Garry of Folbot Canada related the following regarding a yak/whale "encounter" -- don't know the circumstances -- on the Folbot Forum BBS (see: http://www.folbot.com/yak.htm). Seems like it might be a partial answer to questions about encounters between marine mammals and kayaks. This has been altered somewhat from Garry's original for clarity. BEGIN John, I am not sure of the purpose of your question [about durability of one of Folbot's kayaks] or what you have in mind for your Greenland II [Folbot's folding double yak].... I had one instance where a customer (couple) paddling off the West Coast (BC) had a cranky whale smash against and surface under their Greenland II. They made it safely to shore and on inspecting the damage decided to leave the boat assembled. They straightened and duct taped the broken frame parts together allowing them to use the boat the remainder of their vacation. The frame parts that had to be replaced were: Left Bow side frame, Left Stern Side frame, Right Stern side frame, Stern Keel frame, Right Bow longeron, Left Stern longeron. I found it interesting to say the least that the boat even with this extensive damage was still deemed seaworthy. They also told me that they didn't believe a solid body kayak would have remained floating and certainly would not have been repairable. END I own one of these boats, and am amazed it stayed together after so much damage. Wish I knew what caused the whale / yak encounter. Perhaps Garry <fbcanada_at_folbot.com> could be probed for details. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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