The Importance of Kayak Bulkheads

When shopping for an affordable recreational kayak, many people assume that any model will do, as long as it floats. However, an important feature is missing from many of these bargain finds: bulkheads. Bulkheads are watertight compartments in a watercraft that add buoyancy and prevent it from sinking. A kayak that doesn’t have bulkheads will quickly fill with water if it capsizes, and when that happens it can go to the bottom just like a tiny plastic Titanic. That’s why you should always make sure your kayak has bulkheads or other positive flotation such as float bags (removable air-filled bags that provide additional buoyancy to a kayak without bulkheads). There’s nothing wrong with affordable kayaks. Just make sure yours has bulkheads or added flotation.