[Paddlewise] folders tried

Hi all,

In my search for a foldable I tried two Feathercrafts yesterday, a 
Khatsalano S, and the old model of the K1 (both without rudder). 
Yet paddling them  did not make the decision much easier. Trial 
was only possible on a large flat water pond, so I got no information 
on the behaviour in waves. My first impressions:

K1:
Wow, this is a huge machine. Lots of volume, enough for all gear 
you could possibly imagine. Acces through deck hatches is 
adequate, only the rear hatch is positioned quite far forward, so 
some stuff might get lost where you can't reach it. Not a light boat, 
probably over 25 kg. Assembly is quite complicated, with the 
welded central assy.

On the water:
Plenty of stability, both initial and final. Im am long (6'5") and 
skinny, and missed some contact with the boat. Bracing yourself 
with knees / thighs is not very easy, and due to the high coaming 
the ockpit feels very wide. I did not have a very direct feeling of the 
boat. Acceleration and speed are good, better than I would imagine 
from a boat this size. Cornering is a joy, even with the lose cockpit. 
Lean steering is effortless, telemarking very effective. 

Khatsalano S:
This is a real seakayak. Much less internal volume, but I think 
(hope?) it should be enough for most trips. The bow volume can be 
reached through a deck hatch, but the longerons a much in the 
way. Rear volume is good accesible. The boat is quite light. The 
boat is quite low, and I have some problems getting my large feet 
(size 12.5-13) at the right positions. (This is a problem I do have 
with more boats: a Skerray does not fit only due to this reason, 
and even in a Sea Lion I have a hard job getting my feet in place. 
Does anybody have this problem also?)
On the water:
The first few strokes the boat feels much more tippy than  the K1. 
However,  you get used to it quite quickly. The final stability is 
quite good. The cockpit has a snug fit, and bracing is effective due 
to the extra stiffening bars. This gives a good feel of control.
Cornering is less easy than with the K1, but still easy enough. 
Telemarking is less effective than in the K1, but that is partially due 
the the lower stability: more experience is required to get the 
feeling how far the bout can be put on its side. Remarkable is the 
effortless glide. It feels a lot faster than the K1.

And now the problem of choice:
What I like in the old model K1:
-internal volume
-accessebility of the forward volume
-manouverability
-stability

What I don't like in the old model K1:
- huge cockpit with limited bracing
-heavy


What I like in the Khat S:
-snug fit, lots of feeling
-fast
-light

 What I don't like in the Khat S:
-just enough space for my feet
-Limited internal volume, and limited acces to the forward volume

So now the problem of choice:
Both boats are fine in their own way. Both boats are now available 
at a reduced price (25% off new), so that is a good deal. My most 
important doubts are:
Weight: I plan to take the boat on a plane, so weight is 
consideration. The 5 kg weight difference can cost some money on 
the plane.
Volume: Is the internal volume of the Khat S enough for most 
camping trips? (I take a tent, cooker, personal stuff, water for some 
days)
Stability: on flat water the difference in stability was not important, 
however, at sea this might be different. The nearest dealer where I 
cab try the boat at sea is in Germany, 400 miles away, so it is 
difficult for me to try the boats there.
Cockpit fit:
I love the snug fit and good bracing in the Khat S. Is it possible add 
bracing-stuff to the K1 to get a better cockpit feeling? And how is 
the new K1 compared with the old K1 on this point?
For the K1: 
The old model K1 has some disadvantages. I know the German 
dealer has a used K1 model 98 for sale, it is a bit mor expensive 
than the old model. Is the difference worth the money?

Questions, questions. Please help me out with some real world 
experiences.

Greetings,
Merijn Wijnen



 


******************************
Merijn Wijnen
Vinkenhofje 8
5613 CN Eindhoven
The Netherlands
Tel.: 040-2939991          (job: 040-2650539)
Fax:  same as tel., call before sending or try twice
E-mail: Home: merijn_at_music.demon.nl
        Job:  m.wijnen_at_ind.tno.nl
Web-site: http:\\www.music.demon.nl

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