Re: [Paddlewise] Folbot "Cooper" kayak

> Frankly, though, you would not like the width, the enormous cockpit, or
the
> low-performance hull.  The Cooper is a good folder, but to get a high
> performance folder, you need to pay Feathercraft prices.  A Paddlewiser
> named Alex who lives in BC should respond with a focused critique of
> folders.  Alex just sprung for a brand new Feathercraft K-1, the folder
> that probably comes closest to what you might like, Craig.

Got tired of focused critique; particularly, regarding Folbots ;-)... the
more so as Folbots are apparently now on faster lane of innovations than
Feathercraft.

Yes, I've bought a K1. This is relatively a high-volume folder, about 26"
beam, and I've bought ot for multiday remote trips. It is, I think, slower
than Cooper (and more rugged, speaking of both frame and skin). Though, last
version of Cooper with good old Hypalon hull should be acceptably good (with
optional hull protection strips). Dave has earlier version, and it still has
no holes, I believe.

No, I didn't pay Feahtercraft prices (almost). The factory sold me a
discounted hull (cosmetic blemishes on the hull only, deck and everything
else was in usual perfect condition). I went to the factory and it was
cosmetic indeed. Probably, won't show on the black hull at all, after 3 or 4
years. Still a bizarr price, even after $500 discount.

The folders closest to hardshells in performance are FC, yes, but I would
rather think FC Wisper (short trips) or FC Khatsalano (longer trips). Check
www.feathercraft.com for specs.  Weight is shown "stripped", and all these
boats weigh about 50 lbs in backpack with rudder (or 36-38 lbs sans backpack
and rudder).

Folbot has sales every year, sometimes 20% discount, sometimes freee
shipping. No such luck with FC.  And cosmetic blemishes are sometimes more
than what I would consider "cosmetic".
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