Re: [Paddlewise] inner hull tie devices

All of this talk about ways of tying stuff inside the hulls reminds me
of variations that can be used in folding kayaks.

In most folding kayaks, there is generally enough room around you to
sides where you can place bags.  A number of sources sell special
zippereed bags that can fit in those areas alongside your hips or legs. 
Among sources are Baidarka and Long Haul Products.  The former sells 2
sizes of Kaipaks meant for use in either the Nautiraid or Kleppers. 
When in doubt, choose the Klepper size.  The second company makes a
variety of cockpit bags including one that is totally waterproof,
rugged, and comes with a metal waterproof zipper.

The bags have straps in their upper corners, which are fastened to the
closest ribs.  They tuck in nicely out of the way and zip open to access
quite a lot of gear.  In broader boats like the Klepper singles, the
bags prove real handy as hip pads to give you some measure of hip
control of your boat in turns.

(BTW, in the broader folding kayaks, you can carry tons of camping gear
around you using all that space between the ribs in the cockpit area. 
You don't need special bags.  All you do is strap it to the gunwales and
other long pieces alongside the inside of the boats.  Plain webbing
straps, the kind you to tie sleeping bags and sleeping mats to back
packs work well enough especially ones with snap fastex closures.  By
utilizing the space around you, which is basically the center of the
boat, you have a neutral effect on overall trim.)  

In folding kayaks that have a tighter fit, particularly the Feathercraft
K-Light, you don't have much space for attaching anything close to your
hips.  But, you can use the top deck bar in front of you to attach any
of these bags.  The best, for my money (and it is expensive $80) is the
Waterproof Cockpit bag from Long Haul Products.  The easiest way to
attach is to just attach the far end strap of the bag to the top bar and
slide the bag in and out as you enter and leave the boat. (The strap
acts like a shower curtain ring on a rod.)  Same for accessing its
contents.  Just pull on the unattached end and bring the whole bag into
the cockpit on to your lap.  There you can open it wide and take out
stuff.

To reach Baidarka send email to Larry Edwards
<72037.3607_at_compuserve.com>

Long Haul Products I think has a website now.  Its phone number has
changed.  Can't seem to find it at the moment.  If you need it, email me
and I will look for it.

ralph diaz
-- 
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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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