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I purchased the Airframe kayak two weeks ago and have now taken it on four distinct and very different trips. All of these trips have been in Rhode Island, which has proven a fantastic testing ground for this little kayak.

The boat itself has some key design elements that attract the mariner’s eye. She has a pretty sheer line, plenty of flare in the bow, and a form of tumblehome amidships. This has proven to answer well on the second and third trips taken on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound.

In these trips, I encountered the wash of a high-speed ferry on sea trials after a breakdown, several Novi style lobster boats/ fishing draggers (who generate a huge displacement wake), and a variety of other smaller boat moving at high speed. In taking the Airframe in all states of wind and sea (head sea, beam sea, following sea), I found the flare to split open the waves, the tumblehome to deflect the waves, and the stern shape makes for a fun ride in a following sea. Confused mid afternoon wind against tide chop was no challenge at all. I was amazed at how dry this boat was in all of this.

Moreover, a couple of regular yard hands in Wickford (who would not normally even look at a kayak) stopped to ask questions about the Airframe and described her as “cool” (high praise from these guys). Coming up the Narrow River from Rhode Island Sound, one gent in a gorgeous wooden CLC kayak eyed the Airframe up and down and gave an appreciative smile and said she looked good.

I will admit to grousing a bit when first trying to line up "valve number one", but I managed to get over that. Also, a nice thirsty towel is needed under your legs when wearing shorts... it gets mighty warm on the backs of the legs under the deck.

I bought the Yukon from Folbot during their summer sale. The construction is spectacular, it is easy to set up, and has plenty of room for myself and my stuff. It is built for the bigger guy (although I am on the small end of the big guy range... 6' and 190 pounds).

She is being used for a combination usage between the Conencticut River and Long Island Sound. Since some of the power boats on the river tend to squat in the stern (read that as poor trim) as they go by, I have had some ample testing in heavy sea and cross chop conditions. She handles these well. Also the steady swells on the sound are taken with grace... she floats on top like a duck... no burying of the bow... no broaching.

Tracking is spectacular. Point her at a bearing target and she goes.

I ordered her as the expedition package which is just smart economics... for a few dollars more, you get the emergency repair package, deck rigging, and rudder.

I researched a great deal before buying this kayak and I can categorically state that many of the conjecture about folders and this type of folding kayak in particular may be called myths. The rudder is suggested for ease of use, yes, but I can make similar turns with the paddle and leaning. Body English is easily used in this vessel and is useful when taking a wave broadside. "Speed" is not an issue... departing Hamburg Cove into the heavy traffic area of the Connecticut River the other day, I left a series of hard shells of a variety of materials and design in the dust without trying... and when it came to putting the "Post Toasties" into the stroke to cross the channel, they did not even come close.

The only criticism I had is that I bought and Aleut for my signicant other. The boats came un-labeled in their packaging and figuring what went where the first time around was painful (two sizes with similar boats). That said, when I informed the people at Folbot, the president sent his own personal note about how they would remedy that problem in the future.

A great portable kayak that is fantastic for someone ready to indulge in the sport seriously.

I bought not one but two kayaks IK-116's from a local marine outlet (kayaking in tandem with a signicant other is not a good idea if you wish for them to remain so). At first I was skeiptical about the inflatable for the obvious reasons. I researched the product, went to the store and scoped it out and figured that I would try it.

The first time, I inflated it at home because the idea of doing so in public for the first time was not a great idea. I learned all of the quirks in this manner and moved on.

The second time, I re-inflated and dropped her in the water. I had a ball. She turns easily, goes nice and straight, and when necessary, stops on a dime.

The one thing I discovered is that the "sprak skit" can sag and will drip into your lap through the zipper. To remedy this little problem, I made up a "T" structure with some 1X2 and eased the edges with a router. I placed rags on any potential puncture areas and then placed the "T" under my knees when paddling. This provides a bit of a tent so the water rolls off the skirt.

Other than the one skirt issue, a wonderful product, well put together, and a blast to paddle. I am off today, so the plan is to go use it right now.

The Guide 147 is a joy. I bought one and use it on the Connecticut River in the Essex area for the most part. It's primary stability is okay and the secondary stablity (due to the chine) is superior. When larger boats throw a wake, it rides right on top like a duck. With larger, 9" paddles, I can bring her up into the wind or current without a worry. The main thing is that you need to "read" the water with her... watch for puffs of wind and current eddies and streams and ride them accordingly. When used in this fashion, she tracks and rides in a most comfortable fashion.