|
|
FAQ
General FAQ
- The frame has seized. What can I do?
- Generously apply Bo-Shield T-9 to all tube joins. Allow to sit 24 hours. This lubricant can seep into small spaces. To help twist tubes apart using vice grips, first wrap the tubes with hull scrap, or similar, to protect the tubes from scarring. Worst case scenario, use a tube cutter to free the frame and a frame section can be replaced.
- Tips for air-line travel with your Feathercraft ...
- When packing your kayak for air line travel, add some padding inside the bag, around the framework, with your PFD, sweaters or towels. Try to make sure sharp frame edges are protected. Another suggestion is to use one of the shipping bags. This is a large over-bag that fits over the regular backpack. This will protect the backpack from additional wear and tear. General baggage allowance limits are two fifty pound bags per person. When travelling with the larger kayaks, pre-weigh your bags at home to ensure you are under the fifty pound limit per bag. Smaller airlines to more remote destinations will have different limits. And it can vary with the airline and counter person. Whenever travelling with alot of gear, arrive early with extra patience.
- What is a coaming?
- The coaming is the fibreglass rim around the cockpit opening. Hardshell kayaks utilize this type of form, and it allows the use of a spray skirt and sea sock. In 2005, with the introduction of the Wisper, we re-visited the cockpit coaming design. A "built in coaming" system was developed for the Wisper. (For more details on this, see Construction.) The Kahuna and Big Kahuna were also changed to this system in 2005. In 2006, all of the models were changed to the new built in coaming system. Assembly has been simplified and worry of breakage in shipping has been eliminated. The spray skirt and sea sock fit as usual.
- What is a sea sock?
 Sea socks are standard with each Feathercraft kayak (except the Klondike). Made from high-quality coated nylon, the sea sock is a great safety item. The top of the sock fits tightly around the cockpit rim. Contoured to fit along the seat back and bottom, the "foot" is loose through the cockpit, creating a "pod". The paddler then sits in the sock. To properly fit the sock in the cockpit, when you first sit in the sock, lift the lip of the sock to release air trapped inside. The sock then conforms to the cockpit. Legs and feet are not constricted. The spray skirt fits as usual. In the event of a capsize, water will only enter the sock, and not the whole boat. It's also great for keeping the inside of your kayak clean. - Can I car-top a Feathercraft?
- Yes. Feathercraft Kayaks can be carried on the top of your car just like any rigid kayak. Usually the kayak is secured to the car rack, hull side down. Care should be taken to not cinch down too hard on either the bow or stern ends, creating a reverse bow effect. Care should also be taken when "running" rope or cord over the Polytech deck. The colored film on the deck could be scuffed. Ensure the kayak is well secured to the rack, and that the rack is well secured to the vehicle. We have recently heard (and seen) of some terrible mishaps of kayaks exceeding the speed limit on highways --- no longer attached to a vehicle! Secure the kayak across its beam at two points, and have a rope attached to the bow and stern ends of the boat and the vehicle. There is no particular rack that we suggest. Both straight bar racks and cradle systems work well.
- What is the best way to store my Feathercraft?
- You can store your Feathercraft either in the bag or assembled.
If storing it in the bag: Let the skin completely dry on the frame. Rinse the frame tubes thoroughly with fresh water. Take extension bars apart. Lubricate spring buttons, inserts, and wipe framework clean of any salt deposits with Boeshield T-9.
If you are keeping your kayak assembled: If salt water has pooled in your kayak, take it apart every two months and relubricate the frame.
NOTE: With our new Sealskin technology, much less water will end up in your kayak. You may find that disassembly and lubrication of your kayak can be done less frequently.
- What is the warranty?
- There is a five (5) year warranty to the original purchaser on all parts and workmanship. Parts will either be repaired or replaced at the manufacturers discretion. If ever there is a problem, we stand behind our product, and you have our word and our reputation that we'll make it right. Repairs required for damage due to normal wear and tear, accident, or abuse will be made for a reasonable charge. A five year warranty is not possible for accessory items where Feathercraft is not the manufacturer. We will provide customer service for these items as best we can.
- I've heard people say folding boats are slow...
- We, at Feathercraft, are always challenging the belief that skin kayaks are slow. With the introduction of the Khatsalano, Feathercraft not only dispelled this misconception, but brought skin kayaks directly in line with all other performance-oriented kayaks.
In addition, we have been testing our other boats against similar fiberglass boats with a knot-meter in rough water. Performance of the Feathercraft Kayaks have proven to be just as fast and more seaworthy. Feathercraft designs incorporate optimum length-to-beam ratios. This allows equivalent performance when the boat is paddled alongside a comparable-sized rigid kayak. In rough water, Feathercraft kayaks are actually superior, as the skin boat absorbs the impact of the waves which would pound against the side of a rigid kayak, pushing it aside and slowing it down.
|
|
|
|
|
