Re: [Paddlewise] Inflatable Boats

From: alex <al.m_at_3web.net>
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 10:15:02 -0800
Read this (go to the section "What about inflatables").
http://foldingkayaks.org/
And also this: http://www.watertribe.com (go to the Magazine, August 2003,
"What was he thinking").

>From my personal experience with a 10 ft inflatable single: poor tracking
(it didn't have a fin at the bottom), high wind resistance, inconvenient
seat, and insufficient cargo room. 2-seater is an appropriate *touring*
craft for 1 person, because inside room is mostly taken by sponsons. So you
gonna need a 3-seater as a *touring* 2-seater.  Or a 2-seater as a
day-paddling 2-seater (no sleeping bags and tent and almost no food and
water).

> I have been considering an inflatable or folding kayak for touring and
Ocean
> Kayaking in Florida.

I understand you will be paddling in *ocean*, beyond protected channels -
then consider wind resistance of inflatable and lack of rudder (rudder is
very useful in choppy seas).

> opinions on folding boats VS the inflatables.  I'm interested in a two man
all
> purpose type kayak (fishing, diving, touring).

May be Mike Edelman would cover this topic - those differencies are
numerous.  If you don't live in apartment and don't have to assemble your
folder for every paddling trip - wide folder like Klepper or Folbot or Pouch
is better than inflatable, IMHO.  Less stabile, but still very stabile and
feels more like a real boat compared to inflatable.  I wouldn't envy those
who have to paddle a double folder as a single in a long trip, but this
isn't impossible. Can't say about solo paddling a 3-seater inflatable -
don't have esuch experience.
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Received on Mon Mar 29 2004 - 10:17:44 PST

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