Re: [Paddlewise] Opinions on double "foldables"?

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 19:28:46 -0700
MSN/RiDem wrote:
> 
> Next year I am hoping to purchase a "foldable ", probably a double based on
> the following needs. Have been looking (on line) at the Klepper  Expedition
> II, or Folbot Greenland II. [snip]   We travel "heavy" (ie: approx
> 300 lbs /gear and food for a 6-8 week trip. She weighs about 120, me 180
> lbs. so consider 300 lbs gear plus  300 lbs of "paddlers" for total payload
> for long trips.

I'm pretty sure I have loaded a G II to the 600 lbs you estimate, and paddled
it in for a couple weeks at a time in the Charlottes and in Barkley Sound --
generally protected waters, but similar to some of the Lockhart River stuff
(etc.) you have done.

I have the Expedition version, and have replaced the stock waterproof nylon
double "porthole" spraydeck with a much more durable (and watertight) Hypalon
version which accepts trad. sea kayak neoprene deck/nylon tunnel sprayskirts. 
Access is easier, also, for launching and landing in surge and small surf.

I don't think you would be happy with the G II unless you upgraded the deck,
although as a long-time canoe tripper, you are probably used to an open cockpit
and a perpetually wet lap!  <G>

I think the G II is durable enough for your purposes, but in an isolated place
I'd take a couple dozen pop rivets and a rivet gun as a backup if there is any
extensive portaging to be done.  Can't drag these folding thangs laak an awld
Grumman, dang it!

Another nice feature of the G II is there is a conversion kit for a single
paddler for solo trips.  Be a lot of boat to paddle, but, heck, if you've
paddled a 17 foot Grumman solo ... piece of cake!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Mon Apr 10 2000 - 19:25:39 PDT

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