RE: [Paddlewise] Khatsalano kayak: personal experience

From: Patrick Maun <patrick_at_patrickmaun.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 08:21:26 +0200
Hey all,

as a Khats owner I'd like to make a few quick remarks. I also own a 
Current Designs GTS, and the Khats holds pretty near the same amount 
of gear as the GTS. You just need to pack correctly. I have an 
illustrated file showing how I pack the boat if anyone is interested 
in it let me know.

The seasock, which I also dislike, has been re-designed by 
Feathercraft and now has a wide neoprene rim. Water doesn't really 
leak through it.

Regarding the flexing. I have been in small surf and haven't noticed 
it. If you haven't paddled a folding boat before, you will notice the 
flexing of the boat, but that is natural for any foldable.

As for appropriateness in large seas. I've been having this argument 
with one of the clubs here. But I mean, c'mon, what do you think 
indigenous people paddled, Nordkapps? Sure, not aluminum, but frame 
boats for sure.

The float bags are only needed when the boat is empty. Any 
non-bulkheaded boat should have float bags when unloaded. When 
loaded, your drybags become the float bags.

It's an easy boat to roll and scull. One can't lie-back as much as 
some lower decked boat, but it is easier than my GTS and about as 
difficult as my Necky Arluk.

Some things bug me about the Khats, but I think that some of the 
criticisms are unfounded.

-Patrick
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Received on Wed Oct 17 2001 - 23:24:56 PDT

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