Folding kayaks/canoes

[NDG]

YM published an article a couple of months ago about folding kayaks/canoes (never sure what the difference is!). I had never thought they would be any good but it seems from the article that they are as good and seaworthy as any rigid kayak/canoe.

They sound like a great idea as a tender for a small boat, packing down to the same size as an inflatable dingy, also doubling up as something that can be put in the boot of the car and used elsewhere for a bit of fun. Looking on the internet, different models seem to vary quite a bit in price from just over £1000 to more than £2500, so I have no idea what might be the best buy and I have never knowingly seen one in use.

Has anyone got one? Does anyone know anything about them? I would be v interested to hear if anyone has any particular recommendations or knows about the pros and cons/value for money of the different makes.

 

[actionoptics]

In my experience, the inflatable models are very difficult to propel in a straight line even for experinced caonoeists. I am waiting delivery of a folding kayak which has rigid front and back sections plus a number of inflatable bladders. If it helps, I'll try it out this weekend and let you know how successful or otherwise it turns out.

 

[ariette]

we bought an inflatable Stearns double canoe for our children but now regularly use it as a tender. Well made and easy to steer and stow

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
kayaks/canoes (never sure what the difference is

[/ QUOTE ] Canoes are the open type with which you use with a single bladed paddle.

Kayaks are the decked in ones with which you use a double ended paddle.

It is worth noting that the kayak paddles can be either left handed or right handed unless they are flat bladed. (maybe collapsible ones can be assembled either left or right handed) Not kidding and it really does matter!

Canoe

kayak

 

[NDG]

Thanks all. At least I now know the difference between a kayak and a canoe!

Actionoptics - look forward to hearing how you get on.

 

[Sgeir]

Pas de l’yeux Rhône que nous, peut-être ?

 

[actionoptics]

It arrived an hour ago. Pumped up on the dining room floor and looks good. It is a hybrid folding/inflatable from Advanced Elements Inc. www.advancedelements.com but bought for £399 from Scottish dealer. The front and rear ends have an aluminium frame. 10'5" long; 34" wide weighs 36 lbs. I'm going to try it out this evening when the tide comes in.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm going to try it out this evening when the tide comes in.

[/ QUOTE ] Where ? I'm sure we would all enjoy a laugh.
<span style="color:white"> ................................................................................ </span> /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[David_Jersey]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm going to try it out this evening when the tide comes in.


[/ QUOTE ]

And if you don't post a follow up........it will tell it's own story /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[alan_d]

[ QUOTE ]
Pumped up on the dining room floor .... I'm going to try it out this evening when the tide comes in.

[/ QUOTE ]

You must live very close to the sea.


Alan

 

[oldharry]

Thats global warming for you..... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[actionoptics]

Mondays follow up.
Yes we do live close to the sea but not quite that close.
It is so easy to deflate and fold up.
And it is as easy to paddle and keep in a straight line as a hard kayak.
Despite SWMBO saying there will be no room to store it on the boat, I found space for it and we had a lot of fun .
It is the single model AE1012-R so it weighs only 36 lbs and packs into a soft bag about 2ft by 8 inches by 3 ft. Much smaller and lighter than the rubber dinghy.
But not easy to get into from the boat. Have to pump up the dinghy and transfer from it into the kayak.
SO no regrets buying it and I'm sure we'll get our moneys worth this year.