[Paddlewise] Sealskin

Kevin Kenney wrote:
> 
> Here's what I found out about Sealskin when I contacted feathercraft
> about it. Hope this answers some questions for all.
> R/
> Sluf
> 

> Dear Kevin,
> 
>     Thanks for the email.  Sealskin is our new hull/deck-  the hulls on our
> year 2000 models will be made of Duratech material- a urethane fabric that
> is welded to the Polytech deck material(which we have been using on our
> expedition kayaks for two years now) It is welded in a similar manner to
> which dry bags are made.  Thus the skin is sealed- sealskin!! The cost gets
> raised due to the increased cost of the material and the cost of the
> machinary to weld the fabrics.  We'll have our new brochure ready in a
> while,so if you want to email us your mailing address, we can send one out
> when it is ready.
> 
>     Thanks,
> 
>     Scott Gater

The new deck/hull setup that Scott of Feathercraft outlined in his
answer to Kevin has several advantages not mentioned.

First, of all it will reduce weight compared to Feathercraft models that
currently have hypalon hulls.  The savings in weight is around 10
percent if I recall correctly from conversations I had with Feathercraft
visitors here back in March.  So that would mean that the Feathercraft
K-1 would come in at just under 50 pounds instead of around 54 or so
with the current deck/hull and the K-Light would be down to 30 pounds
(Feathercraft will probably conservatively say 31)!

Second, leakage should be eliminated.  It is no secret that
Feathercrafts leak unless you seam seal them well.  The leakage has
occured along the seam line connecting hull and deck.  The welds
replacing sewing will eliminate it there.  Also seams where deck is sewn
to deck are leak spots and welding will stop leaks there too.  The
Polytech deck material that Feathercraft has been using for about two
years on the Khatsalano and about a year on other models (optional for
K-Lights) is itself extremely waterproof and so water can not gone
through it as it can with cordura decks but sewn seams allowed some
water through.  So the new combination of the urethane hull material and
the Polytech deck welded together should be great. 

Three, it has a very attractive result, at least in the K-1 I saw
with it.  The new hull material and the welds give a cleaner look.

This is a big move for Feathercraft and follows its constant striving to
find better materials (like the Polytech decks) and manufacturing
methods (like the welding processes) as well as in its innovative
designs.  This new hull and deck setup has been extensively tested for a
year or so, so any bugs should be out of the process.  As Scott
said, the price will be up to cover the cost of changeover.

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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