Re: [Paddlewise] Kahuna VS Klepper AE1 assembling and folded weight/size

> You can get assembly down to 20 minutes and even lower with practice.  I
> know people who do it in about 12 minutes.  I am more in the 18 minute
range
> but since I leave it assembled (I have a storage spot) I don't have as
much
> practice as those guys who use their Kahuna several times a week and need
to
> assemble/disassemble it each time.
>
> Hatches will add to assembly time and are not worth having in my view
> because of that and the slight added weight.  Same with a rudder...you
> absolutely do not need it in this model.  I don't believe I have even seen
a
> rudder on one and I have come across perhaps about 50 Kahuna owners.  Save
> your money and dispense with rudder, hatches.  Use it to get a good
paddle.
> The inflatable seat is a worthwhile option...it adds nothing to assembly
> time beyond a few puffs of air.
>
> BTW, the true weight of the Kahuna is 35 pounds.  Feathercraft does not
fib
> about weight.  The bag is around 4 pounds.
>
>
>
> ralph diaz

Ops... surprises begin.  They didn't inlcude a 4 lbs Kahuna rucksack into 35
lbs weight.  Thanks, Ralph.    I will probably need at least a stern hatch
for 2 reasons:
1) For easy loading-unloading.  I hate this part of the trip :-), and would
like to shorten it as much as possible (this was one of reasons to consider
Klepper - it's wide, has huge cockpit and - not sure - perhaps hatch too in
AE1).
2) To install a BSD sailing mast (people do that with K-1 and K-light, and I
have done with Ladoga-1).
F-craft rudder is something that I don't need, since Folbot rudder blade is
much better for sailing. Kayak sailing is now my new whim - I'll see if I'll
get satiated with it.
BTW, regarding seat - I am always happy when I find a "double use" for
anything, and I've recently used a folded (not rolled) foam sleeping pad for
both seat and backrest (kinda "Crazy Creek" chairs).  Buckled it to lower
stringers with 2 bungey cords.  Partly it was necessary (Ladoga-1 seat is a
flat playwood), partly - for volume saving.  But I have found it useful.
Alex.
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