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"What kind of maintenance is necessary?" |
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No maintenance is required to the frame or skin. Keeping sand out of the kayak is important. There are some areas between the ribs and skin where sand can settle, become trapped, and over time start to abrade the skin. I try very carefully not to track sand into the cockpit. If you do, rinsing out the interior removes most of it. If you find it hard not to track sand into the kayak, using a sea sock is an excellent solution to prevent this. Leather items on the kayak should be oiled with neatsfoot oil occasionally to keep it supple and water resistant. |
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"How should the kayaks be stored and transported?" |
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The best way to store a kayak is on its side, supported by two wide straps placed about 1/3 back from the bow and 1/3 back from the stern. It's okay to support the kayak overturned on its deck by say, two saw horses, but move them slightly closer together than the 1/3 position. If stored outdoors, place a breathable cover material such as canvas over the cockpit to prevent water from entering and unwanted passengers from nesting in there. Store in the shade. Transporting SOF kayaks has the same concerns as any type of kayak except it's easier. Being only 30lbs makes getting on and off your vehicle's rack system very easy. The only caution I have is don't over tighten the straps or ropes that hold down the kayak to the rack. Snug is fine. Any more than that could break a rib or deform the kayak in extreme heat over a prolonged period. |
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"Are there bulkheads inside? What if the kayak fills up with water?" |
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There are no bulkheads in a traditional SOF kayak or sealed compartments. The kayak will most likely eventually sink if it becomes swamped with water. It is wise and common safety practice with SOF's to insert a floatation bag in the bow and one in the stern to prevent this from happening. For a very interesting development in using bulkheads within a SOF see Pavia Lumholt's installation guide at: http://www.qajaqusa.org/QUSA/bio_pavia.html. |
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