Re: [Paddlewise] New Folbot Video Clip

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Fri, 02 May 2008 17:46:35 -0700
alex wrote:
>> I received an email from Folbot that had a link to their new folding boat
>> which, according to the video, comes in one backpack and assembles in 12.5
>> minutes.
> 
> Oh, yeah.... And covers 12.5 nm in 12.5 hours. This is a 10 ft boat with 34"
> beam.  Miracles don't happen. With folders, you either have a well performing
> and/or rugged hull and frame (think Feathercraft), or fast assembling. [snip]

I usually let Alex sink in his own juices, but this blast of misinformation 
exceeds his usual quota.  I suspect anyone who has really looked this boat 
over will see that it is a significant departure from Folbot's usual meter. 
  The Citibot is not intended to be a long-haul, rough water craft.  It is 
a "City Boat," and as such is for those leisurely late afternoon (or early 
morning) paddles on the local reservoir, placid lake, or backwater.  It is 
not designed to satisfy a globe trotter like Alex, who needs a heavier, 
stronger setup.

A knee jerk response such as the one Alex made is unfair to the 
manufacturer and does not help folks new to the sport evaluate a new product.

It is fair to say that Alex has a prejudice against Folbot products;  as 
far as I know, he has not handled any of the newer models of their boats, 
yet continually knocks them.  That is unfortunate, because Alex has a 
wealth of experience and is a valuable resource when he discusses boats he 
knows well.

Note:  I have no affiliation with Folbot, except that I own three of their 
boats, and have found them to be safe, useful craft for their intended 
uses.  They have limitations, as does any boat.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Fri May 02 2008 - 17:46:40 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:31:29 PDT