Author Topic: Anyone knows? (Read 2320 times)

Vault Boy · « **on:** December 18, 2006, 16:24 »

Anyone knows where I can buy a good recreational foldable kayak?

cahayabulan · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2007, 16:52 »

The cheapest folding kayaks are from PakBoats - the maker of Puffin folding kayaks. It is a relatively new entrant to the folding kayak market, although they have been making folding canoes for some time.

Can check them out at www.pakboats.com

Vault Boy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2007, 11:01 »

wow finally got people reply. Thanks cahayabulan!

But only pakboat? I mean i heard about keppler, but also heard they are expensive. You own a kayak yourself?

Nautilus · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2007, 14:59 »

are foldable kayaks light enough to man-carry to the waterbody of your choice?

cahayabulan · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2007, 01:25 »

The Kleppers, of course ! They have frames beautifully made in ashwood and represents an era of craftsmanship.

Well the prices of folding kayaks ranged from $1500 for a recreational single to $9000 for an expedition double. It is expensive but it lasts a long long time and is maintenance free. More importantly if offers the freedom of travel to anywhere with water.

I can think of other brands like Folbot, Fujita, Pouch, Long Haul, First Light, Atlatl, Feathercraft, Nautiraid, and Klepper, etc.

I have a folding kayak I used since '99, a Feathercraft K-lite that is no longer in production. It was (and still is!) too small for me but at that time it was the cheapest Feathercraft model. They mailed, I put it together, and named it Fullmoon.

Anyway I am saving up to buy another foldable - The Cahaya Bulan.

Vault Boy · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2007, 13:49 »

Cahaya Bulan? as in your nick.

Btw is there a foldable that does not have wooden frame? I heard wooden frame needs a lot of maintenance so the wood wont rot away?

Keppler is indeed too expensive! Normally for recreational paddlers, what is the price range you go for Cahaya? Im a noobie in foldable kayaks, so many brands and I dont even know what specifications I should be looking out for....

Hey you getting a 2nd foldable are you letting go of your FULLMOON?

cahayabulan · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2007, 10:37 »

Nautilus >

Can be done commando-style I supposed. The lightest foldable is about 15kg packed, still quite heavy ! And if you are going somewhere remote kayak is the least of your problems, it is the food and water that's heavy.

But definitely easier than manpacking a hardshell !

There is another kind of boats called Packrafts. This type is built specially for backpackers and trekkers. Only 2kg ! Travellers stuff these tough boats into their backpacks, so that they have the option to use a water route if they so pleased.

cahayabulan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2007, 17:22 »

Aiya, having a name first is a good way to motivate me towards my new kayak !

Apart from Long Haul and Pouch, all manufacturers (including Klepper and Nautiraid) have models in aluminium frames. Actually wooden frames required even less maintenance than aluminium ones. Just have to store them dry.

I started off as a recreational paddler too, mucking around Kallang and East coast before I travelled further. Price range? I think just go for the boat you can afford la, unless specific requirements demands a particular type of boat. Like if you want to do sea expeditions, or you are too tall, or you prefer a faster boat, etc.

Ya u are right, thinking of selling my K-lite before I buy a new foldable

Nautilus · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2007, 09:36 »

15 bloody kg is not a joke but i figure if you live right next to sungei ulu pandan and want to put ur kayak in the water during weekends, it would probably work. Imagine! A waterway right next to home for all your paddling requirements! But the water always seem to stay murky brown, like milk-tea. :?

cahayabulan · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2007, 22:07 »

Seems like you are staying ard SUP too ! Ya the 'teh tarik' water recently was caused by construction activities. It get worse when it rain now. Previously the river was clean and quite transparent. Just have to wait for the construction to stop for it to return to its original condition.

U paddle there yet ?