Re: [Paddlewise] Sources for a used folding kayak

In a message dated 2/27/2003 6:42:02 AM Central Standard Time, 
gpewitt_at_execpc.com writes:


> I traveled all over England and fairly extensively in the states and have 
> never found the Folbots to be lacking in any way.  And I can buy two of 
> them new for the price of a used Feathercraft.  Mind you I'm not knocking 
> Feathercraft or Klepper.  It's just that I don't think they are worth two 
> or three times as much money.  

I do.

I respect your opinion about the quality of the Folbot product and their 
excellent service. I don't knock peoples choice of boats, either, It's yours, 
have fun, that's why we do it. Just stick to the kind of water it was 
designed for. I will take issue with the perception you, however 
inadvertently, created that a Feathercraft or a Klepper is not worth 2 to 3 
times as much money.

I don't own a Klepper so I won't address their issues other than to say that 
their tremendous quality and robustness has lead intrepid paddlers across the 
Atlantic twice and the Gulf of Carpenteria once. It is a tough boat that has 
spent the better part of a century earning its well deserved reputation.

As a Feathercraft Khats owner I would say that anyone who wants to pay the 
2-3 times of what a Folbot is worth will have the following advantages:

Performance design that is as speedy as many performance hardshells (I also 
own a Nordkapp, which in my opinion is faster, but not by much).
A very rugged frame that surfs well and handles that kind of use.
Welded seam construction for zero water leakage into the vessel.
single backpack to contain all boat and paddling related equipment.
6" less beam to push through the water, 22" vs 28"
A few more feet of water line for actual speed, 18' vs 15'
A composite cockpit rim that accepts real spray decks, like the provided 
neoprene one.
Bone dry hatches and hatch covers.
A painter.
One of the most comfortable kayak seats I've tried.
Internal skin reinforcement at wear points. ( Folbot's expedition model pads 
the stringers, but doesn't reinforce the hull).
Same 300 pound payload as the Kodiak.
A sea sock.
2 very high quality floatation bags.
A very impressive customer service team.

In my opinion, it would be more fair to compare the Feathercraft Kahuna at 
2200 dollars US vs the Kodiak, which similarly equipped sells for just under 
1800. I won't comment on the Kahuna's performance characteristics because 
I've only put one together but not paddled it. It took 20 minutes the first 
time, but once you know how to put a Feathercraft together it's quite similar 
for all of them. The Kahuna is still manufactured with impressive materials 
and construction, doesn't leak, etc, yet weighs 35 pounds versus 55 for the 
Kodiak. Is it worth 400 dollars? To me, yes.

Cheers,

Rob G

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