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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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