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Phone: 970-375-1479
E-mail:
paddler@foldingkayak.com

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 Rudder
Sealskin Technology Cockpit Coaming
Deck Material Sea Sock
Hull Construction Backpacks and Duffel Bags
Sit-on-top Construction                             Warranty

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

Welded seamWaterproof 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.

Hull reinforcement 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.

 

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.

 

 

Sit-on-top cross section

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.
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.

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
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.
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).
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.

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.

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