[Paddlewise] Feathercraft Khatsalano, S and Expedition K1

I apologize if this thread has been visited as I realize there's a lot of 
info on folding boats and this is a very long e-mail.

I'm planning to buy a folding boat to complement my hardshell.  I'm just not 
sure what would be the best model to buy as trying out a boat will most 
likely be impossible since most of these boats would be special ordered in 
my area and unfortunately I don't know anyone with these particular models 
of folding boats.  One decision I've made is that I would like to get a 
Feathercraft, now just what model, although I think right now I'm leaning 
toward the Khatsalano S.  I've got the literature from Feathercraft and also 
Ralph's book.

I'll give you a bit of history of my experience and boat use as that will 
make a difference.

Experience:

- have paddled sprint racing flatwater kayaks & canoes, so balance is pretty 
good.  I'm not sure what the kayak beam is across but probably 18 inches or 
less, rounded hull.  Have paddled about 10-15 years.
- currently paddle a Current Designs GTS, 22 inches.  Unfortunately, bought 
the high volume and is a bit too big for me and haven't bothered to 
customize it yet, so not the best feel for the boat.  I usually sit on a 
thermarest seat cushion so I can be higher up.
- previously owned a Current Designs SS, 22 inches, smaller fitting boat, 
fit like a glove and it was nice to play around with -- but I sold it so I 
could get more storage
- roll, I'd say is kind of non-existent since I haven't bothered to try with 
the GTS since I'm moving around too much in the boat.  With the SS, could 
roll but not bomb proof.  I've never put much effort in rolling since I 
don't think it's that important -- if it looks like I can't handle it, I 
don't bother going out.  I do know how to do self-rescues, etc.  Could 
probably pick up the roll if I really wanted to, although maybe not 
bombproof.
- paddle mostly around the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay area, so really not 
used to ocean paddling, tides, currents, etc., but have paddled many times 
on the east & west coast, Mexico and other places on vacation

Classification of experience:  I don't know, maybe intermediate???  I guess 
good bracing -- more or less second nature because of the sprint kayaks.  I 
don't really think that much if I'm going to perform a high or low brace, 
just do it naturally as the need arises.

Paddle style:  more vertical stroke.  Usually use a paddle about 215 but 
sometimes will use my scoop paddle which is even shorter.  I would probably 
end up buying a four-piece paddle at 220, though, so I can stuff it in the 
backpack.


Uses for the Folding boat:
- plan to take it on vacation with me.  Would probably use my hardshell when 
I'm at home, and take the folding when it's more convenient or as an extra 
for someone else to paddle -- whichever boat they feel more comfortable 
with.
- would like to do trips of two weeks in length, possibly more -- and this 
would include the arctic
- I tend to like to take the kitchen sink, but am a very efficient packer, 
although I can skimp if I have to
- would probably have a deck bag on top, and large camera case on back, 
extra paddles, whatever, if I was on an expedition so that may prevent 
rolling if I did develop a half decent roll anyway
- usually would paddle with someone else, but occasionally on my own, likely 
daytrips in that case
- not really interested in going out in big surf
- I definitely would like to feel comfortable, not having to worry if I'm 
going to dump in freezing cold water (I do have a drysuit, but still would 
like to stay on top).  Paddling in cold water is something I'd be in more 
than not so I need to have a certain comfort level.

Choices:

Expedition K1 -- pros -- lots of storage room, very stable
cons -- is the boat too big for me -- I'm 5 foot 3 inches and a small to 
medium build.  25 inch beam sounds pretty big to me and I'm afraid I might 
swim in it.

Khatsalano -- 22 inches -- too advanced???

Khatsalano S -- 23.5 inches -- Is there enough room for a two-week arctic 
kayak expedition, also assuming if I was doing a trip, there'd be at least 
someone else so we're sharing some of the gear.  Right amount of stability 
that I will reach a certain comfort level -- I don't have to do headstands 
in the boat!

Your thoughts are appreciated.

thanks.


wendy


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