Folding Kayak

Tom had purchased a folding kayak the year before we left KC but we have not taken the time to play with it since moving aboard.  A couple of weeks ago we finally did.  One- because he has been itching to do some paddling.  But more importantly, we had guests coming and had to get it out of the spare berth.

At first he thought it would be best to dinghy it ashore and put it together on the dock or beach.  But we realized that we won't always have that option so we decided to try assembling it on s/v Honey Ryder. 

Instructions are a good thing.  Instructions on a many pieces folding kayak are very good to have.  It had been awhile since putting this together last.

But slowly we assembled it piece by piece.  The process is pretty well thought out - thank you Feathercraft.

The design is really elegant.  The bottom is made of hypalon (like our dinghy) and the top is Cordura. 

Soon enough it was time to splash it.  But would we be able to even get it out of the boat?!  You hear about people who build an entire boat in their basement only to realize they can't get it out of there to use it.  Luckily we were able to maneuver it out from below into the cockpit, up on deck and finally into the water. 

Quick slap and slather of sunscreen and his hat and Tom was off to explore the shoreline of The Bight at Norman Island.

 

 

 



First Love

I think the phrase is "you never forget your first love."  This was my first boat.  I took her to college  (K-State)with me and then to KC after college.  She has been part of the fleet through all these years.

Addition to the Fleet

Tom has actually had this folding kayak for a couple years but only used it on a limited bases because the Hobie Mirage was always at the lake, handy and ready to go.
Some pending deck maintenance meant that all the "stuff" stored under the deck needs to be move out temporary, including this kayak.  Tom hauled out the folding kayak and gave her a good scrub.  I have yet to try it and we have been discussing getting it out anyway.  We are hoping/planning on getting some practice  paddles in soon at the lake.

I didn't realize there are so many pieces and parts.  The plan is to take this along on s/v Honey Ryder for some fun exploring.