Re: [Paddlewise] New Folbot Video Clip

On Fri, May 2, 2008 at 5:09 PM, alex <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote:

>
>
> 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.
>

I don't think this boat is aimed at expedition (or even weekend) paddlers
but, rather, at people with limited storage space and an occasional urge to
paddle a local lake, slough, estuary, or calm waterfront. It might not be a
Feathercraft but it doesn't cost US$4k either.


>  "Tossing it over your shoulder", they say?  What manufacturers think, I
> wonder, when they attach a gym-bag strap to some 40-50 lbs bag (not just
> this one - there are some other too).  Perhaps, they need somebody to injure
> oneself and sue these buffoons.
>

We all have our prejudices and preferences when it comes to boats, I guess.
I'm not sure how you get to 40-50 pounds from an original 24 pound (even if
you add your 10 pounds to that it's still only 34 pounds). Even I can carry
34 pounds on my back without risking injury.

I still think that this Folbot - and Folbot kayaks in general - have a place
in kayaking. Perhaps not the same place as Feathercraft but surely there
must be room for competition. Not everyone will be taking their folding or
inflatable kayaks to the Bahamas.

It would be nice to see a review of this boat from someone who has actually
paddled one.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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