Re: [Paddlewise] Ready To Go

I wouldn't agree more with Andre - these are the days (paddling) that we
live for.  There is one more alternative that allows use of 1 hour
after-work time without coming home to pick up the kayak (and without
keeping it permanently on car top).  I'm talking of folding kayaks.  This
option is relatively expensive (unless you already have it for remote
destinations), and has its drawbacks.

Pros: you keep it in a trunk together with paddle, PFD and other
day-paddling small things.  No need to drive trhrough 4 pm traffic home and
then to water (unless home is on your way to water).
Cons: It's not 100% equivalent of a hardshell kayak, speaking of
performance.  The closest is Feathercraft K-1 (or Khatsalano), then probably
goes Kahuna.  First one takes about 45 minutes to assemble, another one- 25
minutes.  Plus, dissembling twice less time. Plus, rinsing with freshwater
(if you paddled on sea), and drying it at home (could be an excuse for not
doing some other household chores, though :-).  The fastest to assemble is,
I think, Klepper - but it's wider and slower than F-craft, and also the most
expensive (in USA and Canada, not in Europe :-).

But, speaking of ready-to-go time only, it's basically assembling time - 45
minutes or less. Perhaps, 10-15 minutes should be deducted from this time,
since it needs no car-topping, tying, buckling up etc.  Which leaves us
almost zero time (compared to hardshell) in case of Klepper, and 15-30
minutes for other brands.

Just pondering over one more option, no attempts of baptising anybody here
into a folder's faith :-)

Alex.

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