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You’ve probably already heard of inflatable kayaks that make transportation a breeze, but there is actually another variety of kayak that gives its owners the ability to paddle in remote locations, all thanks to its portability.
These kayaks are called modular kayaks, and in this article today, we’re going to explain what modular kayaks are, what you should look out for when purchasing a modular kayak, and 5 modular kayak reviews. So, if you’re on the hunt for your next portable kayak, keep on reading!
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Modular kayaks, which many people also refer to as snap kayaks, are kayaks that you can take apart and piece together. They come in numerous parts, some that split in half and some that split into thirds, but that really comes down to how long the kayak is and whether it's a tandem or solo configuration.
The more segments that make up the kayak, the easier it will be to transport as the parts will be smaller and easier to carry. With that being said, however, even modular kayaks that break down into two pieces are far more portable than your standard hard shell kayak, so you really get the best of both worlds. You get the stability and durability of a hard shell kayak and the mobility of an inflatable kayak or a folding kayak, what more could you want?
The Point 65 Falcon is a fairly standard solo modular kayak that can also be transformed into a tandem kayak with an additional kayak piece. The Falcon features adequate storage, molded-in footrests, and it comes with paddles to get you out on the water in no time.
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Point 65’s Tequila! GTX has a tracking keel to improve tracking, and sufficient leg room with molded-in footrests, and it features an EVA foam Air Seat.
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Suitable for kayak anglers and recreational paddlers, the Kingfisher Solo has plenty of storage, the option to add on a pedal drive system, built-in hand-controlled rudders, and a comfortable and adjustable game chair.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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11’ x 31” |
70 lbs |
286 lbs |
The first modular kayak on our list is the Point 65 Sweden Kingfisher Solo Kayak, and although Point 65 intended the Kingfisher to be a fishing kayak, it also makes a fantastic recreational kayak with adequate storage.
This solo modular kayak splits down the middle into two fairly equal parts, which both weigh a total of 35 lbs. Its front section is slightly longer than the back, however, as it measures in at 67” and the back an inch and a half smaller at 65.5”.
Due to the fact that the Kingfisher is a fishing kayak, you have the option at checkout to add on a pedal drive. Pedal drives are similar to bike pedals which allow you to power your kayak with your feet instead of a traditional paddle. This feature is completely optional, and it does add an additional 11 lbs to the weight of the kayak, so if you’d prefer to paddle as you normally would, leave the pedal drive out.
Pedal drive kayaks require the use of rudders in order to steer the kayak in the direction you wish to travel in, and even if you don’t include the pedal drive in your Kingfisher purchase, the kayak still comes with built-in rudders that you can control by hand controls on either side of the kayak seat. Your rudders, along with the kayak's trimaran hull, are what will help you track straight, so if performance is high on your priority list, you won’t be disappointed with the Kingfisher.
Point 65 created their Sweden Kingfisher Solo out of strong impact and UV-resistant HTP polyethylene which, if taken proper care of, will last you for many years out on the water. Each of the two sections of the Kingfisher floats independently, and you can easily split them apart or reattach them together in less than 10 seconds. The parts connect together with a Snap-Tap modular connection system which keeps both sections securely latched together while you’re paddling.
Something we particularly love about fishing kayaks is the amount of storage they have on board. The Sweden Kingfisher is equipped with a large molded-in storage area fitted with bungees, two dry hatches at the front and back of the kayak, and two built-in fishing rod holders so you can fish hands-free.
Along with adequate storage, the Kingfisher is also fitted with a Kingfisher Game Chair that is completely adjustable so you can reposition it to suit your perfect paddling position.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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13’6” x 29.5” |
77 lbs |
530 lbs |
The Point 65 Tequila! GTX Tandem Kayak also comes in a solo configuration by simply removing the midsection of the kayak. This solo or tandem kayak versatility is great for paddlers who occasionally plan on taking their kayak out on their own. Point 65 designed their Tequila! GTX Tandem to come apart in three sections, with the front section being 65.8” long, the middle section 63.4” long, and the back section 65.4” long.
When they were designing their Tequila! GTX Tandem snap kayak they wanted it to perform well on the water, so they added a tracking keel to help the kayak track incredibly straight while paddling.
To connect the three parts together, you’ll use the kayak’s patented Snap-Tap system, which makes disconnecting and connecting as quick and easy as it’s possible in under 10 seconds. Once the parts are all detached from one another, you can then store this full tandem kayak inside your car or under your bed.
Larger paddlers especially can sometimes have issues with legroom, but Point 65 wanted to irradicate this issue, so they provided each seat with adequate legroom and multiple footrests. Along with legroom, they also wanted their kayak to have enough storage space so you can accommodate tackle boxes, coolers, and personal belongings to transform the recreational/touring kayak into a fishing kayak.
For comfort, Point 65 didn’t disappoint as they equipped the Tequila! GTX with what they like to call an Air Seat. Their Air Seats are constructed from EVA foam that is laminated with honey-comb patterned material and mesh-like fabric. These seats have adjustable backrests and are incredibly comfy, even over long distances.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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13’6” x 23.6” |
55 lbs |
286 lbs |
For those in search of a sit-in modular kayak, then look no further than the Point 65 Mercury GTX Solo. Like Point 65’s Tequila! GTX, their sit-in kayak can also come in both a solo or tandem configuration. Sit-inside kayaks are some of the best touring kayaks, and if you plan on paddling over long distances at fast speeds, then the Mercury GTX would be a fantastic option.
The solo version splits into three sections, whereas the tandem splits into four. The longest of all four parts is 61”, so the kayak should be able to fit in the boot of your car or along your back seats, depending on the type of car you have.
Point 65 created their Mercury GTX from rotationally molded polyethylene which makes the kayak hull strong, rigid, and impact resistant. At the back section of the kayak, Point 65 added an efficient ingenious skeg that features an innovative symmetry skeg system to improve the kayak’s overall maneuverability.
A common problem with sit-inside kayaks is that they can be difficult to get in and out of. Because of this, Point 65 made their cockpits slightly larger than normal to not only make entering and exiting the kayak simpler but to also give paddlers more room while paddling.
The Mercury GTX features two dry hatch storage spaces in both the front and back sections of the kayak, and there are also front and back bungees for small personal belongings.
Inside the cockpit, you’ll find molded in footrests, cup holders, and Point 65’s patented seat, the Air Seat. The Air Seat is ergonomically designed with an adjustable backrest to suit many different paddling positions. To create the seat, Point 65 used EVA foam that is laminated in a honeycomb-patterned and mesh-like material for ultimate comfort and breathability.
If you’re going to be sea kayaking, for example, then Point 65 also has a fitted spray cover that you can purchase separately to prevent any water from getting into the cockpit.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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9’4” x 27.6” |
59 lbs |
265 lbs |
The Point 65 Martini GTX Angler is Point 65’s sit-inside fishing modular kayak that, similar to the Mercury GTX, can be transformed into a tandem kayak with an extra middle section. The solo kayak consists of two kayak pieces and the tandem three kayak pieces. When you take this kayak apart, you’ll find that it is slightly longer than the others on this list, as the front section measures around 70” long.
As this kayak is designed for fishing, the option of adding a second seating area will allow you to have extra storage space for all your gear. Sit-inside kayaks have fairly limited storage, so if you usually overpack on a fishing trip, this option could come in handy.
Point 65 also installed their patented Snap-Tap system connectors to their Martini GTX Angler to allow you to disconnect and reconnect the parts of this kayak together in a matter of seconds.
What really makes this kayak stand out is the incredible fishing features that Point 65 included throughout the boat. First off, the boat has integrated fishing rod holders behind the seat and a deck mount in front of the paddler. You can remove the front deck-mounted rod holder and replace it with any other fishing gear of your liking. Along with rod holders, the Martini GTX Angler also has deck mounts for other fishing equipment, two large dry hatches for your gear, and a fish-o-meter down one side so you can measure your catch.
As with their other modular kayaks, Point 65 added their adjustable EVA foam Air Seat that has been laminated in honeycomb-patterned material and mesh-like fabrics so the paddler can reposition their seat to their perfect paddling position. And, if you’re paddling in choppy waters or where the weather is unpredictable, you can purchase a spray skirt to keep the cockpit dry.
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| Dimensions | Weight | Capacity | Check Price |
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8’8” x 26.2” |
40 lbs |
220 lbs |
The Point 65 Falcon Solo is the last modular kayak to make our list, and like many other kayaks by Point 65, it can also be transformed into a tandem kayak with an additional middle piece. The solo variation splits down the middle, with both sections being 54.3” long.
Point 65 designed their Falcon kayak from durable, high-performance thermoplastic and, as with their other kayaks, added their Snap-Tap connecting systems to secure the pieces together.
As far as kayaks go, the Falcon has a fairly simple design that makes it perfect for recreational paddling. The back section of the kayak has a molded-in storage area for large belongings, and the kayak features quick-lock hatches for easy access to your gear.
The backrest that is included with the Falcon seat is adjustable, and Point 65 also included contoured foot braces for paddlers for all sizes.
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Just like any other type of kayak, there are some things you should pay close attention to before purchasing. If you’re thinking of investing in your own modular kayak, keep the following features in mind.
The first thing you’ll need to decide on is whether to opt for a sit-inside or a sit-on-top modular kayak.
Sit-on-top modular kayaks tend to be better suited as recreational kayaks or fishing kayaks as their open-top decks allow for adequate storage, they have more room to move around, and they tend to be far more stable than sit-inside kayaks.
That isn’t to say that sit-inside modular kayaks should be kicked to the curb, however, because their streamlined design makes them considerably faster and better at tracking than sit-on-top kayaks.
The decision will ultimately come down to the type of paddling you wish to partake in and your balance and paddling skills.
The next thing you need to think about is the kayak's weight capacity. It may not seem like a big deal, but tipping over the weight capacity of your kayak can actually hinder its performance. If you overload your kayak with too much weight, the hull of the kayak will sink into the water, making it incredibly difficult to paddle and maneuver.
It’s important that you weigh yourself, any passengers, and any gear you may be taking out with you. Once you have this total figure, compare it to the maximum weight capacities of the kayaks you’re considering, and ensure that you’re around 25% under the limit.
You’re more than likely purchasing a modular kayak for its ease of portability, therefore, you’ll want to pay attention to how many pieces form the kayak. The higher the number of pieces, the smaller and easier the kayak will be to transport.
If you’re opting for a sit-inside kayak, then the size of the cockpit could be the difference between a comfortable day out on the water or a miserable one. Firstly, a larger cockpit will make the kayak easier to get in and out of, but it will also give you more room to move your legs and potentially store any gear.
Smaller cockpits, on the other hand, will be harder to get in and out of, and they could make you feel slightly claustrophobic, but their smaller size gives paddlers more control of the kayak with the use of their knees. Ultimately, this decision will come down to whether you prefer comfort or performance, so really think about that when looking at potential kayaks.
Modular kayaks are fairly expensive kayaks, but they do give you the best of both traditional hard shell kayaks and inflatable kayaks.
If you’re after a kayak that is highly transportable, then we would have to say inflatable kayaks come out on top as they can be compacted down to a small backpack or duffel bag. But, if you want a portable kayak that is also rigid, then modular kayaks win first place.
Whether the price of a modular is worth it, will come down to what you prioritize in a kayak.
A modular kayak, also known as a snap kayak, is a kayak that collapses down into two or three individual pieces. Snap kayaks snap onto one another with clips in a matter of seconds to create a rigid and hard shell kayak in both solo or tandem configurations.
Modular kayaks are easier to transport than traditional kayaks, however, they aren’t the easiest type of kayak to transport. Inflatable kayaks will always come out on top when it comes to portability, as once they’re deflated, they can pack down into a small duffel bag or backpack.
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