Feathercraft Construction
Details
Feathercraft kayaks
are the best folding kayaks on the market today because of superior design
and materials, and state-of-the-art construction techniques. Radio frequency
welded-seam technology allows the construction of completely watertight folding
skin kayaks -- Feathercraft touring kayaks are now even more streamlined
and lightweight than before.
Frame Design
Strong, light-weight, and resilient... frames on Expedition and sit-on-top
models use anodized 6061-T6 aluminum/magnesium alloy tubing for the longitudinal
pieces. Crossribs are made of high-density polyethylene - the same material
used in cutting boards. Sections of tubing are shock-corded together like
tent poles and no additional tools are required for assembly.
To keep weight to a minimum, Kahuna, Wisper and
K-Light frames use shock-corded 6063-T832
extruded aluminum/magnesium tubing and injection-molded polycarbonate crossribs
-- light, yet still tough.
Sealskin Technology
Waterproof fabrics and watertight seams are essential to a
watertight skin kayak. Feathercraft Sealskin kayaks use Duratek hulls RF
welded to Polytech decks. The seam between the deck and hull incorporates
a solid strip of urethane. First, this strip is sewn to the deck, then the
deck is sewn to the hull with a narrow seam allowance. Finally, the deck
is RF welded to the hull in a multi-stage process. The result is an incredibly
strong, watertight seam with the solid urethane strip to support attachment
points for deck rigging.
Deck Material
Polytech, a 4.5-oz. urethane-embossed coating applied
to a 420-denier nylon with a 1.5-oz. urethane undercoating, is the deck
fabric used on all Feathercraft touring kayaks. It is dimensionally
stable, waterproof, UV treated, and abrasion resistant.
Deck color choices
are blue, carbon, green, and yellow. Red is currently out of
stock pending the delivery of more fabric later this year, and orange is no
longer available.
Sit-on-top models feature a urethane-coated Polyester deck fabric -
available in red, sand, and teal.
Hull Construction
The hull material on all models is Duratek, a tough fabric made of a
ballistic, 840-denier, high-tenacity, balanced-weave nylon. This fabric is
first impregnated with polyurethane, then multiple layers of polyurethane
solution coats are applied. This durable material will not delaminate,
fade, or become brittle.
Because 80 percent of the wear on a hull is
directly under the keel and chine bars, all Feathercraft touring kayak
hulls have solid urethane keel and chine reinforcement strips RF welded on
the outside. Urethane reinforcement strips are also used at wear points
on the inside. With proper care, Feathercraft hulls should last 30 years.
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Sit-on-top
Construction
Sturdy frames and superior materials result in excellent
paddling performance in these new folding sit-on-top kayaks. Frame tubing
made of 3/4-inch anodized 6061-T6 aluminum magnesium alloy makes these kayaks
rigid, and four air chambers made of welded urethane provide plenty of flotation.
Duratek hulls and Polyester decks are strong and abrasion resistant. The
comfortable seats have solid bottoms and seatbacks with inflatable lumbar
support. Padded thigh straps provide solid contact with the kayak.
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Rudder
All Feathercraft touring kayaks, except the Kahuna,
K-Light, Khatsalano and Wisper,
come with a flip-up surf rudder as standard equipment (a rudder is optional
on the K-Light, Kahuna and Khatsalano). Feathercraft uses a 4-inch injection-molded
disc that makes its rudders easy to raise and lower, and the airfoil-shaped
rudder fin creates minimal drag. The successful Feathercraft rudder design
has been copied by many hardshell kayak manufacturers.
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Cockpit Coaming
New Feathercraft touring kayaks have integral cockpit coamings
built-in to the skin. These coamings
support sea socks and the same type of spray skirts used on hardshell kayaks.
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Sea Sock
Sea socks are standard equipment on all Feathercraft touring models
except the Klondike. Made of waterproof coated nylon with taped seams, the
sea sock fits tightly around the cockpit coaming. Contoured to fit along
the seatback and bottom, the "foot" is loose through the cockpit, creating
a "pod." The paddler sits in the sea sock. In the event of a capsize, water
will only enter the sock, not the whole kayak. The sea sock is an important
safety item -- it also keeps water and sand away from your gear and ensures
a drier ride for the paddler.
Backpacks and Duffel Bags
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Every Feathercraft touring single comes with its own
travel-style backpack. This backpack features padded shoulder straps and
a padded hip belt which zip into their own compartment to keep them out of
the way when not in use. You can fit two four-piece paddles, PFD, safety
accessories, float bags, bilge pump, and paddle float into the backpack with
the kayak.
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The K2 Expedition and the Klondike come with a duffel-style pack bag
for the frame and an over-the-shoulder bag for the skin. The travel-style
backpack is available as an option for the Klondike frame (the Klondike will
fit in two backpacks or in one backpack plus the over-the-shoulder bag).
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Every Feathercraft sit-on-top comes in a duffel that will
hold a four-piece paddle, a PFD, some paddling sportswear, and safety
accessories. Webbing handles on each end and in the middle, and a removable
shoulder strap, make this duffel easy to carry.
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Feathercraft Warranty
Feathercraft kayaks come with a five-year warranty on all parts and
workmanship. Feathercraft is committed to providing the best customer service
throughout the life of your Feathercraft product. They are dedicated to you
and your Feathercraft for as long as you need them.
For more
information, to make a
purchase, or to schedule a demo, please phone 970-375-1479 or e-mail
paddler@foldingkayak.com.
