Re: [Paddlewise] Question of Khatsalano kayak

In a message dated 10/8/01 8:21:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
mhoichman_at_Banter.com writes:

> I'm thinking of buying Khatsalano (not S type!) kayak to extend the
>  > destinations of paddling. Have you been experienced with this kayak?

I've owned an S and currently paddle a std. Khats.

 How
>  > can it be compared to the conventional fiber-glass?
>  > 

For the same general size/type, slightly lighter, about as fast on flat 
water, probably faster in seas, a bit more portable.

>  > Especially I'm interested in the following issues:
>  > 
>  > 1. Is it easy for leaning? 

Yes.  And, if you want it to be a bit on the touchy side, you can 
under-inflate or deflate the sponsons.

>  > 2. Is it fast enough?

For me, yes.  Depends on what you mean by fast enough.  Compares to the CD 
Solstices or Gulfstream, NWK Synergy, WS Arctic Hawk, VCP boats.

>  > 3. How does it behave in rough sea: storms, strong winds, breaking waves,
>  > surfing, etc. 

Haven't had either in really bad stuff, but I think your skill is always 
going to be the part in question, not the boat's seaworthiness or 
seakindliness.  One think you should be aware of is that it is designed to 
carry a lot of gear weight in the rear, and so (for me at 150 lbs) it has 
considerable weather helm when paddled unladen.  I've never had a rudder for 
either, and I find that I can trim the boat wonderfully by either attaching 
the optional strap-on skeg or (my preference) by carrying about 2.5 gallons 
of water as ballast inside the rear hatch.

In general I don't want to buy this type of kayak for
>  > surfing, but I need to know its limitations. Let's say, what is the
>  > maximal height of breaking wave Khats will stand (fully loaded)?

Again, no real experience, and of course it depends on what you're talking 
about with regard to wave shape, beach gradient, beach composition, etc.  I 
wouldn't worry launching or landing through 4-6 ft crumbling surf if the 
beach was sand or gravel and reasonably flat, as long as there wasn't an 
oh-my-god shore dump.

 In rough
>  > sea, do you feel any differences between Khats and fiber-glass kayak of
>  > the same dimensions?

Sure.  The Khats flexes like any skin-on-frame kayak.

>  > 4. Is it strong enough to absorb impacts like: rocks, corals?

Bends like a reed before the wind, Grasshopper.  Repairs like an Erector Set 
if you do screw up and prang it.  I slammed into the rusted, jagged corner of 
a submerged metal structure while going full-out with about 90 lbs aboard my 
old Khats S on my first day in Palau.  It set me over 8 inches and stopped me 
dead within two feet.  The Hypalon hull barely showed the spot where it hit.  

>  > 5. If damaged, how easily it can be for repairing?

The skin is like patching a bicycle inner tube.  The frame is like 
McGuyvering any frame structure -- duct tape and sticks will probably get you 
home.

>  > 6. What are those float bags?

Necessary positive flotation -- keeps the boat on the surface when filled 
with water.

>  > 7. Is it worth to buy a used one? Did Feathercraft changed its technology
>  > in the recent years for this type of kayak?

Yes, and  Yes.

>  > 8. In general: is it worth to buy Khats? Isn't it too big compromise?
>  > 

Yes, definitely.  The question of compromise is up to you.  Many people own a 
Khats simply because it paddles nicer (in their opinion) than other available 
craft.  Some want the highest-possible performance in a boat that can be 
packed on board any mode of conveyance they may wish to use and would give up 
many things to get that flexibility.  I happen to think the Khats is a great 
performing boat that I choose to paddle most of the time over many other 
choices I have, which does also pack down into an easily stored and 
transported package.  If I were forced to pick one, and only one boat to use 
the rest of my life, it would be my Khats.  That, in spite of the fact it is 
expensive, harder to clean and dry after use, and a bit more fussy when it 
comes to where and when you would really want to use it.

Hope this helps you, Michael.  There are definitely positive and negative 
aspects to folders.  You need to decide if a folder is right for you.  If you 
do, then the Khats is a great choice.  However, we haven't discussed what you 
are looking for with regard to fit, stability, carrying capacity, and other 
factors which would qualify the Khats over others, such as the FC K-1.

I suggest you also query the bagboater forum at 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bagboater

Happy paddling,
Harold 
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