RE: [Paddlewise] a folding kayak question

Allison,

The last issue of Ralph's folding kayak newsletter  talks about long term,
assembled storage of folding kayaks.  Basically, it depends on the
particular kayak, but it works just fine to leave them assembled.  I leave
mine (a wonderful Khatsalano) assembled all summer.  I was amazed to read in
Ralph's newsletter, that some people leave their boats together for a couple
years!

As for durability, they are less durable in some ways and more durable in
others.  They are less durable in that it is easier to punch a hole in
hapalon than it is in fiber glass.  I learned this the hard way last week
when I punched a hole in my Khatsalano.  They are more durable, however,
since they are easy to patch and when a part breaks, you can just replace
it.  People really do get 30 years use out of the boats --- which is close
enough to forever as far as I'm concerned.

If you're thinking of moving overseas, a folding boat makes sense. 

--Tim

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Allison Corning [SMTP:acorning_at_hotmail.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, June 30, 1999 8:32 AM
> To:	CHUCK_at_multitech.com; paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Subject:	[Paddlewise] a folding kayak question
> 
> Hi all-
> 
> I have a question for all of you with folding kayaks- I don't own one
> (yet) 
> but happen to think they are extremely cool, and I was curious about 
> something- what happens if you store your kayak assembled? Is a folding 
> Kayak something that you would have the option of storing in or out of the
> 
> bag? If you live next to a launch and go out every day do you have to 
> assemble and take apart the boat every single time? Does the material they
> 
> are made out of stretch over time if they are used frequently?
> 
> I may end up living overseas and I like the idea of a kayak that is so 
> portable-something I could take with me to a wide variety of places, but I
> 
> was wondering about the day to day durability of them...
> 
> Thanks,
> Allison
> 
> 
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