There’s two kinds of people in this world: those who are content to sit idly by a peaceful watery landscape — and those that have to get wet. And make no mistake about it, traveling by RV will allow you access to so many awesome aquatic settings. So, for those of us who can’t just sit in front of body of water (I’m one of you), we need a way to get in and explore. Fortunately, there are five types of watercraft you can easily bring in your RV.
So, from kayaking to paddleboarding and beyond, let’s dive right into the best RV watercraft to stow in your rig.
No. 1: Hard-Shell Kayaks
Also known as “sit-on-top” kayaks, hard-shell kayaks are a reliable and durable option for exploring the water. They are difficult to sink or swamp, and punctures are rare. These kayaks are also easy to launch with no set up required.
Depending on what kind of water you prefer to delve into, a kayak will give you access to a range of aquatic landscapes. If you are traveling with a partner, a two-seater kayak will be great, but they do take up more linear space. However, keep in mind that, ultimately, having one double kayak will take up less space than two smaller kayaks. My husband and I travel with a two person sit-on-top kayak that we tie to the roof of our tow rig. We have just enough clearance to make solid turns while still towing our travel trailer behind us.
If you like to fish in your kayak, consider one with pedals. Pedal kayaks are incredibly versatile for traveling long distances and against strong currents or winds.
Pros
- Ability to cover long distances and move faster
- Able to paddle against a solid current or wind
- Tracks better in the water and moves straighter, making it easier to navigate
- Creates fishing opportunities (some rigid kayaks — especially two-seaters and pedal kayaks — are big enough to bring a small bait bucket, cast net, and fishing poles along)
- Durable during transit and storage
Cons
- Large, so not every RVer will have the space to store one
- Heavy, which can be cumbersome to carry from your parking spot to a suitable launch location
No. 2: Inflatable and Folding Kayaks
A hard-shell, sit-on-top kayak is a luxury not every RVer can afford — especially space-wise. If you lack the space to bring one along, consider an inflatable or folding kayak.
Folding Kayaks
Contrary to their modern appearance, folding boats have a long history. They can be found in historical context as far back as Norse mythology. Today’s folding kayaks have undergone major technological advancements. They are more durable, portable, lightweight, and user-friendly than ever before. Some modern folding kayaks are derived from origami inspired designs, folding from a single sheet of corrugated plastic. Others are derived from a hybrid of rigid and folding elements.
Pros
- Enhanced portability
- Compact storage opportunities
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Come at a higher price point than many other forms of kayaks
- Make performance trade offs, like performing well in calm conditions but not offering the same level of rigidity and speed when paddling in rough waters
- Require extra care to avoid wear and tear on the fabric skin and joints
- Need to be properly stored to avoid UV damage (and salt and debris needs to be cleaned off of them after each use)
- May have weight limits compared to their rigid counterparts, which could impact the amount of gear and passengers you intend to bring along
Inflatable Kayaks
An inflatable kayak is a great way to get in the water, without utilizing any precious storage space in your rig. You will save loads of space and weight.
Pros
- Incredibly light
- Space-saving
- Affordable
Cons
- Need to be inflated
- More susceptible to spring a leak, especially in aquatic environments where you need to be careful not to scrape sharp objects like oyster shells or barnacles
- Need to avoid shallow water in case the bottom poses a threat of puncture
- Do not track as well in the water
- Subject to windage without the weight and rigidity of a hard-shell boat and may be blown around by heavy winds
No. 3: Paddleboards
I remember when paddleboards first came out. I thought for sure they would lose their popularity and fade away like so many sporty inventions. But they didn’t. And if you’ve ever been on one, you might understand why. They offer a surprising amount of versatility, while requiring a certain level of skill and physical capability to master. After the initial learning curve, a paddleboard can be your best friend on a variety of waterways. And they require very little space for storage.
Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards
Inflatable stand-up paddle boards are a great option for RV watercraft. They are compact and can roll up to the size of a sleeping bag! Many of them are sturdy enough for fishing, and even come with little chairs to sit on. Some models can carry an additional small passenger.
Pros
- Portability and storage
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Durable in transit (compared to their rigid counterpart)
Cons
- Longer set-up time with inflation
- Sacrifice some performance with less rigidity, responsiveness, and glide
- Potential for puncture with any inflatable RV watercraft
Rigid Stand-Up Paddleboards
A rigid stand-up paddleboard should be considered for performance versatility. If you intend to use your board competitively, or traverse especially rough waters or rapids, a rigid stand-up paddleboard might be worth considering if you have the space to store it.
Pros
- Offers better rigidly speed and responsiveness to the waters due to solid construction
- Durable with no risk of puncture
- Enhanced control as the stiffer surface translates into improved maneuverability and control, especially in windy or rough water
Cons
- Bulkier to transit
- Require more storage space
- Risk of damage when going over big bumps on the road — or dropping them by mistake
- Come at a higher price point
- Repairs are costly
No. 4: Hydrofoil Boards
For those who are less interested in exploring the water, and more interested in playing on it, a hydrofoil board is worth investigating. A hydrofoil board has a wing-like structure attached to the bottom that lifts the vessel above the water, reducing drag and increasing speed.
Basically, the board is akin to a stand up paddleboard or a surfboard, combined with a wing that extends below the board.
Pros
- Minimizes water resistance, which can make outings faster and less physically taxing
- Offers an exhilarating and unique experience on the water.
- Designed with portability in mind
Cons
- Comes with higher price point
- Can be costly to repair
- Delicate and may require extra care
- Need to be stored securely to avoid damage, as well as cleaned of salt and debris after each use
- Demands more skill and practice than a traditional stand up paddleboard or surfboard.
No. 5: Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Boards
In a similar vein of water sports, windsurfing and kitesurfing open a world of water sports that can be enjoyed in oceans and lakes. Both rigs come in compact packages ideal for RV watercraft transit.
Windsurfing Boards
Windsurfing is a water sport that merges elements of sailing and surfing. The sail is mounted on a mast of a windsurfing board to capture the wind. This allows you to propel the board forward as you stand up right and grip the sail directly. This is a physically demanding sport that requires strength and technique
Pros
- Offers a more streamlined setup that can be more straightforward to learn on (direct connection between the sail and the board provides immediate feedback, offering a strong sense of control over direction and speed)
- Requires a full-body workout, building strength and coordination
- Can be used in varying wind conditions
Cons
- Can be cumbersome and sizable
- While intuitive, still takes time and practice to master the sport of windsurfing
- Requires a minimal amount of wind to perform
- Setting up the sail and mast demands some extra time
Kitesurfing Boards
Kitesurfing is a dynamic water sport where a large, controllable kite is used to harness the wind and pull the rider across the water on a board. Unlike windsurfing, on the kitesurfing board, the kite is not attached to the board, but is flown overhead and controlled with a bar and lines.
Pros
- Offers an especially high speed thrill, lifting you into the air sometimes over 100 feet
- Most able to be deflated and packed into a travel bag
- Versatile enough that, with the right setup, it can be adapted to landboarding
Cons
- Setup involves separate components that require a bit more space and sometimes assistance to launch appropriately.
- Considered dangerous and requires thorough training to perform safely
- Injury is a solid risk (for every 1,000 hours of kite surfing, about 11 injuries are statistically prevalent)
- Requires a certain amount of wind to perform
- Can be costly to acquire a high-quality kitesurfing setup
Choosing Your RV Watercraft
Picking the right RV watercraft to break out when you spot a body of water can be a real rabbit hole of research. Even so, it’s worth taking the time to explore all your options, pairing them up with your RV’s storage and weight capacity.
Assess the carrying capacity of your tow vehicle. Do you have ladder racks to tie a rigid boat to? Can you install some? Will it be worth the trouble?
For us, absolutely. We love having a rigid vessel that we can explore various waterways with. But that’s because our priority is exploring the water. Whatever your priority is, make sure you honor it with a vessel that meets your needs.
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