Tuesday
Sectional Greenland Paddle: http://www.northernlightpaddles.com/
An innovative three-piece carbon fiber Greenland paddle that will perform superbly with any sectional sea kayak.
http://www.northernlightpaddles.com/
Wednesday
http://marcusdemuth.com/3piece.aspx
Marcus Demuth knows more about sectionals and expedition paddling in them than any man on earth. Kind of heart and spirit, I encourage you to check out his blog and to contact him for any advice about sectional sea kayaks. Encyclopedic knowledge in a warm-hearted man who will share his knowledge.
Andreas at WestCoastPaddler Turns A Sow's Ear Into A Silk Purse!
The above link has wonderful photos and information.
Monday
Sunday
Tequila Sectional SOT from Point 65 Sweden
he 14 kg (30 lbs) kayak is considered suitable for most aquatic adventures with the exception of touring and expeditions. But that caveat seems more a feature of the lack cargo and protection true of any Sit On Top kayak, rather than it's the snap-apart design. We deduce this because Point 65 call the Tequila! a high performance kayak rating it 5 out of 5 rating for wave surfing, and for maneuverability.
Yet the clever design doesn't end there. The snap-apart function allows for an additional segment to added amidship extending the Tequila! into a tandem kayak, so two people can enjoy the fun.
All up it comes across as a smart design the not only promotes human-powered recreation, but reduces the cost of buying roof racks, and their associated environmental impact on fuel economy and carbon emissions.)
Monday
Thursday
A Conversation About Sectional Sea Kayaks from Paddling.net
Posted by: kblackyak on Jan-18-08 10:05 PM (EST) Category: Kayaks
I'm beginning to get the feeling that I'm going to need a three piece boat to travel to places that don't have very good (for lack of a better word) boats to rent. Anyone out there in paddleland have experience with the costs and hassles of dealing with a three piece composite boat while traveling about the world? Flying will be the first mode of transport, but then I may need a bus or taxi or burro after that. I can also imagine needing info on pack and two wheel cart options for moving the boat about while I'm also carrying all my paddle gear. Thanks for any insight.------------Kevin
Much easier to travel with a folder
Posted by: tsunamichuck on Jan-18-08 10:09 PM (EST)
The Great Swami has your answers.
Posted by: cd1 on Jan-19-08 8:02 AM (EST)
-- Last Updated: Jan-21-08 7:32 AM EST --
http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=581026
http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=598057
http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=778005
http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=763453
Take your time and read these posts, and you will see many ideas and impressions. Tsunamichuck is very well versed on folders vs. sectional--frankly, the most versed on Pnet as he's owned both many times over--so his simple advice is likely correct from all I have read. Folder for flying. Sectional for driving. I have ordered a Valley sectional and plan to travel with it in the rear of my enclosed Chevy Avalanche or my Chev conversion van (the next car I buy will be "green", I promise). But if I were to fly, I'd buy a folder. I owned a Feathercraft Jetstream, though, and although it was one of the easier folders to put together (much easier than, say a Kahtsalano), I found it challenging. I'm all thumbs, though. If you wish to folder info, check out "folder" search on Pnet Archives search (click above) and you will see many more threads than even the sectional idea. Plenty of past reading there. And youtube has some folding kayak videos, such as these:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=feathercraft+kayak
In my Pacific Horizons DVD, Dubside puts together his Kahuna folder in something like 12 minutes. That's a record, and when he's hauling ass. It takes even him, who has done it 1 hundred times, generally about 20 minutes, I think it said. And a Khatsalano is even more labor intensive. But, if you're in one locale for a week, and will keep it together (thus must have storage outside a hotel room, or a first floor rental), it's no issue.
3 million bags are lost--completely lost--each year on domestic US flights. I ran into a scare recently where our checked bags came in on the wrong plane. Ill feeling, but I think I'd poop my britches if they lost my folder. Risk.
Enjoy! And happy day to you, original poster, and TSC.
I did travel quite a bit with a K Light
Posted by: tsunamichuck on Jan-19-08 10:47 AM (EST)
and it is real easy to travel with and get together and apart. Not a fast boat and limitted space for gear but a great take along boat. The Khatsalano is a bit heavier and takes about an hour to assemble, but a great play boat and a decent tourer.
Thanks for responses-more succinct
Posted by: kblackyak on Jan-20-08 10:16 PM (EST)
I neglected to read the archives, which were very helpful. I need to be more succinct. I am looking at buying either a 3 piece Explorer or Greenlander Pro or Nordkapp, to cut to the chase. Folders won't handle the conditions I want to paddle, and the Khats is too soft- plus I had an unfortunate experience with a khats paddler breaking my 400 dollar Lendal over the bottom of his hull during a paddle-presentation eskimo rescue. My fault, but I'm scarred for life and those Khats are very slippery to hang onto in rescue circumstances. Plus the idea of a sea sock grosses me out- perhaps I'm becoming narrow minded.
I paddled in Wales for a few days with Freya shortly after she bought her first three piece (the sexplorer- black with silver metal flake) and she was having looseness problems at the joints. A couple of weeks ago I paddled with a friend that was christening his new three piece (just a regular explore) with the newer clips and the mortise and tenon bulkhead joints and he had no problems at all. I'd rather have a suitcase/clip attachment fail and be able to reattach, than have a thrubolt attachment fail and have to do onsite fiberglass repairs. I think Nigel might be figuring this one out. Big dumping waves will kill anything, in my experience.
So what does it typically cost to deal with the extra 3 piece? Does anyone have a good source of pack/covers that would work? (Sounds like I'll need extra padding) And does anyone know of a wheeled method of hauling way too much gear with the least amount of hassle. I am certainly not above flagging down one of those carts that you see cruising about the airports at a much faster pace than I can even jog, let alone walk with all my paddling stuff. Thanks again for the response. Cheers-------------------------Kevin
Baggage handlers are assholes
Posted by: tsunamichuck on Jan-20-08 10:48 PM (EST)
and airlines basically will try and soak you with oversized fees so tack on $200- $300 for each round trip ticket. Expect major shit from European airlines, the Asian ones will likely let you slide. I purchased my 3 piece Kapp from Rob and he suggested strapping 2 sections together to save on baggage fees. Carry extra straps to secure your boat on taxis etc and just plan on hiring porters at your destination.
This will give you some idea...
Posted by: gstamer on Jan-20-08 11:50 PM (EST)
Here's personal gear and three kayaks, Freya's (3-piece [S]explorer, 3-piece Rockpool, and 4-piece Qaannaq) bagged and ready for loading in the car (kayaks are in the five large bags), when we flew from Germany to Newfoundland last year to teach; http://www.qajaqusa.org/temp/NF_packing.jpg
The center section of the larger kayaks require a bag to themselves, and you can usually nest the bow and stern together in another bag. What we always did was to wrap each hull section with fitted pieces of closed-cell foam and tape them up, and then place in a large bag. Even so, minor cosmetic damage was frequent. We packed lightweight/bulky gear inside the kayaks and weighed the bags at home to ensure that they did not exceed the maximum weight allotted for the airline.
Freya had the large black kayak bags custom made at a local upholstery shop. Being black (what else do you expect from Freya? ;-) shiny, and large, we were often asked at airports, by people in hushed tones, if they were body bags. Maybe yellow would set a better mood...
We used simple muscle power and airport carts to move them around but I did have one exasperating experience in Hamburg where I was trying to move all the bags shown in the photo from the curb to the ticket counter, while Freya parked the car. As I carried the first bag to the counter and turned to go back for the next one, a security officer demanded that I could not leave it and must bring all bags at the same time. I tried to explain that this would not be possible. Finally an American overhead the ruckus and kindly agreed to watch the bags as I went to get each piece at the curb, and the pile grew into a mountain.
Flying with the gear is stressful. Some airlines don't transport kayaks at all. Some will transport them, but you have to massage the truth a bit and call them "surfing equipment". Expect long talks with baggage handlers and their managers where you are not sure what you are going to pay. Sometimes we paid over $200 a bag, sometimes the ticket agent was so flustered getting everything loaded that we were charged nothing at all. Sometimes you will pay one price going overseas, and a much different price when returning.
While a three-piece does give you some wonderful options for traveling, the price is a few gray hairs and some cold, hard, cash.
Greg Stamer
Wheeled Hockey Bag?
Posted by: wetzool on Feb-01-08 11:17 PM (EST)
You might look at hockey bags. The biggest are for goalie equipment. See you\meet you at Sweetwater?
~wetzool
Sectional cost is a factor.
Posted by: cD1 on Jan-21-08 7:52 AM (EST)
-- Last Updated: Jan-21-08 8:03 AM EST --
Well, kblackch10, the costs of a sectional is not to be sneezed at. The 2008 costs for a Valley sectional--such as the Nordkapp you mention--is $1250 US dollars. That is just for making the regular Nordkapp (list $3029) into a sectional: add $1250. Yes, you read that right.
So, cost is a factor, and weight is the other. Adds 10 lbs to boat weight. But, as some have said, you could bring it in pieces to the beach/launch/dock, and make it there. But then again, once you have assembled it at a paddling destination, you'd likely leave it together.
Valley, at least at this writing, still uses the bolt system. Apparently, from what I'm told, the sections have an interlocking flange, (so not just flat piece connected to flat piece), and thus less "wiggle", plus the bolts are very secure. I personally think clips are up and coming, but I have heard from more than one owner that the bolts, with the right tool (socket wrench with long extension) is not bad for time, and certainly sounds secure. I doubt fiberglass repair would be neceesary at the adjoining bulkheads as there is a plate of metal built-in there, I'm told. (double bulkhead plus metal=weight, though). But, just seems clips are looser in general, and metal fatigue of a clip will be more of an issue than a bolt. You mention ons-ite fiberglass repairs for the bolt system: the clip syetem is on the outside of teh boat: could create torque force hurt the exterior composite, too, in theory. So you'd be doing an exteriuor composute repair (where clip meets boat). If I travel and paddle all week in a locale, putting together bolts in 15-20 minutes as opposed to clips in 3-4 minutes seems like a reasonable trade off for what I perceive to be rock solid. Who knows, I could be wrong. I have found a paucity of true reviews of take-apart kayaks on-line, and once versed with the Valley I have ordered, I will post pictures and review. One blogger friend suggested that I make a youtube video with the focus on the boat review, and another on the sectional put-together process. I may do this. Click 'take apart" here to get a small view of the Valley sectional.
http://www.valleyseakayaks.com/aquanautlv.htm
I am confident with Valley brand, certainly. That is why I chose them.
I think TSC and Greg Stamer have the good word, and experience, that I do not have with these sectional boats. I plan to use mine in the covered and locked back of my pickup truck and conversion van, as stated, and thus a sectional is rather ideal. This will allow me to not sleep in a hotel and get up every time I hear a cat in the alley, thinking someone is stealing my roof racked composite. Plus, I think I will travel further for kayaking when I don't have a boat flapping on the roof for days at a time. Think about it: the time I save in roof racking the boat will now be spent in assembling it, so frankly, about the same amount of overall time either way to get on the water.
I doubt, sincerely, that I will ever fly with mine. And now that I see Greg's photo above, I now know I never will.
You could look for a used sectional, but they are not common.
Late post: link to past thread.
Posted by: cd1 on Feb-01-08 4:37 AM (EST)
http://www.paddling.net/message/showThread.html?fid=advice&tid=763453
Here's a link where I asked about sectionals and got, as usual, some great adivce from fellow Pnetters.
So, wha'cha gonna do/buy, original poster?
Bolts may not be stronger
Posted by: kelvin1 on Feb-01-08 5:39 AM (EST)
I've seen the bulkhead pull away from the hull on a three piece NDK Explorer in a hard surf landing. The kayak had clips on the deck and two bolts in each bulkhead.
Marcus Demuth has a bit to say about his experiences with three piece kayaks on his website http://marcusdemuth.com/default.aspx
There is also a three piece poly kayak which has sections that slot together and bolted metal brackets on the deck. Don't know what they paddle like, I only saw one in a shop once. http://www.australiscanoes.com.au/
3-piece
Posted by: kayak_tom on Feb-01-08 9:33 AM (EST)
Kevin,
The up-charge on a three-piece NDK is $800 with the new clips (this may be slightly higher for 2008). We handled a special order three-piece Explorer over the summer -- you may have seen the boat at BCU week in Georgia. The clips are quite secure and the bulkheads match up with a mortise and tenon style feature to keep everything aligned.
Feel free to give us a call or contact us via email if you decide to go that route or have any questions.
Hope to see you out this way sometime soon!
-Tom
Virginia Sea Kayak Center
Church of Rev Black
Posted by: Jed on Feb-01-08 6:31 PM (EST)
Reverend,
To what distant corners of the earth are you planning to travel to now? I hope to make a pilgrimage to your warm waters this year.
You humble disciple,
Awah Tanah
jed
if i was a betting man
Posted by: medicineman on Feb-02-08 2:39 AM (EST)
i'd be that the FC khat could take far greater a blow than any composite...
I've several folders....but after tsunamichuck created the yahoo group for nordkapps and I saw his 3 piece inside the house I'm thinking a 3 piece would make an awesome conversation piece in the living room :)
Medicineman, I sold Tsunami Chuck
Posted by: old_user on Feb-02-08 8:00 PM (EST)
his 3 piece Nordkapp. It was bomber in the surf, I assure you. The limit of my "testing" was 8' faces, long period. Lots of energy to ring my bell. TC's boat is as tough as nails and should I be in the market for another 3 piece, the Valley system served me well and I'd probably go that way. That said, NDK and Rockpools system looks good, but to me the gold standard is the 4 bolt Valley system.
Also, I have considerable experience in my Khatsalano. I do not baby my Khats, it is a war horse and not a prom date. She is a tough bitch that keeps on giving. Gotta love that! To me, the moral of the story 'tween 3 piece and folders is, how much hassle do you want to tolerate moving the bags in the transport phase of your trip; and, what do you require while actually on the water? Different questions, but inevitably, ones that will pop up at you as you enjoy your journey. And please, enjoy your journey.
Cheers,
Rob G
I am more worried about baggage handlers
Posted by: tsunamichuck on Feb-02-08 10:14 PM (EST)
than surf. I had the pleasure of watching some dedicated United Airlines baggage handlers drop my Khats 15 ft from the cargo hold to the ground. No worse for wear.
My 1st impression was nuh-uh.
Posted by: magoo_ns on Feb-02-08 9:43 PM (EST)
Picked up Freya Hoffmeister at Halifax Int'l Airport on the occasion of Wendy Killoran's epic Newfoundland circumnav a couple years ago.
When Freya emerged from Customs, she was wheeling a rather top-heavy baggage cart with three huge black bags and was accompanied by a flustered-looking airport employee. I remembered being dumbstruck by the sheer logistics implied in those three elephantine bundles.
The sections were too large to load into my van even when broken down, so Freya and Wendy assembled the beautiful black (S)Explorer right there on the sidewalk in front of the Arrivals/Departures entrance, under the watchful gaze of an airport Commissionaire.
On the drive to New Glasgow, Freya told us tales of excessive excess baggage fees sometimes based on size, sometimes weight, and sometimes on some kind of weird baggage-handler alchemy.
I think maybe Dubside's got the travel thing figured out pretty well.
Wednesday
Tequila Sectional SOT by Point 65 (Sweden)
Found on inventorspot.com: Kayaking is a great sport, but there's a number of factors that make it a lot less practical than other sports. One of the most blatant factors is the sheer size of the kayak. Unless you want to invest in a roof rack or trailer, in addition to a $1,000 boat, transporting your kayak to the river or lake can be a real challenge. Assuming you don't want to kayak by yourself and plan to bring multiple kayaks along, it's even more difficult.
Unless you have a large garage, yard or shed, kayak storage can also be an issue. Imagine trying to stuff a touring kayak in a post-college studio apartment.
Point65, a Swedish manufacturer, recently unveiled a brilliant solution at the ISPO trade show in Munich. The Tequila kayak is a three-piece unit that simply breaks apart for storage and travel. It features "snap-tap" construction that allows for breaking it down and putting it together in seconds. So the kayak easily fits into your car or truck without the need for a rack or trailer and can be stored more easily inside a home or garage.
On the water, Point65 describes the Tequila as a rugged, stable and safe boat. A two-piece configuration can be used for solo trips, while the middle piece can be added for tandem kayaking.
The Point65 Tequila was a finalist for the ISPO Brand New Awards. Take a look at it in action in the video below.
Unless you have a large garage, yard or shed, kayak storage can also be an issue. Imagine trying to stuff a touring kayak in a post-college studio apartment.
Point65, a Swedish manufacturer, recently unveiled a brilliant solution at the ISPO trade show in Munich. The Tequila kayak is a three-piece unit that simply breaks apart for storage and travel. It features "snap-tap" construction that allows for breaking it down and putting it together in seconds. So the kayak easily fits into your car or truck without the need for a rack or trailer and can be stored more easily inside a home or garage.
On the water, Point65 describes the Tequila as a rugged, stable and safe boat. A two-piece configuration can be used for solo trips, while the middle piece can be added for tandem kayaking.
The Point65 Tequila was a finalist for the ISPO Brand New Awards. Take a look at it in action in the video below.
Friday
Valley Nordkapp Sectional Looks Good In Livingroom
Wednesday
Cockle MK7 Canoe
COCKLE MK 7 CANOE
This is a genuine and very rare World War II British Military sailing canoe. It was designed and built by Warwick Aviation in late 1944/ early 1945. Constructed in Aluminium to aircraft specifications.
It measures 18ft long, 8ft main section, 5ft bow and stern. 26 inch wide, 4ft 7inches with outriggers extended
The canoe comes in five main sections so that it could be transported in submarines or seaplanes. Each section is watertight. Front and rear sections have round hatches so can be used as storage areas, handy for limpet mines etc. The center section has two seats, compass (or machine gun?) mount, anchor mount and mast fitting. There was a steering wheel fitted but I have removed this as it is not origional and was an obstruction. Two outriggers are attached to the center section via an sliding mount which allows them to be locked in an outer position for sailing or an inner position for paddling. They can also be folded over for storage or removed completely. The outriggers are filled with "ping pong" balls so still float when holed (handy for when the bullets start to fly). A folding rudder clips onto the rear section (the rudder has been restored).
Designated "MOST SECRET" it was designed to be used by sections of the "Small Operations Group" such as the "Combined Operations Pilotage Parties" and " Detachment 385 " in the far east in Commando style raids. They were tested in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) by Blondie Hasler who was one of the two survivors from the Famous "Cockleshell Heros" raid. The canoe will come with a copy of the book "Cockleshell Canoes" which details the design, construction and use of these small boats. The front cover of the book shows a MK 7 with its sail up.
The canoe is in relatively good condition for its age having spent most of its time in a garage. There are a few small dents and the paint is rough. I have been using it on my local river, sometimes with an electric outboard strapped to the side. I guess it travels at 7mph, it cuts through the water and makes a lovely sound as the bow wave interacts with the outriggers. I have recieved lots of interest on the river as it is the most unusual thing on the water! I find it very easy to put together and carry but it is good to have two people to lift the main section if the outriggers are attached. There are a few loose rivets in the front and rear section so there are very slow leaks which have never been a problem on any of my trips. The main section is watertight as are the outriggers.
There are a few of these canoes in museums and a couple in private hands.
Friday
Halloween Display Featuring A Rockpool Sectional
This inspiring seasonal photo is from Derrick's well-read website--he has plenty of photos and more on-water experience than anyone on sectional kayaks. His kayak has clips. Something to think about as a contrast to nuts and bolts. Check out his website and contact him online for any sectional kayak questions.
www.kayakquixotica.com
www.kayakquixotica.com
Monday
Waters Dancing In Calgary: Sectional Wooden Kit
These photos exemplify some of the advantages of the sectional kayak. Upright storage. Small "footprint" when stored. Easy carrying. Lightweight sections. Watertight sections. Assembled, functions just like a hardshell kayak. Add transportation inside your vehicle (no ropes, straps, theft, exposure to weather and wind chafing and rocks, et cetera). It's a winner.
Saturday
Marcus' Brand New Valley Nordkapp 2009
Expedition paddler Marcus has written a wonderful synopsis of his 2009 Valley Nordkapp sectional, and included photos of the upswept beauty of the NOrdkapp design. Thank you, Marcus, for your very respected input and early experience with the Valley. I agree, Valley is a sports-car of a kayak with regard to craftsmanship. It is apparent from first gaze. I look forward to your expedition paddles in this ocean-going vessel. Thank you, friend.
Marcus writes: I am now the proud owner of a sectional Valley Nordkapp! Hurray!!
I picked up the kayak last week from the Kayak Center in R.I. and it is better than I could possibly hope for.
My thanks go to Peter Orton & Andy at Valley Kayaks, and the actual craftsman at Valley who built the kayak ... and then had the nerves to cut this beauty in 3 pieces after he or she built it. Looking at the kayak it becomes obvious that the person who built this kayak, looked (and successfully found!) lots of little creative solutions which seem to arise when building a 3 piece kayak.
The kayak features a wire skeg, with the skeg control placed in the stern section of the kayak. The skeg control looks somewhere between hard to impossible to reach from the comfort of the cockpit, but one has not even to lean back to reach the skeg control placed in the trim on the left side of the kayak. After operating the skeg a few times, it becomes as second nature as if operating a skeg control in any other kayak.
The kayak has a customized bulkhead position which eliminates the need for foot pegs, provides a larger surface to push with you feet against, and provides a larger storage space in the front hatch.
The kayak is appr. 73 pds., a little heavier than my previous 3 piece, but I was looking for a sturdier kayak which will last a little longer. Thus, I am very happy with the way it is built and I do not mind the extra few pounds.
All 3 hatches are bone dry. As Sven (the man behid this blog) noted in an earlier blog entry, water is not even allowed to penetrate inbetween the bulkheads thanks to the tight fit of the sections and to an appr. 1" wide strip of window sealant which is applied to one only one side of each connection.
I am a strong believer that the aquisition of objects will not make people a happier self since happiness comes always from within. However, this boat is an exception to this belief.
Marcus
http://marcusdemuth.com/default.aspx
Wednesday
Wednesday
bits and pieces from Kayak Quixotica, Derrick
Derrick Mayoleth in Wisconsin has a very long-running and interesting website. He also owns a very nice sparkle purple Rockpool Alaw Bach sectional sea kayak, which he used to circumnavigate Puerto Rico in 2008. It's similar to the white Rockpool pictured above. He is an accomplished paddler and roller, and an instructor. Derrick ran an eductional piece, titled "bits and pieces", answering my query about sectional take-apart sea kayaks. Here is a link to his site, and the many comments that followed his well-experienced observations. Be certain to peruse his entire website; it's full of information and entertaining insights on life.
www.kayakquixotica.com/2007/12/10/bits-and-pieces/
www.kayakquixotica.com/2007/12/10/bits-and-pieces/
Tuesday
3-piece Kayak Chop Shop in Livingroom
No, this is not a kayak chop shop for stolen parts to be reformed into a Frankenstein boat. One major advantage of sectional sea kayaks is the ability to easily take the kayak inside for repairs and modifications. The middle cockpit section tends to be where the most mods come into play. Here I am adding a minicell backband to my Aquanuat LV, and I am vacuuming out and adding new rubber washers to the Nordkapp. They will then both be polished. All in the livingroom.
Tale of Two Sections: Bolt Placement
Here are the front of the cockpit section (the part that interfaces with the bow segment) for two Valley sea kayaks: the uppermost photo is a 2008 Valley Aquanaut LV and the bottom photo is a 2005 Valley Nordkapp. Both feature male interlocking pieces and rubber gaskets around the edge. What is different about the two kayaks is the bolt placement. The Aquanuat LV (top) has the two lower bolts placed to the sides, and not directly midline. The Nordkapp (bottom) has the bottom bolt placed right in the midline, at the v-bottom of the kayak. When I test paddled the Nordkapp, the lower bolt area allowed water to leak into the boat; the outside waterline was above the level of the lowest bolt. This would be less likely with the Aquanuat LV configuration.
I replaced the rubber washer (see prior post about rubber washers) in the lower bolt to see if this will provide for dryness. If not, then I will consider some form of modification to the outer rubber gasket. Should that also fail, leaving the lower bolt out (i.e. connecting with only three bolts instead of four) and filling the hole with removeable silicone would be mandatory.
Clip hull 3-piece kayaks, of course, have watertight sections as the clips are on the outside of the hull. Examples would be Rockpool and NDK boats. More on those later.
Saturday
Compact Kayak Trolley
Mandatory gear for sectional boaters.
Oh, and you could say the kayak trolley is mandatory, too, I suppose.
Tipping The Scales: One Way to View Kayak Weight
My brother is an engineer. Like my father, he has an engineer's mind. I called him concerned about the weight of my sectional kayak. At 84 lbs, my Argonaut is heavy. A traditional fiberglass boat is typically about 56 lbs. The sectional is 50% heavier, and thus must be greatly less efficient in the water. All told, when I paddle with my friends, I am doing 50% more work than they are to push the kayak in the water.
No. If we both weight 190 lbs, and if we have 10 lbs of gear, water, etcetera, then my total on-water package weighs 284 lbs, and my paddling friend's weighs 256 lbs. I am only 11% more weight through the water than he.
Additionally, there are factors that come into play that might even make the difference closer. The sectional kayak is heavier, and acts like more of a laden, or gear-packed, kayak. Many know that a gear-packed kayak has a different trim and water line than an empty kayak. Some models, such as a Nordkapp, are better performers, more stable, require less directional control and may even paddle more efficiently (more straighforward paddling and less corrective strokes) when laden. This may be an additional enhancing factor to the extra weight of the sectional.
I feel better now.
Sunday
Tip: Packing the Sectional Kayak During Transport
Here is European paddler Paul Murray giving a simple example of all the gear that can go into a kayak for a trip. Some expedition kayakers, out on the water for a week or more, pack well over 100lbs of gear. One small but tangible benefit of a sectional takeapart sea kayak is that one could pack the kayak segments at home, carefully and thoughtfully in the comfort of your garage. Whereas you are unlikely to pack a full size kayak with gear and then cartop it (hernia-inducing), one could pack each individual segment of a takepart boat and then stow each piece in the transport vehicle (usually a van or truck). When you get to the launch site, instead of a disheveled mess of gear that now needs to be stowed, you already have the bow and stern segments fully packed. Instead of empty weight of 20 lbs per segment, they might weigh 30-40 lbs per segment packed, but still full manageable to carry down to the waterside to make the kayak.
.
Even for day trips, keeping the basic gear (e.g. PFD, paddle float, pump, et cetera) in the middle cockpit segement at all times means that essential gear is less likely to get forgotten at home. And the boat is always carried inside the vehicle, so theft and wind are non-issues for your gear.
Thursday
Body Bags in the Sunroom
Sunroom looks like the morgue on CSI Miami. But alas, I am not covertly running a suburban slaughterhouse. The giveaway is the nose of a snuggly kayak segment peering out from the nylon sleeping bags. One huge advantage to the sectional 3-piece kayak is the ability to store it in places where an 18 foot single-piece simply will not fit. I have a standard screen door to enter the sunroom, and the length of a single piece would prohibit it from entering the room easily. Catching wind and banging around would harm the boat; leaving it stretched across the entire sunroom would interfere with margarita-themed summer cocktail parties. Solution: sectional three piece sea kayak, stacked sweetly to one side of the sunroom. Protected from the elements and out of the way for safe keeping. Let the party begin!
17 mm Ratchet Wrench
Although I generally use a socket set to tighten my bolts, I have lately tried a 17 mm ratchet wrench. It works well (the one pictured is 5/8 US; Valley sea kayaks use 17mm metric). One end ratchet, for easy nut turning, and the other is a non-ratcheting 17mm for holding the bolt if I need to while I use a socket wrench on the nut. This wrench is particularly nice for easily stowing in the dry hatch for any beach landings and repairs or tightening that may come up. It's flatness makes for stowing convenience, and no chance or popping off a socket and losing it in the sand.
Tuesday
Sea Kayaker Magazine: DIY Article 1991
In 1991, "Sea Kayaker" Magazine run a DIY workshop portraying the efforts of a handy kayaker from New Jersey who converted his Valley Nordkapp HM into a 3 piece kayak by the means of a band saw, and then put it back together with amazing results by using the described Valley method.
The extremely handy and ingenious kayaker and author is Steven J. Szarawarski, who wrote the article "You can take it with you: Making your own kayak a take-apart", as published in Sea Kayaker Magazine issue 29, Summer 1991, starting on page 56.
--this informative description is courtesy of Marcus Demuth.
The extremely handy and ingenious kayaker and author is Steven J. Szarawarski, who wrote the article "You can take it with you: Making your own kayak a take-apart", as published in Sea Kayaker Magazine issue 29, Summer 1991, starting on page 56.
--this informative description is courtesy of Marcus Demuth.
Sea Kayaker Feb 2009: Take-Apart Stitch-Glue Kayak
http://www.seakayakermag.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SKMOS&Product_Code=128&Category_Code=2009Highly recommended article is in Sea Kayaker Magazine (back issues $4.95 plus shipping) entitled: Divide and Conquer - A Take-Apart Stitch and Glue Kayak, by Mark D. Johnson.
"A kayak you'd like to paddle isn't always one that you can store or transport easily. Building a take-apart from a kayak kit made a 22-foot double a good fit for a condo dweller."--Mark Johnson.
Great pictures, neat article of the complete build of this tandem kayak. Even a photo of it on his Murano roof. Note that he takes a regular non-sectional kit and makes it into a two-piece (not three piece) kayak.
Yahoo! 3 piece kayak, sectional kayak
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Sorry, had to add that so the search engine at yahoo finds this blog. Thanks.
Sorry, had to add that so the search engine at yahoo finds this blog. Thanks.
Sunday
Bicycle Skewers
I am wondering if a simple yet effective compromise between bolts, that require a wrench and gaskets, and clips, that are external to the hull, would be bike-type skewers. These are used on bike tires, seat posts, and come in all sizes. Using a Valley style bulkhead set-up, they could be put in the bulkhead holes instead of bolts and nuts, tightened, and when the lever is closed for that last little push, they are really rock solid. At least on a bike. Hmmm.
I think, before changing out the bolts, I will see if 17 mm wing nuts will hold. They might just be hand-tight enough, especially if the wing is large enough to get a great purchase by hand. WOuld be ideal to at least have spares for those "oh-oh" moments when the wrench falls into the lake.
Many Names for the Same Thing
Take Apart Kayak; Takapart Kayak; Sectional Kayak; Segmented Kayak; Traveler Kayak; Portable Kayak; 3-Piece Kayak; Three-Piece Kayak; Segmented Hard Shell Kayak; Jointed Kayak
Bulkhead Dampness
Much has been written about an advantage to clipped segmented kayaks is that the clips, being outside the hulll, allow each section to be completely watertight. With a nut and bolt system, there are four areas of potential ingress of water through the bulkheads at the four bolts. This could be catastrophic in a long ocean crossing. Today, I went on a four hour paddle on a large inland lake, 20 mph winds, and chop that sent spray over the deck occasionally. I did not practice rescues or rolls today. At the end of the paddle I took apart the segments and, not only were the dry hatches dry, but I studied the male-female union. As pictured here, completely dry! So, although I do use rubber washers at each nut and bolt (the black rings around each threaded bolt in the photo), there was no wetness at all in the "joint" between the segments even at the hull, which was in the water completely for four hours. This is a testament to the strong seal. Valley, and perhaps other brands, use a thin, dense gray "foam" seal around the entire joint, as you see in the photo. It seems to work very well. For water to get past that seal, into the joint, past the two rubber washers (one on each side of the bulkhead; I have two in the photo because I took off the one from the other side of the bulkhead to show you--likely made it more confusing) and into the dry hatch seems improbable. I will watch the bulkheads for wetness as I roll and practice rescues and do longer paddles, but so far, very encouraging.
Tip: Nuts
Not all nuts are created equal, and I learned something on my Argonaut that I am now using on my Aquanuat LV. Both use 17 mm metric nuts, four at each bulkhead. But the 2002 Argonaut seems easier to put together then the 2008 Aquanuat, with which I have to use a wrench or vice grips every time when I am putting the pieces together to hold the bolt head (inconveniently located on the other side of the bulkhead in the other section).
When paddling today, I noticed that the new kayak has lock nuts like the one pictured on the left. Lock nuts have a thin blue ring within the nut that literally bears down on the threads, preventing it from loosening. The older kayak has a standard nut, like the one on the right (notice , no blue ring). It uses a lock washer instead under the nut, but that seems optional. The point is, I changed out all locking nuts with non-locking nuts and what did I find? MUCH easier to put together. The bolt head now really doesn't turn, and if it starts to turn, I simply give the ratchet a little "impact", or sudden turn, and it cinches the bolt down in the other compartment neatly. In addition, should I ever forget or lose the 17 mm wrench, I can now screw the nut on by hand! That is not possible with the lock nut because of the blue ring creating force against the threads. (One day I will secure all nuts by hand only and paddle and let you know if it's successful).
The question will be if the nonlocking nut (and I did not add lock washers) will loosen as I paddle. This is hugely unlikely as there is really no motion between the two interlocking kayak segments, but I will tell you if it does.
Let's all get a new set of nuts!
Saturday
Kaskazi Duo Portable Two Piece Australian Tandem
Kaskazi Duo Portable
Two Piece Bolt Together Version
The Duo Portable is the same advanced expedition kayak as the Duo standard.
It is exceptionally stable, but not at the expense of speed. At just under 6 m long, it is fast even for less serious paddlers.
The Duo's volume provides excellent load carrying capacity for extended expeditions. It is very secure in rough conditions and neutral in a cross wind.
The Duo is designed as an expedition kayak. Its length provides good speed and its volume ensures excellent secondary stability and load carrying capacity.
The exceptional stability and reliability of the Duo make it very appealing as a day tripper and for recreational paddling.
Kaskazi Duo 2 piece specs
Length (mm)
5.850
Width (mm)
680
Load Capacity (kg)
260
Weight (kg)
34
Ability
Novice
Beginner
Experienced
Expert
Although not designed for racing the Duo is certainly faster than high performance single kayaks and therefore makes it easy for even recreational paddlers to cover long distances.
Application
Extreme Kayaking
Racing
Expedition
Day Tripping
Casual
To make life easier for storage, transport and travelling to great paddling destinations around the globe, we can make the Kaskazi Duo into a 2 Piece.
The kayak is split at the centre bulkhead creating 2 sections of the kayak that are easier to transport and store. To join the kayak, strengthened interlocking bulkheads are bolted together using wing nuts and rubber sealing washers. Once assembled it is a very standard looking Kaskazi Duo with a faint line running around the bulkhead area of the kayak. The 2 piece kayak is approximately 2 kg heavier
Features
Comfortable cockpits and seats
Tracks well without the rudder
Exceptional stability
High load carrying capacity
Large hatches
Three bulkheads
Rudder with uphaul / downhaul
Pedal steering with self-adjusting lines
Easy to transport
Option of spin hatches fitted
Not in stock please order
All prices are shown GST exclusive - Click on purchase button for total price
Kaskazi Duo Portable
Price: NZ$3,472.08View Item Details
Product Options:
Friday
Cobra Sit On Top Sectional 3-Piece Kayak
The Cobra Traveler... three piece Kayak is no longer in production. Used Travelers are sometimesavailable used, but they are becoming difficult to find. Call or e mail for availability.
The Cobra 3 piece Traveler Kayak is a totally unique, transportable, open deck kayak. You can send this 11ft 7" lightweight craft anywhere in the world via U.P.S. Each of the three sections weigh only 15 pounds or less. It takes only minutes toassemble the individual parts into one solid kayak. You can even take it aboard an airline as luggage at no additional cost. Each hull section has a storage hatch, so you can use it like a suitcase and check it in just as you would any individual piece of luggage. You can put this kayak (in) your car instead of on top of your roof. You have to try it to believe it! Stop by our store anytime to test paddle the Traveler for free. You cannot tell that you are in a three piece kayak when you are paddling, even in surf conditions. When assembled, the Traveler hull is the same as the popular Cobra XL kayak. Each of the three hull sections are completely sealed like seperate, individual kayaks. The connecting latches are made from high quality marine stainless steel. The hull sections are made of roto-molded polyethylene.
Q- How do the modules of the T/A Traveler connect together?A- The Traveler connects with heavy duty hinges on the bottom and adjustable stainless steel locking mechanisms on the deck.
There is nothing else quite like the Traveler on the market today. If you own a motor home, plane or boat, the Traveler is the ultimate take along kayak. You can even take the Traveler along with you on Ferry trips to Catalina Island and vacations to Hawaii or the Carribean!The Traveler is no longer in production. We only occasionally have used Travelers that we get on trade.
Monday
Haphazard pack job! 3-piece sea kayak in van
After a long paddle, we all just want to hit the margarita bar and throw the equipment on the racks and take off with the gang. Here's my takepart Valley tossed like lumber into the back of my Chevrolet van. The seats are all in, but the rear couch has been removed. I did not take the time to appropriately stow the boats in the individual sleeping bags, but instead stuffed the sleeping bags and grear around the kayak. The little red washer, bolt and nut box is there--I used only a traditional 17mm ratchet (without extension) to successfully make and unmake the sectional. About 15 minute job to make it at water's edge. I will post exact measurements of each section to give those of you contemplating a multi-piece kayak some idea if it will fit in your vehicles. It clearly does fit in a full-sized van with room to spare, and soon I will try with both sectionals in the same van. It fits wonderfully in my Chevrolet Avalanche truck bed, and would fit in any full sized pickup truck.
Freya Hoffmeister's Sectional NDK Sexplorer
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Freya Hoffmeister is an accomplished expedition paddler and has given her insight into sponsor Nigel Dennis Kayaks Explorer, black and custom made. Her comments, and blog are well read and respected:
Freya: Thanks to Nigel Dennis from Sea Kayaking UK for providing the "S" Explorer 3-piece kayaks I’ve used over the past three years on my trips in Newfoundland, around Iceland (sea top header picture) and New Zealand’s South Island.
I really enjoy the three-piece version: It allows me to be spontaneous and head off on a trip without planning months in advance. All I have to do is pay a little extra for baggage and just carry the kayak on the plane in two big bags.
And you can take two passengers :-))
Nigel’s Explorer kayaks are solidly built expedition kayaks. They are easy to paddle and very stable in rough water. I used the rope skeg option on the three-piece kayak for directional control. It works well and is easy to repair in the field.
The new three pieces connection with male and female parts and clips looks solid and easy to put together.
I really enjoy the three-piece version: It allows me to be spontaneous and head off on a trip without planning months in advance. All I have to do is pay a little extra for baggage and just carry the kayak on the plane in two big bags.
And you can take two passengers :-))
Nigel’s Explorer kayaks are solidly built expedition kayaks. They are easy to paddle and very stable in rough water. I used the rope skeg option on the three-piece kayak for directional control. It works well and is easy to repair in the field.
The new three pieces connection with male and female parts and clips looks solid and easy to put together.
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