IMPEX SEA KAYAKS
Impex Sea Kayaks Now In Charleston
Manufactured in Canada and distributed from North Carolina, Impex describes themselves saying "We Are Kayakers." They continue "this Seems to be a simple enough statement, however it is something that we take a lot of pride in. Over the years we... have developed a love for this sport that we carry with us each day. Impex Kayaks for us is not merely a job, but a lifestyle. We look at each of our kayaks with the same attention to detail in performance and craftsmanship that you do. We have to. Not only do we want the best for you, but we demand the best of our equipment when we are on the water."
›› visit Impex online
See below for Impex design features and the line-up of Impex Kayaks we carry, and be sure to follow the links to paddler impressions and reviews online.
Give us a call at (843) 225-7969 if you would like to schedule a test paddle or if you would like to make an appointment to see any boats.
Impex Kayaks:
Impex Mystic | Impex Montauk | Impex Force 3
Impex Kayak Design Features
Shallow V Hull— This hull profile is standard in all Impex Kayaks and it is this design that allows for the greater primary stability in our kayaks. We have found an excellent compromise between stability and performance that allows our kayaks to appeal to all ends of the ability spectrum.
Increased Rocker— All Impex performance touring boats will have increased rocker, this what gives these boats the versatility that makes them special. The rocker is enough to turn with a paddle stroke on a lazy paddle, but get this boat on edge and it has the maneuverability to explore the tightest spots in the local creek or race confidently down the biggest wave face.
Medium Chine— A Medium Chine allows the kayak to have excellent secondary stability while edging the kayak, maintaining the comfort and stability that we all demand. This feature allows the paddler to edge the boat confidently to obtain a fast turn, without the potential of tripping over hard chines. Paddlers of all ability levels and explorers of all water conditions covet this design.
Impex Standard Features—
— "Four Points of Contact" Outfitting:
On Demand Immersion Research back band
Non Skid Immersion Research seat pad
Werner Footrests
Padded molded in thigh hooks
— Bow and Stern Hatches: Large oval
— Day Hatch: 8 inch Round (no day hatch on the Mystic)
— Skeg
— Molded compass recess
— The "Clutch" rescue handles and Comfort Grip carry handles
— Expedition deck rigging including reflective deck lines
The Impex Mystic
The Mystic is perfectly designed for for smaller paddlers who still want big sea kayak performance. At 14' long and 21.5" wide it is a perfectly downsized sea kayak. It is outfitted with a round VCP hatch in the front, and an oval VCP in the rear, giving this boat great overnight appeal. Everything is kept dry and rigid with 2 fiberglass concave bulkheads. A retractable skeg is standard for the days when the weather just won't cooperate. Built with the Impex philosophy of greater initial stability, this boat gives a very comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.
Length: 14'
Width: 21.5"
Depth: 11"
Weight: 43/38/33 lbs (fiberglass / carbon kevlar / K-Lite)
Cockpit: 16" x 30"
Suggested Paddler Weight: 90-180 lbs
"I am a female, 5’4”, 125 lbs. I don’t believe you could find a better kayak for a small paddler."
— From real paddlers at Paddling.net: Read more comments on the Mystic
The Impex Montauk
The Montauk is a well proportioned kayak for small to medium sized paddlers, with classic Greenland style and the Impex easy-to-paddle hull design. Two oval VCP hatches and a third round VCP day hatch gives plenty of carrying capacity for extended camping trips or the gear happy day boater.
With great tracking this fast 16-footer gives paddlers who enjoy longer trips the option of a smaller, easy to maneuver kayak. The Montauk comes standard with a compass recess, Impex's "On Demand" adjustable backband and retractable skeg, and all at only 50 pounds.
Length Overall: 16'
Beam: 22"
Depth: 12.5"
Weight: 49/44/39 lbs (fiberglass / carbon kevlar / K-Lite)
Cockpit: 16" x 30"
Suggested Paddler Weight: 120-190 lbs
"After owning and paddling the Montauk for a month, there are a number of features that convince me that I've made a superb purchase."
— Read what else Montauk Kayak owners are saying at Paddling.net
The Impex Force 3
The Force line-up form Impex (including the Force 3, 4 and 5 models) offers the expedition paddler the most complete kayak in the Impex line. By increasing water line, with more length and less rocker, the Force will track straighter and paddle faster, making the miles of even the longest day a pleasure. Working to keep precision maneuverability, designers reduced the width and slightly increased the hardness of the medium chines.
Impex has continued on with what has been proven to work, more initial stabliity and more comfort. The Force line is sized to fit a range of paddlers – The Force Category 3 gives a small to medium sized paddler an expedition kayak that fits their body for maximum control and gives them performance at the highest level. Complete with a full expedition deck, we have styled this kayak to handle the most serious paddlers needs.
Length: 17'
Width: 20.5"
Depth: 11"
Weight: 56/51/46 lbs (fiberglass / carbon kevlar / K-Lite)
Cockpit: 16" x 32"
Suggested Paddler Weight: 100-180 lbs
"This boat is perfect for a smaller paddler. This is a lean machine..."
— More staff reviews of the Force 3 from Rutabaga.com
"I am 5’1”, 115 pounds...Impex got it right with the sleek and beautiful Force 3. It is a gem!"
— more comments on the Impex Force 3 from paddlers at Paddling.net