This is one of the cornerstones of Impex Kayaks' philosophy. After all, one of the greatest advantages of paddling a composite kayak is the independence a light-weight boat gives the paddler. We have tested our Standard Glass lay-up to be resilient under the stresses of coastal paddling, yet light enough to easily portage between wilderness lake camp sites. Using a high quality Dialon cloth gives greater resistance to wear and higher strength under stress. This lay-up has allowed great numbers of kayakers to enjoy the sport in a lighter weight, durable and inexpensive kayak.

This is our standard lay-up. All retail prices are based on this lay-up.

Certainly there are paddlers that want the diversity of a lighter weight lay-up. However on the faces of the steepest of waves, the darkness of the deepest sea caves and in the tightest of rock garden slots there are those paddlers that demand extreme strength and peace of mind. For this skilled crowd we offer our Expedition Glass lay-up. We added strength, durability and stiffness with increased layers of Dialon cloth and strategically placed reinforcement strips, through out the deck and hull. Although this lay-up is not for everyone, it is nice to know Impex Kayaks can handle the needs of even the most demanding paddler. This lay-up adds approximately 7-8 pounds in overall weight.

Expedition Glass is a $200 upgrade in retail price.

Kayaking is about independence. From loading and unloading from the car to carrying the boat to the water, the ability to do these things alone is one reason so many are drawn to kayaking. For many even the lightweight of or Standard Glass does not afford these luxuries. Enter our Kevlar lay-up. By using a cloth that is lighter in weight and higher in strength we are able to decrease the weight of our kayaks by approximately 4 pounds. The same Gel Coat, or outer shell color, is used on this lay up as on our glass lay ups, giving this option no less in impact or scratch resistance. Although a greater investment, in the end if a kayak is too heavy to manage chances are it will sit in the grass more than it is on the water.

Kevlar is a $400 upgrade in retail price.

K-lite lamination with a clear hull epoxy is the strongest, lightest, and most responsive lay-up that Impex has to offer. This lamination has proven to be everything we expected and then some! Paddled by reputable paddlers, we have received rave reviews of incresed hull rigidity, responsiveness, and of course weight savings. This industry first post cured epoxy infused hull provides a hull weight savings of 5-6 lbs. on average vs. carbon kevlar lamination, and a 30% increase in tensile strength. This ultralite weight expedition layup with vinylester/s-glass UV stabilized exterior skin coat provides increased kayak responsiveness with no exterior gelcoat on the hull.

For whatever reason it may be, the need for the lightest boat possible has intrigued kayakers for years. Some need to shave off every pound to make that 2-mile portage between waterways with a loaded kayak, while others may simply be too short to get a heavy boat on the car for a quick afternoon paddle before the family gets home. By adding carbon thread to our Kevlar cloth we are again able to take away a heavier material and replace it with a lighter one. Once again the same Gel Coat is used in all lay ups, so fragility does not become an issue. From our Standard Glass lay-up you now save approximately 7 pounds.

Carbon-Kevlar is a $600 upgrade in retail price.