Re: [Paddlewise] Sources for a used folding kayak

Evan Dallas wrote:

>> I'm considering buying a used folding single kayak for a longer trip this
summer flying into Alaska, then selling it afterwards (unless I end up
liking it so well, I just add it to the collection!).  Does anyone have any
suggestions where I should look to find one and what a reasonable price
would be, assuming it's in decent shape.  Can you generally take it on an
airline as regular baggage or do the airlines charge extra?  Any info would
be much appreciated. >>

Evan, for an alternative to more expensive Kleppers and Feathercraft,
check out the Folbot Web Board (  http://www.folbot.com/yak.htm  ),
where there is always some traffic in used Folbots. Prices there are
typically more realistic than eBay, where things get bid up some.

Folbots are cheaper than Klepper and Feathercraft, and plenty durable.  I've
done several two-week excursions on the salt (Charlottes, W Coast of
Vancouver Island) in my Greenland II double.  I would not take it through
the surf, but it handles rough seas quite well, and the hull is bombproof.

Feathercraft make the highest quality folder on the market, in my opinion,
and at a pretty price, too.

The Folbots are __not__ as strong as Feathercraft, but generally much easier
to assemble and take down.

The Web Board will also have a lot of stuff on practical packing of folders
for airline travel -- which is much dicier these days than it was pre-9/11.
One recent poster described having his __entire__ kit disassembled and then
he had to re-pack hurriedly to make a connection, part of the TSA security
arrangements.  Not typical, but they picked him for a "random" check.

I have no affiliation with Folbot, just a satisfied customer.

Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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