: Lets say I wanted to take my (non folding) kayak on Loch Ness, or Lake
: Geneva, or Lake Victoria (I'm in the US). While paddling the Atlantic is
: possible and a great adventure, it is not something I wish to do. is there
: an economical way of transporting a kayak long distances? (assume I'm in
: no rush)

I've shipped one boat to the overseas. The cost was about $1400 for air freight. I went through a freight consolidator. I made a crate. The crate weight about 350# for a 35# kayak. There was also several $100 wrapped up in materials to make the crate and do the packaging. I wrapped the boat in bubble wrap, then stretch wrap then suspended the boat on nylon webbing straps and blocked it out with minicell. Obviously I didn't want the boat to get scratched.

If you are a little bit more willing to let the boat absorb some abuse, you may be able to wrap the boat in blankets and put it in a bag with convenient carrying handles. This may be quite safe because it could be moved by hand. This saves the risk of a forklift driver aiming a little high. I don't know that it would save you much $$ in actual shipping costs because they will charge by the size. It will be slightly smaller than a crate.