Re: [Paddlewise] New Khatsalano - Tips?

Patrick, 

To get back to your original questions:

In a message dated 4/28/01 5:32:26 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
pmaun_at_bitstream.net writes:

> 
>  A couple of questions:
>  Any tips for assembly? It went together fairly easily, though lining 
>  up the expanders was kind of a hassle. I ended up scoring them with a 
>  pen so I can tell when they are aligned correctly. I'm sure some of 
>  you have some secrets. I think I'll get a light tarp for onsite 
>  assembly.

Two things that are easy to mix up and which will make hassles for you are:  
1. The proper order of assembly, and  2. Which end goes in first.  I have 
made notes to myself on the crossribs and on a small waterproof card which I 
keep with the boat.  You can get to the point where everything is automatic, 
but I don't build the boat that often.  With the expansion tubes, I find it 
much easier to insert the forward ends into the bow assembly first, then the 
rear ends.  Pull the tubes toward the center of the boat and move around 
until the proper alignment allows them to slip together easily.  If you are 
talking about aligning them around their longitudinal axis so that the pins 
align with the ribs, use the lever bar in the tubes to turn them into 
alignment.

>  
>  I won't get to paddle until Monday, but I am pretty sure I am going 
>  to want some padding. Does anyone know who makes those new inflatable 
>  hip pads? How do the fit the Khats? Who sells 'em.
>  

I have the hip pads and like them.  They are an easy way to tighten up the 
fit of the boat.  Experiment with the strap installment as well as the 
inflation to get the proper fit.  I run the straps so that the top edge of 
the bag is tucked up over the reinforcement (truss) bars.

To stabilize the seat, I use the 2 binding straps which come around the 
rolled-up skin.  Install one across the crease between the back and bottom of 
the seat and around rib 4 to hold the seat back and down.  Run the other 
across the back of the seat, forward beneath the seat angle straps, up over 
the front of the seat back wings, over rib 4 and under the rear deck bar, to 
hold the set back tight against the rib.

>  Any packing tips? I primarily pack with #15 and #25 light nylon Seal 
>  Lion Kodiac drybags. I have a copy of Doug Simpson's packing list and 
>  will go over that.
>  

I drilled holes in the plastic at the bow and stern and installed running 
lines to allow me to pull the bow and stern flotation bags (installed brass 
grommets) and/or gear bags into place.  Stay away from any bags with 
plasticized exteriors which will stick to other bags or the skin.  The 
see-thru bags are the worst, nylon the best.  Long and thin works best, 
tapers are great in the bow and stern.
Pack most of the weight in the aft compartment.  Compute Doug Simpson's 
weight distribution from his packing list and then realize he designed the 
Khats' rudder system and strap-on skeg after that trip.  The boat needs a 
strong rear weight bias to track well with my 150-lb body weight.  I carry 
about 2 to 2-1/2 gallons of water behind the rear hatch when day paddling 
without camping gear to trim the Khats for weather helm.  When camping, I 
carry water much further aft than I do in most boats.

>  Any other tips?
>  

Use the seasock -- it will save the boat from abrasion and corrosion inside 
and make re-entries/rescues easier.  I have a shaped foam plug which I 
install inside mine to give me a stable, shaped footrest and keep the sock 
straight (I don't use a rudder).  A  floor of 1/2-inch minicell foam 
installed inside the hull between ribs 2 & 3 before you install the sock will 
protect the sock's coating from abrasion and provide your heals with thermal 
insulation from the water.

Buy a large container of the Boeshield T-9 that was supplied with the boat 
and coat the entire tube set with it on a periodic basis to protect from 
corrosion.  Lube the mating parts every couple times you assemble if you 
routinely assemble/disassemble for day paddles.

Enjoy the boat and report back anything to discover that we can help you with 
or that might help us.

Congratulations.

Harold 

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