[Paddlewise] wide folding kayaks, design restriction?

I have brochures from feathercraft, folbot, Klepper, and Nautiraid.
Most boats are between 25 inches to more than 30 inches wide, except for
the Khatsalano which has 22 inches of beam. I am still waiting to see
a commercially available folding kayak with 21 inches or less of beam.

Is there a reason why folding kayaks need to be wide? Is the extra width
due to the use of inflatable gunwhales?

I am planning to make a foldable version of my skin over wood frame kayak,
and would like to know the issues behind it.

So far, a better solution to making a foldable kayak with skin on frame
technology seems to be to make the frame a "take apart" rather than
"foldable". The key is to be able to use the sections of the frame as
suitcases and save excess luggage fees at the airport. However it is
always nice to carry a kayak in a backpack and bike to the coast. Comments?

cheers,

- Julio
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