RE: [Paddlewise] a folding kayak question

Allison Corning wrote:
> 
> 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

  Ralph Diaz is probably the most knowledgeable folding kayak expert on the
list and will probably respond, but here's my .02.  I have quite a few
acquaintances who paddle folders (folding kayaks seem pretty popular in SE
Alaska) who typically leave their kayaks assembled.  No problems with the
"skin" stretching or anything like that.  It _is_ important to periodically
take the frame apart and clean/lubricate the joints and fittings, otherwise
you might eventually end up with a permanently assembled (non)folder.  With
normal use (whatever that is<g>) a breakdown and cleaning several times a
year should be fine.

Dave Seng
currently "courting" a used Nautiraid Raid 2
Juneau, Alaska
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