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Lightweight Kayaks: Introducing Bay Sports ABS Range

Lightweight Kayaks: Introducing Bay Sports ABS Range

Our new thermoformed ABS kayaks combine the affordability and durability of plastic kayaks with the lighter weight traditionally only found in pricey composite models. 

Up to 30% lighter than regular polyethylene plastic kayaks, our new ABS Thermoformed Kayaks are a must for those who desire a lightweight boat without forking out for a composite. 

So what is ABS?

Now for the science-y part! 

The science behind ABS Thermoformed Kayaks

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and is an impact-resistant engineering thermoplastic. The impact-resistant nature of ABS makes it the ideal material of choice for creating lightweight kayaks, thanks to physical properties such as:

  • High rigidity
  • Excellent impact resistance
  • Good weldability
  • Good abrasion and strain resistance
  • High stability
  • High surface brightness 

All of this means that our new range of ABS Thermoformed kayaks are lightweight, seriously durable and super shiny. 

 

Why invest in an ABS kayak?

So now that you are sold on the awesome properties of ABS, how do you know if an ABS Kayak is right for you?

To put it simply, an ABS kayak will give you all the durability of a plastic kayak AND the lightweight, superior performance qualities of a composite.

Whether you are new to kayaking, or a long time paddler you may have heard that composite kayaks are the way to go if you want a kayak that is high-performance and lightweight. So you take that information and hit the market only to find out that composite kayaks come with a whopping price tag. 

Affordable lightweight kayaks
Why invest in an ABS kayak

Then, on top of the thousands of dollars you will fork out for a composite, you discover that these kayaks are fragile and expensive, if not impossible in some circumstances, to repair.

So you revisit the old faithful plastic kayaks only to despair at how heavy they can be, how easily they scratch and how they succumb to UV damage if left in the sun for too long. 

Enter ABS. This material is the ideal solution if you are looking for a kayak with the lightweight and high paddle performance qualities of a composite with the durability of plastic. The acrylic surface of a thermoformed kayak is harder and more scratch-resistant than it’s polyethylene counterpart. 

To put it simply, an ABS kayak will give you all the durability of a plastic kayak AND the lightweight, superior performance qualities of a composite.

Win. Win

Meet the Range

Our new range of super lightweight, ABS Thermoformed Kayaks includes six epic boats to suit any style of paddler.

Six epic boats to suit any style of paddler

Whether you are an underwater explorer, kayak fishing aficionado or a long-distance touring paddler, there is an ABS kayak for you. 

QUEST 309 - 3.09M SINGLE SIT-IN TOURING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: Beginner or intermediate paddlers
  • Kayak style: Touring and underwater exploration
  • Length: 3.09m / 10"
  • Width: 0.73m / 29"
  • Weight: 18 kg / 40 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 104 kg / 276 lbs
Quest 309 Lightweight Kayak
Quest 309 Lightweight Kayak

The Quest 309 Superlite is a super lightweight, stable kayak that's got enough volume to carry a big load. A polycarbonate window in the bottom of the boat’s large cockpit makes this the perfect vessel for nature lovers or kids.

This kayak is fantastic for a beginner or intermediate paddler. It’s stable multi-chine hull design gives great stability and the long waterline gives great tracking considering the shorter length. 

QUEST 442 - 4.42M SINGLE SIT-IN TOURING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: Small paddlers
  • Kayak style: Touring
  • Length: 4.42m / 14'5"
  • Width: 0.58m / 23"
  • Weight: 23 kg / 50 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 147 kg / 324 lbs
Quest 442 Lightweight Kayak
Quest 442 Lightweight Kayak

The Quest 442 Superlite is the best kayak in our ABS Thermoformed range for small paddlers. The boat has a narrow beam, low deck height, and light carry weight. This is an incredibly lightweight kayak, coming in at just 23 kgs, making it easy to transport and carry for paddlers who are small to mid-sized. 

Looking for tips on how to transport a kayak? Read our dedicated post

The Quest 442 Superlite ticks all the boxes including durability and comfort. The premium comfort seat provides excellent support for all-day paddling and is adjustable (forward and back) so you can find your perfect seating position. 

QUEST 457 - 4.57M SINGLE SIT-IN TOURING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: Small to mid-sized paddlers
  • Kayak style: Touring and Sea Kayaking
  • Length: 4.57m / 14'12"
  • Width: 0.53m / 21"
  • Weight: 22.5 kgs / 50 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 102 kg / 225 lbs
Quest 457 Lightweight Kayak
Quest 457 Lightweight Kayak

Next up in length from the Quest 442 is the Quest 475. The 475 has all of the durability and comfort of the 442 but with a narrower hull and greater overall length giving it improved speed on the water.   

Despite a narrower hull, this kayak is stable, has ample storage gear room and is a very capable seagoing kayak. Whether you you are either heading out for a long day trip or a short trip around the bay. This will be your new favourite kayak for many years to come!

QUEST 518 - 5.18M SINGLE SIT-IN TOURING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: Mid-sized paddlers
  • Kayak style: Touring
  • Length: 5.18m / 16'12"
  • Width: 0.61m / 24"
  • Weight: 27.5 kgs / 61 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 158 kg / 348 lbs

Quest 518 Lightweight Kayak

Quest 518 Lightweight Kayak

The Quest 518 is the largest single kayak in the ABS range. With a width of 0.61m, mid-sized paddlers are guaranteed a perfect fit for superior hip control and secure bracing.

A foot controlled rudder system makes this kayak track well whilst giving you excellent manoeuvrability. Bungee rigging bow and stern will keep your dry bags secure on top of the deck while a VCP-style hatch lids bow and stern provides watertight storage to keep your gear dry.

QUEST 556 - 5.56M DOUBLE SIT-IN TOURING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: Paddling with a buddy
  • Kayak style: Touring
  • Length: 5.48m (5.56m / 17'12" with rudder)
  • Width: 0.77m / 30"
  • Weight: 39 kg / 86 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 249 kg / 549 lbs
Quest 556 Lightweight Double Kayak
Quest 556 Lightweight Double Kayak

The Quest 556 Superlite is a speedy, lightweight, tandem kayak with a stable hull. As with the other boats in the range, the adjustable premium comfort seat means both paddlers can find the perfect fit for excellent support all-day. 

Despite being the largest boat in the range, Quest 556 weighs in at a feather-light 27.5kg making it easy to transport. Getting this boat from the roof of your car to the water’s edge will be a breeze. We recommend a dedicated sit-in kayak trolley to keep your boat in tip top shape.

A dedicated kayak trolley will keep your kayak in tip top shape

PEDAL PRO 315 - 3.1M PEDAL-POWERED FISHING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: All-Rounder
  • Kayak style: Fishing and Leisure
  • Length: 3.15m / 10'5"
  • Width: 0.89m / 35"
  • Weight: 23 kg / 50 lbs hull weight or 28 kg / 61 lbs with seat and pedal drive  
  • Maximum weight capacity: 211 kg / 465 lbs 
Pedal Pro 315 Superlite Kayak
Pedal Pro 315 Superlite Kayak

The Pedal Pro 315 Superlite with Impulse Drive is one of the lightest and most affordable propelling kayaks on the market today. The Pedal Pro 315 Superlite propelling system allows for hands free kayaking with the Impulse Pedal Drive System, this is great for when your arms need a break or you need your hands free for fishing. 

You can switch between forward and backward movement effortlessly. No complicated maintenance needed and it's fully serviceable by the user. The pilot rudder system provides excellent tracking and is easily managed with the side-mounted hand steering lever.

Whether you're fishing, swimming/snorkelling, or just going for a paddle it can handle almost any activity on the water. Paddlers with longer legs, large body types or paddlers with limited flexibility sometimes feel more comfortable paddling a sit-on-top kayak. The kayak is loaded with features that you'll love. 

PEDAL PRO 376 - 3.7M PEDAL-POWERED FISHING KAYAK

  • Perfect for: All-rounder
  • Kayak style: Fishing and Leisure
  • Length: 3.76m / 12'4"
  • Width: 0.87m / 34"
  • Weight: 31 kg / 68 lbs
  • Maximum weight capacity: 220 kg / 485 lbs 
Pedal Pro 376 Superlite Kayak
Pedal Pro 376 Superlite Kayak

If you are looking for a lightweight sit-on-top kayak with a huge capacity, the Pedal Pro 376 is the ideal boat. There is no compromise on capacity with the lighter construction, in fact the opposite is true! The ABS construction provides increased primary and secondary stability meaning you can carry your gear with confidence.

 

How to choose your new ABS kayak

We have created a Kayak Finder to help you choose the perfect kayak for you. Now featuring our ABS Range, our Kayak Finder will help you decide in just a few clicks.

Kayak selector

 

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