Re: [Paddlewise] Feathercraft Khatsalano, S and Expedition K1

Wendy Ogaki wrote:
> 
> 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.

Don't even think about buying the Khats S.  It'll feel like driving a
bus (other than the speed).  I personally feel the Khats S was designed
for folks who shouldn't be in a skinny boat to begin with, overly
relying on the sponsons to keep them from tipping over, but in a boat
that with sponsons inflated would be a difficult boat to roll back up. 
How many Khatsalanos do you see come up for resale compared to the high
number of Khats Ss?  Food for thought.

Even the Khats (standard) will feel big in terms of boat fit and overly
stable for you (without the sponsons inflated).  At 5'3", you'll find
the rear deck very high for layback rolls (for when you do decide to
work on skill building).

I personally feel Doug Simpson, head of F-craft should try his hand at a
Khatsalano Sport model with about a 20~21" beam and lower deck for
easier layback.  Pick up some of the lost volume by adding another half
foot or so in length - maybe split the bow float bag to fit around the
bow keel frame to add more bow volume.  But keep it designed from the
outset for paddlers
in the 120~170 lb. range.  I have too many friends in that weight range
interested in my Khats but who feel the boat is on the large side for
them.  Any PaddleWisers want to add their two cents to this - or
challenge it?  I might forward the results on to Doug.

> 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.

You should be able to get one (maybe two) two piece paddle(s) at the
216~218 cm length inside the backpack (which comes w/ blade pockets on
the sides - outside).
No real need to pick up a new paddle with less blade area and more
joints just to travel with your boat.  F-craft also sells a larger,
looser soft case which is supposed to be better for airline travel (my
backpack-& Khats in it-took a real beating).

> 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.

Having a hardshell in addition to your Khats will work out well in order
to break the boat down for maintenance regularly w/o putting a crimp in
your regular/local paddling plans.

> - 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

Not necessarily. Start out rolling with the local whitewater group and
work on & offside proficiency in a basic C2C roll and you should be in
good standing for expeditioning.  Aim to eventually Reenter & Roll.

> - 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

Word of advice; breaking surf will quickly strip years off your Khats -
it certainly has mine.  On the upside, the standard Khats is one
beautiful craft to paddle in big conditions (storm paddling) and will
survive some amount of surf abuse if you do get stuck on the outside
with dark approaching.

> - 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.

Unless you paddle a Klepper, you may eventually end up in the water. 
Learn to roll.

> 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.

You will swim in it, but if you reeally want the added stability, then
keep the K1 in mind.  It definitely has the cargo space for your kitchen
sink!
 
> Khatsalano -- 22 inches -- too advanced???

Best boat for you.  Not at all advanced for you.  Will be the most fun -
day in, day out.  Good camping ability with 1~2 week capability.  Just
learn to roll, please.
 
> 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!

Good stable platform for stand up photography.

Feel free to contact me with questions regarding my Khats and its
set-up, etc.

Vince
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