Re: [Paddlewise] Folbot Kodiak modifications

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 07:51:46 -0800
Tony, much of the details are under Tall Man Mod or similar titles in the 
Kodiak Conference of the Old Folbot forum.  I have the URL for that 
somewhere.  Here's the list:

0. Cut the stock rudder back by about 3 1/2 inches.  Stock rudder is 
enormous, suited for sailing.

1. Shortened stock rudder bar; made brackets to move bar pivot to forward 
side of poly frame 2 to accommodate longer legs and allow knees to fit under 
deck.

2. Installed aluminum frames for positions 2 and 4 (from Folbot; they now 
have an aluminum frame 3, which I would strongly recommend -- see below for 
why).

3. Installed Edisto-style (now also used on the Cooper) footrails and removed 
old rudder bar system.  Still could not get knees/thighs under frame 3. 
(Could not brace well.)

4. Cut down the upper tangs of frame 3 to about 3/4 inch thick (vertical 
dimension) and reinforced what was left with aluminum.  Now could brace under 
deck.

5. Added minicell thighpads fore and aft of frame 3 (actually done between 
steps 2 and 3).

6. Tossed stock rudder line; replaced with harder, slipperier cord after one 
wore through where it passed through Frame 3.  Oh, yeah, I also ran the 
rudder lines through 1/4 OD poly tubing where the lines cross the rear deck 
to prevent binding when I have a rear deck load.

7. Cut down the seat back (too much) so my PFD did not ride up over it.

Email me if you want photos of any of this.  In a fit of compulsiveness, I 
documented the tricky stuff.

It is now a solid, rough-water-capable boat.  Before I was able to get my 
knees under the deck, it was pretty loosy-goosy in clapotis and tide rips. 
This model is the strongest, most durable boat Folbot makes.  The next step 
is a better spraydeck, even though I paddle it open most of the time.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
--
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Niilus_at_aol.com>


>I would be very much interested in a brief summary of the modifications you
> have done to your Folbot Kodiak.
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Received on Thu Nov 18 2004 - 07:51:52 PST

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