P&H - Volan 162 Performance

The Volan 162 is built for paddlers who want to make the most of day trips and weekend adventures without committing to a full expedition hull. At 16'2" with a 23.5-inch beam, it's a compact, capable sea kayak that tracks straight when flat and swings around responsively on edge — a hull that rewards both the open-water crossing and whatever play spots you find along the way.

The bow carries enough volume and rocker to deliver a dry ride through varied conditions, with a deck peak shaped to shed water and prevent purling in following seas. That bow geometry isn't just functional on the water — it's also engineered to provide the stiffness needed for deep water rescues, which matters when conditions turn serious. A low, ergonomically shaped rear deck supports easy rolling and re-entry, and the paddle shaft recess gives you a reliable brace point for getting back in after a wet exit. Full deck lines and elastics keep safety kit and essentials exactly where you need them.

Three hatches — bow, stern, and day — handle the storage demands of a long day paddle or an overnight trip, with an optional bow mini hatch available for quick-access items. The 16-foot length keeps overall weight down without sacrificing the hull speed needed for most coastal and inland touring missions.

The Performance construction is P&H's entry point to their Custom range and a genuinely capable all-rounder. The hull and deck are hand laid with polyester resin, using a Kevlar/Diolen weave that adds meaningful impact resistance over the base layup while giving the interior its characteristic golden shimmer. At ~58 lb, it's a solid choice for paddlers who want full custom options without moving up to an infused layup. Five layup options are available for the Volan 162 in North America — Performance, Lightweight, Expedition, Ultralight, and Heavy Duty — ranging from 44 lb in the Ultralight up to 65 lb in the Heavy Duty.