Boats, Kayaks & Leisure

Rotomoulded polyethylene boats have become a cornerstone of the marine industry due to their exceptional durability and low maintenance requirements.  These boats require no coating or painting and are resistant to marine growth, ensuring a long-lasting and hassle-free experience. Available in a wide range of designs, these vessels offer versatility and reliability.  While the size of rotationally moulded PE boats is typically limited to 5 meters due to mould and oven constraints, they deliver outstanding performance and longevity in every application.

The introduction of polyethylene and recycled plastics in the early 1980s revolutionised kayak construction, appealing especially to environmentally conscious boaters.  The primary material, polyethylene, is a tough, waxy-textured plastic that resists water and many chemicals.  Its ability to be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling makes it ideal for manufacturing durable, long-lasting kayaks.

In addition to the kayak shell, polyethylene is used for the seats, while flotation devices, bulkheads, and padding are often made from closed-cell foam like Ethafoam. Rudder pedals and foot braces are typically crafted from lightweight, corrosion-resistant metals like aluminium, with grab loops fashioned from nylon rope with plastic or wooden toggles.

Rotational moulding creates the kayak's hollow, uniform shell, which may be moulded as a single piece or in two sections joined later.  This process favours rounded contours, so if a design requires sharper intersections—like between the hull and deck—a two-piece shell is used.  Precision in rotation speed, oven temperature, and cooling is essential to ensure a uniform, warp-free shell.

As kayaking grows in popularity, both as a recreational and competitive sport, advancements in technology will drive new design and construction methods.  Future innovations may include the use of new materials, with a continued emphasis on environmentally friendly options like recycled plastics.