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

Wendy,

I'm no expert but I have paddled both of these boats and own a 99 K1. I'm
just 4 inches taller than you and it fits me fine. It sounds to me like you
are a dry paddler on the whole, as am I. The Khatsalano is more the wet
paddler's boat. It sits lower in the water and you tend to get a good deal
wetter. It probably rolls easier that the K1 but I couldn't say. They are
both fast. If you are serious about being 2 weeks out and potentially in the
arctic it seems to me the K1 is the boat for you. If you go with the
Khatsalano I'd really recommend the S. I think you'd survive long days on
the water much less fatigued. I went through the same drill before I decided
and it took me nearly a year. Don't waste that kind of time. Get one of them
and start enjoying it.

Andy

C. Anderson Johnson
email:         carljohn_at_usc.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Wendy Ogaki
Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2000 9:33 PM
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subject: [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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