Re: [Paddlewise] Cockpit Covers

From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Tue, 01 Dec 1998 18:51:12 -0800
Lloyd Bowles wrote:
> 
> David Seng wrote:
> >
> > Maybe somebody can tell me why I shouldn't be doing this, but I simply
> > avoid the whole issue by carrying my kayaks mounted upside down - the
> > wet side towards the water.
> 
> Canoeists do this all the time.

Some one correct me if I am wrong, but I have been given to understand
that on non-plastic hardshell kayaks, the hulls are much stronger than
the decks.  If you place such a kayak upside down, you are pressing the
whole boat very heavily down on its weakest surface and therefore
raising the potential for damaging your boat.

I know that some people carry folding kayaks upside down but I would not
recommend it.  In all folding kayaks, the framework at the keel is
stronger than the framework at the deck.  People who mount a Klepper
upside down are rest the entire boat on its deck bar which is thinner
and less structured than the keel portion.  Same with Folbots,
Nautiraids, Feathercrafts where the keel bars are generally thicker (or
doubled up) than the top bar.

Of course, the strongest part of the boat is its side and is probably
the preferable way of carrying a kayak.

ralph diaz

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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Received on Tue Dec 01 1998 - 15:51:30 PST

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