PJ Rattenbury wrote: .. Can anyone offer any real-life comments on how these stack up? ... ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> writes: I don't know this particular skirt but Kleppers have had zippered sprayskirts. I don't know if they still do. These were special-order military ones that cost a bundle because they employed a waterproof zipper. I never saw a particular advantage in them since it is so easy to pop a skirt and get at what you need. The downside for the zippered sprayskirt, in addition to cost, are/were: added weight (if you are carrying a folding kayak every ounce adds to your burden); susceptible to getting sand in the zippered teeth; maintenance of the zipper. Ralph Hoehn writes: Pouch currently has a zippered version spraydeck for the double cockpit (non-military, the Swedish commandos prefer the heavy duty three piece version: spray deck plus two spray skirts). Individual zippers run from the center of the front top edge of each funnel to about the knees of the paddler. The zippers are no more difficult to maintain in this application than when they are used in dry suits. The weight is close to the traditional side opening funnel version of the Pouch spray deck. I have not had this particular spray deck out in dumping surf, but since even the ratty old button version used to stand up quite well (after a few modifications), I would not have second thoughts about the strength of the zippers in this respect. The upside to a center zippered spray deck / skirt is the ease of boarding and alighting from the boat. It also allows semi-permanent installation of the deck for improved surf security. Since you wear the "funnel" over the PFD, some people worry about taking on water. In my experience this is minimal. I agree with Ralph that for some people the advantages of the center zippers are not necessarily worth the added cost of the expensive zippers. My personal preference would be for a spray deck with integral coamings that accept a good spray skirt, but that's from the point of view of use on salt water. For extended river trips the zipper version certainly has a place. As to adding unnecessary weight: I don't like lugging boats, whether they be folded up or assembled, in any case. Why not just use a folding boat cart? Admittedly there are few with large enough wheels to make them fit for off-road trips, but they are not difficult to make yourself ... long winter nights are approaching fast :-). Ralph C. Hoehn Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com www.PouchBoats.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Nov 14 2000 - 10:18:00 PST
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