Hybrid inflatable kayak

A method of assembling a kayak, the method comprising:

• connecting frame members of a frame assembly, at least one pair of frame members spaced apart from each other and both extending lengthwise down the kayak;
• arranging the frame members in an outer cover of the kayak;
• inflating bladders extending substantially along each side of the kayak and positioned proximate to the frame members;
• positioning fore and rear thwarts in the outer cover with a portion of the outer cover extending over a top of at least one of the fore and rear thwarts;
• inflating fore and rear thwarts sufficient to press the thwarts against the bladders and frame members and make the outer cover taut;
• collapsing the frame members by releasing pressure from the fore or rear thwart, wherein collapsing the frame members comprises releasing the frame members to permit the outer cover to be folded;
• and
• folding the outer cover.

A kayak comprising:

• an outer cover;
• a frame assembly located in the outer cover, the frame assembly having a plurality of elongated frame members arranged lengthwise generally from bow to stern;
• a plurality of couplings located between adjacent frame members, the couplings attachable to the frame members to permit the frame members to be placed under tension;
• inflatable bladders positioned along each side of the kayak and positioned proximate to the frame members;
• an inflatable front thwart located forward of a kayak seat and extending between the inflatable bladders along the side of the kayak;
• an inflatable rear thwart located rearward of the seat and extending between the inflatable bladders along the side of the kayak;
• and
• a flexible inflation hose attachable to at least one of the thwarts such that the thwart is inflatable from a cockpit of the kayak;
• wherein inflating the thwarts tensions the frame members to generate a desired hull shape for the outer cover of the kayak.

A boat comprising:

• an outer cover having a first rigidity;
• a frame assembly located in the outer cover, the frame assembly having a plurality of elongated structural members oriented from bow to stern, the frame assembly having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity;
• an interconnection between at least two of the elongated structural members, wherein the interconnection includes a portion of the outer cover, wherein the interconnection has a rigidity less than the second rigidity, and wherein the interconnection is the only coupling between the two elongated structural members;
• inflatable bladders positioned along each side of the boat and positioned proximate to the structural members;
• an inflatable front thwart located forward of a kayak seat;
• an inflatable rear thwart located rearward of the seat and extending between the inflatable bladders positioned along each side of the boat, wherein sufficiently inflating the thwarts generates pressure on the bladders and structural members to make the outer cover taut;
• and
• an upper frame member over a central region of the inflatable front thwart when viewed from above and a lower frame member below the inflatable front thwart.