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Ever Considered a Folding Yak?


Whitedog70810

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The title pretty much sums it up. I travel to Corpus Christi from DC about twice a year. The Texas coast is very conducive to kayak fishing. I'd love build a SOF folding hull much like the Castaway for travel purposes. Plans for folding yaks generally use inflatable sponsoons, aluminum tubing and PVC skins. I prefer to work with wood just to be difficult. Additionally, most folders seem to be Greenland style hulls that don't fit my needs. I have some ideas about how to tension the skin and stabilize the frames that would work with a Kudzu style hull, but I can't seem to think of an elegant way to stiffen the longitudinal members if I make them so they can be broken down.

I could just build a Crawfish, ship it there and leave it at a friend's, but I find boats fall into disrepair if not regularly used. Besides, I want to use it other places also.

If you have any thoughts, I'd be very interested in hearing them.

Nate

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Kleeper did this is in the 20's or 30's. It can be done but it is not something that interests me. If I wanted one I would search out an older Kleeper or Folboat. Engineering is done and proven to work.  I tried to buy 3  hoping to get two good boats out of the parts but they sold at auction WAY more than I wanted to spend.

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At the marina I work at summers II watched a guy assemble his folding yak that he had assembled many times.  It took close to an hour to get it done right and ready to paddle.  The hull shape was not very appealing and probably not a great shape for keeping up a good speed.  Then when he got back it took as long to take it apart and pack it up.  And when he got home he had to open it up and dry it out.  Then he got to pack it up again to store it till next time.  It weighed 80 pounds and stored in 3 bags. 

 

Umm, no thanks.

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When I travel RV'ing, I take my inflatable kayak.  It is a Sea Eagle brand.  It, life jackets, pump and paddles all fit into one not very large bag.  I put in the back of my PU, would easily fit in a trunk with other baggage, and it I get a chance and am in the mood I use it, it not no big deal.  It sets up in about 10 min. and deflates and folded back up in about  10 min.  Get back home I take it out of the bag, clean it up and I am good to go again.  

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As you all are abundantly aware, one of the perks of SOF is how crazy light the hulls are. The Folbots and Kleppers that I like are all 60-70# and don't exactly fit in to one big checkable bag. As mentioned, the Folbots take three large bags. That effectively negates the attraction of a folding kayak for me. Oh yeah, I also can't afford them new and am not enthusiastic about buying a 40-50 y/o one that I could afford sight unseen on EBay.

I think I'll be better served to build two Crawfish tandem hulls. The first, i.e. the introductory hull, can go to Texas and stay there while the second, and hopefully better, one can stay with me. I'll just make sure my friend knows that she and her husband can feel free to use it in repayment for storage privileges. I hope to line up a job in Texas next, so if all works as it is supposed to, I won't have to ship it twice:)

Nate

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  • 4 weeks later...

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