Boats built with highest in quality are what we are interested in.
By seaming our kayaks with fiberglass we obtain a mechanical bond
between the hull and the deck to assure strength and durability.
To make it the strongest area of the kayak, we use an outside seam
as well as an inside seam. This is then finished off with a fiberglass
seam tape on the outside which is hand painted for aesthetics.
Composite Bulkheads
An Impex Kayak is an investment,
and we want you to get the most out of your investment.
Like our seams, the bond formed when you fiberglass bulkheads
into a kayak is superior to any other method. To ensure no chance
of deformation of the hull, even under the heaviest stress, we use
concave bulkheads. Concaved bulkheads will flex to stop them from
pressing into the hull of the kayak when under pressure.
The combination of fiberglass bulkheads and seams gives our kayaks
the driest strongest construction available for a long happy
relationship between you and your kayak.
Handle System
Attention to customers' specific needs is
something we are very conscious of. Our Carry Handle has
been very popular for the comfort it offers moving kayaks to and
from the water. We have added on a retractable rescue
handle for a safer means of doing surf rescues.
Offering the best of both worlds once again,
Impex is looking out for our customers.
Reflective Deck Lines
This addition
takes into mind everyone from the expedition paddler thinking ahead
in the event of a late night crossing to the weekend paddler
looking for safety when squeezing the most out of a late fall
evening paddle. Our double weave deck line offers over 60% more
light reflection, especially effective even during dusk.
Skeg
Our time tested Skeg System has proved to be fail-
proof for paddlers from entry level to experts. A stainless
steel cable system enclosed in a housing allows for smooth
operation even as time wears on. At both ends of the system we
have overlooked no detail, from the slider handle to the nylon
skeg itself. Work hard to build your skills, but in the back
of your mind know you have confidence in your skeg system
to make the longest crossing in even the worst weather.
Rudder - [Irie & Temiskawa]
Impex Kayaks maintains strong Greenland style kayak roots.
This style of kayak demands boat control and edge turning to make
it perform, rudders are obsolete. However this does not mean rudders
are entirely without place. In the Mendota, our tandem, the long water
line and difficulty in edging with 2 people makes a rudder a must have for
efficient turning. Stability through width is the key to our Irie. This Light
Touring customer wants to enjoy the surroundings of a tranquil paddle more
than the performance end of the sport. The rudder control on this boat allows
a wide platform to be turned easily without the need for edge turns and excessive
paddle strokes. Foot controlled and beefed up with heavy gauge stainless steel
cables our rudder system will be efficient and maintenance free.
Storage Hatches
Rubber: Standard on our
Performance line, the VCP hatch has become known as the standard
all others are compared to. Proven over the years through even the
most diverse conditions, they have shown to be the easiest hatch to take on
and off while remaining dry. Using the larger Oval size, we have tried to give
the customer with tripping in mind the best possibility to store bulky camping gear.
303 protestant is highly recommended to extend the life-time of these hatches.
Composite: There are several benefits to the composite hatches we use in our Light
Touring, Specialty Touring and Tandem Touring lines. For expedition or even over
night experiences it is no secret that camping gear is bulky, and the ability to store
it easily is a benefit - so we made the hatches larger. Lighter than rubber hatches
they help to shave off the valuable pounds that make the difference. Always a concern is value,
and the ability to keep cost down makes a difference as you are outfitting yourself with all the
gear for kayaking. The composite hatch does add aesthetics at a more modest price. Our composite
hatches will stay as dry as any, but do take an extra effort to close down. Be sure to ask your
local dealer or call us direct for some pointers. 303 protectant on the gaskets is recommended.
Points of Contact Outfitting
Boat control is the most important
part of paddling a Greenland Style kayak, and proper fit is a
huge part. We have always worked hard to give good fit and control,
and we've added some things to make more improvement. Multiple points
of contact within the cockpit are important for better fit. Starting with
your feet we have updated to Werner Footrests for a stronger brace point
for pushing off in edging, rolling and bracing. We use a slightly larger cockpit
for easier entry and comfort, however our built in padded thigh braces offer
a stable base for the thighs. We added a matching seat pad for our ever-popular
On Demand Adjustable Backband. Both made of textured grey neoprene, not
only are they flashy but effective in the performance end of kayaking. The
texture allows for a non-skid surface in the cockpit and the neoprene keeps the contact
points warm. The backband is adjustable while in the kayaks with ratchets to allow for a
tighter or looser fit on demand. High enough to give support let low profile enough to
allow for rolling, bracing and vertical paddle finesse strokes.