Dual hull kayak

Abstract

The invention relates to dual hull kayak, with a one piece elongate moulded body of a continuous outer membrane enclosing an internal cavity. The kayak body has two lateral side walls and a concave bottom wall joined laterally with a bottom edge of each side wall to define two laterally spaced apart parallel pontoons each with a downwardly pointed keel. The top wall of the kayak body is joined laterally with a top edge of each side wall, to complete the hollow body. The top wall together with the bottom wall define a bridge platform spanning a central longitudinal tunnel between the pontoons. The pontoons support a top portion of the tunnel above the waterline. The top wall has a recessed open cockpit with a self-draining floor, side gunnels, and front and back cockpit walls formed into transverse reinforcing ribs. The simple easily moulded structure is very stable against lateral tipping, whereas conventional kayaks and canoes are very unstable laterally. The dual pointed hull also provides directional stability for straight line padding even by novices. Conventional kayaks or canoes are very difficult to master by novices who often paddle in a zig zig pattern and require a significant degree of skill to paddle in a relatively straight line. The sharp dual hulls reduce drag due to reduced wetted surface. The dual hull kayak is so stable laterally that it can be used as a diving platform and can be remounted by a swimmer from the water without tipping or overturning. Conventional kayaks or canoes require expert level skill to accomplish the same re-entry task. If desired the kayak can be inverted and the tunnel shape of the bottom wall provides a rigid water slide for children, water rescue cradle or can be adapted for use as a suntanning lounge. The kayak body includes bow eyelets and is rigid enough to be safely towed with a tow rope behind a motor boat.