Re: [Paddlewise] Sleeping in your sea kayak...

In a message dated 7/27/99 6:58:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
dkruger_at_pacifier.com writes:

<< 
 What about the G II [Folboat's Greenland II] did not work for you?  (No need 
to detail the Aleut's deficiencies -- it is so small I'd need one for each 
leg <G>!)

I bought Ralph's book and decided on Folboats because of the affordability 
and my estimated needs which were going to be relatively simple.  also, at 
that time I was living in a townhouse and boat storage was an important 
consideration.

I'm a 5'0", single, non-technically oriented woman.  I was overwhelmed with 
the whole thing.  I had it in the water once - for less than 30 mins. 

As for the Aleut:  I think it took me something like 2 or 3 hours to assemble 
(remember, I'm non-technical - I'm a writer!).   

I used it a few times, including one night "Sierra Club culinary canoe trip" 
where we had some weather on the return.  I felt completely safe - like a 
rubber ducky bobbing along.  So that was a good experience.

I really got turned off on a canal trip where everyone else was in hardshells 
and I felt as if I was riding a tricycle and everyone else was on 10-speeds!! 
 The clincher was when - and it was about a 6-hour paddling day - I realized 
that I was in absolute agony.  I know my butt was the worst problem, but I 
felt I never wanted to paddle that boat again.

Then, I had left it assembled and it froze on me.  I also managed to 
break/snap something as I tugged.  

I remember writing to the manufacturers and never getting a reply.  There's 
more, but I'm trying to forget!  Nightmare.

I know many people are very happy with Folboats.  I remember calling Ralph 
about his newsletter and telling him of my experience.  He said something 
like, "Yeah, they are slow compared to hardshells."  My paddling pals are 
mostly "hardshellers."

Sandy Kramer
  >>
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