Re: [Paddlewise] Boat(s) For A Family of Four

> > I personally would favour a 2-boat option - if anything happens
> > to one of the boats, then the other one could (hopefully) render some
> > assistance ...
>
> The latter especially is an excellent point, which bears repeating
herewith!
>
> The only significant difference between Quattros and regular AE-IIs is the
> addition of the second pair of sponsons, by the way, so in terms of
usability
> all of the above applies to AE-IIs also, of course ... still G-IIs
represent
> a lower investment, of course!
>
> I grew up in a family of four in folding doubles. My kids are the third
> generation to be introduced to the experience by one of the original
boats,
> which we bought second hand in the late sixties. They learned very quickly
> from the beginning, just as my sister and I did at the time, that you stay
in
> the cockpit or get wet and have grown into very able, safe and responsible
> crew members inconsequence!
>
> :-)
>
> Besides the Nautiraid and Folbot doubles and along the lines of Kleppers,
> there are also the Mk-IIs by Long Haul Products, as well as others, don't
> forget!
>

Yes, (sorry) - I've missed out good ol' Pouch double.  Same unsinkable frame
material as in Klepper AEII, with price still much less than AEII.
Additional advantage of folding doubles is their flexibility of interior due
to open cockpit.  On the flat water  (trips with small kids mostly will be
just that - dead calm water) such cockpit can be used without a sprayskirt,
which makes easy to place a third paddler.  There are also such rarities as
Russian 3-seater "Taymen", if there still be a need to gather all the family
in one boat. I have to say - if Klepper Quattro is a barge, then Taymen-3 is
an aircraft carrier :-).  It must be able to accomodate 4 adults, since most
of such folding doubles can accomodate 2 adults + teenager or 3 adults,
though 3rd adult is a pure passenger.  I wouldn't, though, recommend buying
T-3 in quantity less than 2 (second one for parts and spare skin), due to
remoteness of manufacturer and cheapness of the boat, if they still
manufacture this dinosaur.  Newest designs of "commies" tend to have more
slim frame and more plastic parts, which isn't always good.
Alex.

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