Re: [Paddlewise] Car Topping Question

> If commercial folding kayaks had performance standards equal to most
> hardshells, you would have a convincing argument.  However, in reality,
most
> commercial folders simply don't.  /skip/.....
>
> The number and type of hardshell kayaks being sold today vs folding kayaks
> should indicate that the buying public wants more than greater gear
storage
> and a "sense" of security that comes from paddling a massive folder.
/skip/  .....
 Paddling
> skills worldwide have grown considerably over the years, and paddlers want
> boats that keep pace with those skills.

Yes, they are difficult to compare. I own both types, and would like to
expand both parts of this "collection". There is more to folders'
disadvantage than just performance.  Folder needs to be assembled, then
dissembled, and then taken care of - washed with freshwater, frame
lubricated (at least, joints of Feathercraft frame).  No need to lubricate
wooden frames (Klepper, Pouch), but Klepper skin takes hours and hours to
dry. As I have noticed, folders owners tend to use their folders as
non-folders, keeping them assembled and cartopping whenever possible.
Folders are more difficult for loading cargo than harshells, due to ribs and
stringers inside (and lack of hatches in may of them).  All of them need
floatation bags, which adds to assembling time and reduces available cargo
room.

I wouldn't judge by sales volumes, though.  People's mentality is hard to
vercome - many don't even know that there is something between inflatable
boats and hardshells. Folders cause suspicions and *false* sense of
insecurity of those who unfamiliar with them (I was asked once, for how many
days floder's skin will hold before degrading and falling apart in salty
water :-).  They are also more expensive at the beginning; well, replacing
parts and later - skin, they may live forever, but this is again not for
free.  One justified sense of security related to folders is their
stability, especially of those wider than 25", and most of them are.  This,
together with roomier cockpit and wider seat, is what attracts people to
folders like Kleppers or Folbots - stable craft for fishing and snorkeling,
where you can stretch your legs and knees, and sit in the position
comfortable enough for many hours, and change this position many times and
even stand up TAD. The price for this comfort due to extra width are speed
and maneurability, and of course, it is hard to speak about developing
paddling skills or technique in a 28-30" wide folder.
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