[Paddlewise] Deck closures was Re: Storm Island Trip Report - Part Two

From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 12:41:13 -0700
This is a wonderful report as usual from Doug. But I want to sound a
technical note to something he observed.

Doug Lloyd wrote:
> something, right?" Then he pointed behind the wharf, and said "Now this
> fellow, he's really famous". I paddled over, and it was none other than
> Timo Noko, kayak vagabond and world paddler of repute in his self-made
> folding kayak with articulating outrigger. We had a pleasant exchange
> and reciprocated taking photos. He was very proud of his kayak and
> accomplishments. His hatches were similar to how one closes a roll-top
> dry bag with fastex buckles. Simple and secure, and sewn/glued right
> into the deck, chimney like.

That form of closure is pretty much how Feathercraft hatches have closed
for a decade.  Only Feathercraft does the closure one step better. 
Beside the roll top dry bag closure, Feathercraft has a fiberglass rim
that fits over it that then is covered with a fabric lid whose
circumference tightens with bungee cord sliders.  The arrangement is
remarkably implosion free even with massive waves breaking over the
closure.

Another form of closure appears in the new Pouch single.  Its back deck
opens wide so that you can insert the full frame into the skin (instead
of the traditional way of inserting frame halves and then extending the
frame inside the skin).  But instead of using velcro flaps and zippers
the way other models that are now using this approach (various
Nautiraids and the new Klepper Alulite) to close the rear deck, Pouch
seems to be borrowing a page from Voyageur dry bags.  The closure
consists of two beaded edges across which you slide a slotted round bar
to seal the edges together.

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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Received on Fri Aug 18 2000 - 09:41:48 PDT

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