Re: [Paddlewise] New Khatsalano - Tips?

In a message dated 4/30/01 9:34:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
FoldingBoats_at_aol.com writes:

> 
>  Ralph Hoehn: It's exactly this phenomenon, with which I've been trying to 
> come to grips: If "burping" the seasock is only a temporary measure due to 
> leaks in the hull or between the sea sock and the coaming, then aren't we 
> faced with a clingy seasock again? 
>  

>  Or is the leak in the original question so small that it was really a "red 
> herring" to worry about the tiny amounts of water that would have come in 
by 
> the time the seasock would have long "deflated" already?
>  

My sock stays off me for the day.  I don't experience any "deflating sock 
syndrome" in my Sealskin Khats or in the old stitched-skin version.  However, 
I do have a foam plug (like a bulkhead) inside the sock which keeps the sock 
open at the footpegs.  I found that my footwear would sometimes hook the sock 
and pull wrinkles in it during hasty exits, so the plug was added to solve 
that problem.

>  Was the "new" Khatsalano already equipped with neoprene reinforced seasock 
> rims?
>  

Not the first ones out.  Mine has the all-nylon version.  The Khats does come 
with an all-neoprene skirt though.  This seems to help seal the sock/coaming 
seam pretty well.  I don't get more than a cup or two of water in a four hour 
paddle even though the coaming edge spends a good deal of time under water.  
I will get more in when practicing rolls and re-entries.
The suggestions about managing the puckers around the coaming were well said 
and probably the most vital solution.  Also, adjusting the tension on the 
spray skirt could help.

Harold
Happy Khats owner


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