Construction and Colours
Rockpool kayaks are manufactured from the highest quality resins and cloth and are available in an extensive range of custom colour combinations. We can provide either standard hand lay-up or vacuum bagged constructions. Vac bag construction is a manufacturing process used to ensure a more uniform wetting of the reinforcing fabric and removal of excess resin matrix in order to produce a stronger and lighter kayak. All of our deck fittings are recessed and fitted externally to prevent leaks. We also fit ‘floating’ bulkheads as standard; these allow a little ‘give’ in order to minimize the stresses on the hull and deck during day to day use, they also reduce weight further. We fit quality Kayak-Sport hatches to all of our kayaks, they’re tough and reliable. All hatches have internal clipped tether lines to prevent loss.
Colours and Artwork
We enjoy adding individuality to each boat through our custom colours/artwork; we don’t do ‘standard colours’! Let us produce the boat of your dreams – don’t be shy!
We take pride in our custom boats and we want to ensure yours stands out from the crowd!
Bespoke artwork included in the quoted price:
Deck: Up to 3 colours/glitter; starfish/kelp and colour fade designs as required.
Hull: Single colour; no glitter (except alpha jewel dusting)
Seam/cockpit/seat rim: single colour per item as required
We are happy cater for more detailed artwork requests (we like a challenge!) but in order to accommodate the increased workload we have to add a small surcharge – contact us for details. We can also accept detailed design graphics and logos sent in JPEG format – again contact us for details
Click here to view custom colour options
ALAW Deck graphics(above): Brilliant Apple Red glitter over Crimson gelcoat, White gelcoat starfish.
Note:
Don’t forget that glitter effects and extensive artwork will add weight to a finished boat, the more colours the more weight!
Constructions
All weights given are approximate for the Alaw Bach and are ‘on the water’ figures i.e. the boat is fully fitted and ready to paddle.
Standard:
· Standard hand lay-up
· Polyester resin
· Chopped strand mat and Glass cloth
· Weight: 22kg
This is pretty much the sea kayak industry standard and is our lowest cost construction. This gives a robust and hard wearing kayak that is easy to repair if do you have an unfortunate mishap!
Vac 2:
· Vac bag construction
· Epoxy resin
· Glass and Diolen fabric
· Kevlar/Carbon fibre reinforcing patches
· Spheretex Reinforcement
· Weight: 18.5 kg
The introduction of Epoxy resin and strategic Kevlar/Carbon reinforcing patches adds extra rigidity over the Vac1 construction while also making a significant weight saving.
Premier:
· Vac bag construction
· Epoxy resin
· Hull: Glass/Diolen with full layer of Kevlar/Carbon
· Deck: Glass/Diolen with Kevlar/Carbon fibre reinforcing patches
· Spheretex Reinforcement
· Weight: 18 kg
The introduction of a full layer of Kevlar/Carbon increases rigidity even further whilst minimising weight. This is a seriously light but strong sea kayak.
Resins
Though Epoxy resins have advantages (a lighter and stiffer construction) over Polyester resins, they are a little more difficult to work with and may not be best suited for repairs ‘in the field’ such as when on expeditions etc.
Options
HT pack
Take the customization of your kayak to the limit and minimize weight even further. The HT pack replaces your glassfibre seat, cockpit rim, bulkheads and footplate with super strong and lightweight Kevlar/Carbon or Carbon fittings. A partial HT pack (seat and footplate) can be retro fitted to existing Rockpool kayaks.
Seats
The seats for our kayaks are available in 3 different sizes at no extra cost; let us know which size you require when you order your boat. Seats are also available with a cut away back for those who may find it more comfortable – it is really down to personal preference on this one!
Skegs
Rockpool fit our own in-house skeg design. As you would expect, this is an innovative design which uses a skeg cable under tension rather than compression. This means that the skeg cable is almost impossible to kink if the skeg is inadvertently left down when landing – it just pulls the skeg slider back as the skeg is forced back into its housing. No more skeg cable replacement hassles!
All kayaks can be supplied with or without skegs. We provide a service to retro fit skegs to any Rockpool boats as required.
Bulkheads
If you prefer we can fit glassed-in bulkheads rather than the floating versions, for a small extra charge.
Electric Pump
We have a lightweight electric pump system that can be fitted during manufacture or that we can retro fit. The system has a small electric bilge pump fitted behind the seat. This is powered by a sealed lead/acid gel battery (battery charger included) in a protective cover fitted in the day hatch. A pneumatically operated footswitch minimizes the exposure of the electrics in the wet area.
Three Piece Kayaks
For the paddler with limited space or extensive travel arrangements we can supply all of our range in bespoke 3 piece constructions. These are manufactured with bolt-free connections which guarantee leak free hatches, weight savings and lowered hull stresses. Prices on application.