Re: [Paddlewise] Feathercraft's Air Line

From: <elias.ross_at_openwave.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001 15:04:20 -0400
Gypsykayak_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> Just got their brochure.  I wasn't able to view it on their website.
> 

I got the brochure yesterday as well.  You can view a video on their
website, by going to http://www.feathercraft.com/media and clicking
directly on the media links.

As much as I am excited about seeing innovation (being a folding-kayaker
myself), I wouldn't expect "serious" kayakers in the Northwest (and
British Columbia) to be buying those boats, except for travel to warmer
climates or summer-only.  So, what is the business strategy here?

Having lived in Japan and having read (in Japanese) about the kayaking
community in Japan, I have heard the market for take-apart and folding
kayaks is quite large, and possibly is larger than the US/Canadian
market for Feathercraft.  It is not surprising to see a K-1 in a
magazine photo.  Whitewater and river kayaking is quite big there, and
that's why the Short Touring model was developed.  However, I do not
expect (except in perhaps Okinawa) much of a response.

However, some of you probably have a better idea than I, the market for
a portable sit-on-top.

Some of us fortunate enough to travel frequently abroad might prefer a
much lighter and portable boat (than even the K-light).  I guess I don't
like the idea of getting wet or being blown around in beam winds,
despite the temperature of the water.  It might be fun to paddle around
some lagoon or sheltered bay, or surf where getting submurged doesn't
matter.  Is the market going to be to renters, in this case?


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Received on Thu Sep 27 2001 - 12:05:23 PDT

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