Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Check out our answers to some FAQs
Are Hurricane Kayaks good for beginner paddlers?
Yes, we make a wide range of kayaks for a wide range of paddling experience. Recreational boats and Sit-On-Tops work for just about anyone, while our Touring boats appeal to folks with more on-water kayaking experience.
Where are Hurricane Kayaks made?
Hurricane Kayaks are manufactured in Warsaw, NC. Proudly made in the USA.
What are Hurricane Kayaks made of and how are they manufactured?
Our kayaks are made of Tylon - solid color ABS sheet plastic with an acrylic cap that is specifically formulated for Hurricane. We heat Trylon sheets in an oven, and then vacuum form the sheets over a mold to create colored decks and white hulls. The decks and hulls are trimmed and assembled by our experienced team of boat builders, then chemically welded together to produce beautiful kayaks that are both rigid and lightweight.
Why choose a thermoformed Trylon ABS kayak over a roto-molded polyethylene kayak?
Our kayaks are lighter weight, more rigid, easier to repair, have higher abrasion resistance, better UV resistance, and a higher heat-distortion temperature (no warping or oilcanning) than polyethylene roto-molded kayaks.
How much lighter are Hurricane’s Trylon ABS kayaks over a roto-molded polyethylene kayak?
Hurricane kayaks tend to be 15-25% lighter than comparable roto-molded polyethylene kayaks
How durable are Hurricane Kayaks compared to roto-molded polyethylene kayaks?
If you stick to flatwater (NO whitewater) your Hurricane should be as durable as a roto-molded polyethylene kayak. Trylon ABS plastic is not as impact resistant as polyethylene, but it is more abrasion resistant, resists fading in sunlight, and will not “oilcan” on your car rack and warp like polyethylene boats can. Use your Hurricane Kayak how it is meant to be used, and it will hold up great.
How hard is it to repair Trylon?
There are many excellent patch options on the market today. We recommend you consider two patch options for cracks under 12 inches long – thermoform patches by Patch N’ Repair and fiberglass patches by Gator Guard, as both companies sell quality products that bond well with ABS Trylon plastic. You can also use fiberglass cloth with a two-part epoxy for more complex repairs. Just email info@hurricaneaquasports.com for instructions, and always remember to drill out the terminal ends of any cracks before patching.
Are there cockpit covers or spray skirts for your kayaks?
Many certified Hurricane dealers offer a full range of spray skirts and cockpit covers from various brands that will work well on your Hurricane model. If you are unsure of the cockpit size of your boat, check the specifications for your kayak on our website or email info@hurricaneaquasports.com for more information.
I love the wonderful shine my Hurricane has and want to maintain it. What should I do?
That shine is due to an acrylic cap on the exterior of your boat, and the plastic will usually wipe clean with a light solution of streak free dish soap and water. For deeper cleaning, try Novus Polish with a soft cloth on the exterior of the boat. Don’t use solvent-based cleaners like acetone, as they will soften Trylon and dull the acrylic finish. Denatured alcohol can be used to remove scuff marks, and we recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant to protect your deck, hull, hatch covers, and the interior of sit-insides from UV rays. Use a cockpit cover to protect seat fabrics and the interior of sit-insides from UV rays and full covers if you store your boat outside.
My Hurricane is faster than my husband’s 14-foot polyethylene kayak. Why?
First off, your Hurricane is a lot lighter and that means you’re pulling less weight on each stroke. Secondly, Trylon is stiffer than polyethylene, so it glides through the water better than your husband’s rotomolded kayak. So . . . have sympathy for the poor guy and offer to tote the snacks.
Do I need a rudder for my Hurricane Kayak?
All of our kayaks are designed to paddle great without the use of a rudder. However some of our models, including our Touring kayaks and Skimmer 128, can be outfitted with a rudder if you foresee using the kayak in windy or rougher conditions.
What type of maintenance is required for my Hurricane Kayak?
Clean with dish soap and water (especially after saltwater use) and store in a dry space out of UV rays that can damage the plastic over time. Wipe clean and dry after use and store off the ground, preferably on its side with a cockpit cover (sit-insides only) or full cover.
Are the storage hatches watertight?
No boat hatch is completely watertight. Bulkheads can leak over time and condensation can lead to water in the hatch area as well. Always use dry bags in hatches to protect your gear.
Why does my front bulkhead have a drain plug?
Safety is a priority at Hurricane, so we install fore and aft bulkheads in our sit-insides to give the boat positive flotation if you capsize. While the area behind the rear bulkhead can be accessed through the stern hatch, in many Hurricane models the area behind front bulkhead is not accessible, so we install a drain plug to purge any water that may collect in the bow of the boat. While your bulkhead is sealed with epoxy at the factory, condensation can build up in the bow of the boat and it needs a way to get out. Additionally, bulkheads can develop leaks over time and the drainplug is there so you can get the water out before you reseal with Lexel caulk or Devcon Plastic Welder epoxy.
How should I store my Hurricane off-season?
Off season? What’s that? Well, if you must put your kayak up for a while, keep it off the ground and on its side on foam pads or put it upside down on a paddled rack. Do NOT hang it from the grab handles if you have the riveted soft luggage style. Also, if you need to secure your kayak while in storage, tie it gently and do NOT use truck bed ratchet straps. Trylon is tough, but too much pressure over a long period of time (especially in changing temps) can damage your kayak. Additionally, a cockpit cover is recommended to keep critters from nesting in your kayak . . . unless of course you like the feeling of something crawling up your leg as you paddle into the sunset.
Where can I purchase a Hurricane Kayak?
See our [dealer locator] to find your nearest Hurricane dealer!
Can I buy a kayak directly from Hurricane?
We do NOT sell Hurricane Kayaks directly. We pride ourselves on commitment to our retailers. We provide our growing network of small speciality retailers with excellent service and support so they can best serve you and get you out on the water faster. See our [dealer locator] to find your nearest Hurricane dealer! If you are having trouble finding a dealer near you, please [contact us] and we will get you connected with a dealer in your area.
What is the Warranty on a Hurricane Kayak?
Please visit our [Warranty] page for details!
How do I register for the warranty on my kayak?
You can register your kayak through our [register your kayak] form on our website.
You can register your kayak through our [register your kayak] form on our website.
Happy Paddling!The HK Team
Happy Paddling!
The HK Team