.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Most of the modular kayaks utilize the same patented snap tap technology for attaching and detaching the pieces. The front piece is designed in a way that it easily slots into the back piece or a mid-section.
Each midsection can easily slot into the front and back piece or even another midsection. When each of the three pieces clicks into place, they are held together by a ratchet strap locking system which is then tightened.
The modular designs have been created to ensure you find this process easy; it only takes a few minutes to attach and detach the kayak.
Modular kayaks come in handy in various situations and use cases which include:
Some of the biggest worries by people new to kayaking relate to lifting, loading and carrying their kayaks. Questions like can I carry a kayak alone? Will I be able to load it onto my car? This is especially so for women. So how do you go about this?
Physical carrying
When carrying different pieces it will be easy as they can be divided among the members present. The weight is equally distributed in the midsections, only the front, and the back parts vary.
For efficient carrying, especially if you are alone, you can join the parts and carry the single unit using the steps below
Dragging
Alternatively, dragging can be used if you have a strong plastic boat. However, note this method is not recommended as it can damage your vessel. Just hold the toggle or grab-loop handhold at the bottom of your kayak and pull it. Never drag composite or fiberglass made kayak, their hulls are fragile and will be easily damaged.
Kayak cart
These are two-wheeled carrying equipment specifically made to accommodate the kayak’s design. These are suitable if there is a long distance between the car and the water body. The ground needs to be even though, not rocky. Kayak carts are foldable and their assembling and disassembly is quite easy.
Here are some of the precautions and safety measures you need to observe when using kayaks:
Not all kayaks are modular; there exist different types of models that serve different purposes. Here are some:
Inflatable kayak
An inflatable kayak is one that is filled with air and comes with an electric pump or a manual one. This without a doubt makes it one of the most portable and easy one to use. Most of them are 15 feet long, and are made of PVC-coated polyester with rigid frames.
Whitewater kayak
These are kayaks that are customized to roll easily. They usually measure up to 10 feet. They have a rounded bottom hence they aren’t as easy to maneuver like traditional kayaks. They are convenient for white water kayaking.
Surf kayak
This is a kayak specifically designed for surfing. It surfs by catching and gliding on waves. To boost its surfing abilities, it features a sturdier rocker and a longer board.
A folding kayak
This one is similar to an inflatable kayak and very easy to use. It is convenient, space friendly and very portable. Upon disassembly, it easily fits in a backpack size bag.
It is better than an inflatable kayak since you get more storage space as a well as a rugged frame. The frame is made up of tough aluminum for better durability.
Modular kayaks come in different colors, features, designs, and specifications. They are also designed to be easily converted to tandems by the addition of midsections. So, what do you need to look for when buying one? If you are ready to buy a modular kayak, check our ultimate kayak buying guide.
A: Most kayaks are flexible so bending shouldn’t surprise you. Composite body and plastic body ones are the main ones that do so. However, skin-on-frame kayaks bend a lot more than these.
When it comes to modular kayaks each section is usually stiff but when the full kayak is joined it will bend when lifted from the sides. You will also notice that the gap between the sections underneath the kayak always opens a little. This happens when interlocking moldings lock tighter together and the ends are lifted.
This gap should never be a worry. Because modular kayaks can be taken apart into convenient sections, they have at least a joint. The joint always opens when you lift the vessel from any end, but when you sit on the kayak in water your force locks the kayak sections together and they become very tight.
A: Most of the modular kayaks have watertight sections. When these sectioned are joined, water will freely move around inside the gap that exists between the sections. However, it won’t come in. There is no need for an extra watertight seal between the sections.
A: Some models use bolts to join bulkhead to bulkhead. The bolts are designed to go through the bulkheads. This means that they need an effective gasket to prevent water leakage through the bolts. To make this seal not leak in water, the bolts must also be well tightened.
A: These straps don’t need to be strained more than the recommendation as they only act as a final lock. The strength and rigidity of an assembled kayak comes from the interlocking shapes.
A: Most of these vessels have sections which have enough tolerance to enable you easily clip them together – even when they aren’t lined up perfectly for clipping. However, do not over tighten them as no movement is expected from the joint.
A: In a dry surface: First unscrew the drain plug and lead water out. Plug the drain, pour in water, then observe where it comes out through. A likely possible cause could be a loose fitting or a problematic drain plug. If the hull is punctured, locating the hole will be easy. It will require a plastic weld. Fix any loose fittings by tightening but be cautious to avoid overdoing it.
With the demand for modular kayaks accounting for over 80% of the market, there is no reason why you should miss out on these beautiful water vessels. Having gone through this comprehensive review, we are hoping that you found vital information for a great kayaking experience. The best part is that whether you are a novice, intermediate or expert kayaker, you can always find one that suits you perfectly and for whatever use.
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