Will it leak? How are the sections are held together?
The seal is made from a silicone foam which has an excellent rating for exposure to UV radiation, salt water environments and does not take a compression set. In other words, it does not stay crushed but rather always returns to its original shape. The seal is oversized and pressed into a 1/4” wide channel at the bottom of the groove where it is protected from damage when the boat is in its disassembled state.
If the seal is damaged, it need only be plucked out with your fingers or a key, for instance, and replaced by pressing the new gasket in the groove. Once it’s clamped together the first time, it will not fall out.
The gasket forms itself to the tongue creating a seal with a large surface area which can overcome minor contamination on the seal but in the event of extreme amounts of sand or dirt contaminating the seal, brushing it clean with a damp clean cloth or rinsing it with water will be all that’s required prior to clamping the sections together. We had our prototypes nearly buried in the sand and one quick dip in the ocean was all we needed to clean it before assembling.
We include a cloth on which you can use to assemble the Pakayak and we recommend a vertical assembly (see Kickstarter video at 1:34) which is the easiest and offers the least exposure to the sand.
The tongue and groove mating sections are designed assist with bringing the pieces together easily and accommodate the maximum expansion and contraction of the plastic in normal environmental conditions. We have tested our prototypes in temperatures from 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) to baking in the hot sun in the 90’s without any problem whatsoever. All of the latches and plates will be made of either 304 stainless steel or steel coated with an enviro-coat which gives the same exposure resistance as the 304 stainless steel.
The design of the arched metal band has been used successfully for decades in numerous applications without failure and is particularly good at handling vibration or impact such as collision with a rock in a rock garden as it is able to flex with the impact while holding its tension.
With our boat’s maximum capacity of 300 pounds and each clamp rated at 500 ft/lbs of holding force (ft/lbs is the rating used by two of the largest clamp makers in the US), we have, without question, over-designed our clamps with respect to the forces that could be exerted upon them to ensure the durability of the Pakayak and the safety of our customers.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:04
What will the price be?
With our Kickstarter campaign going on right now, it’s the best time to order one as they are $200 off of the expected retail of $1695 and you’ll receive yours before they hit the market. Plus you get our “Mac Daddy” wheeled backpack bag that will retail for $250.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:04
Does the Pakayak assemble securely enough that I could "mount" and board it from behind like a traditional kayak?
Absolutely! The Pakayak is identical to the one piece kayaks when assembled. It can be mounted solo in deep water from the stern, it can be rolled, and you will actually find it stiffer than the one piece versions as the connections act as reinforcing bulkheads.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:04
How much does it weigh?
It weighs 55 lbs, similar to most traditional 14 foot kayaks. But remember, you barely have to lift it, certainly NOT over head (to the roof of your car) and the “Mac Daddy” bag comes with wheels. :-)
Last updated: June 30, 2016 10:43
When will Pakayak be available?
Through this Kickstarter campaign, they can be ordered as part of the “rewards”. They’ll be available on our website for purchase after that. Pakayaks will also be available at canoe/kayak specialty shops. See our Kickstarter campaign for the timeline to production.
Last updated: June 30, 2016 10:38
Where will Pakayaks be available?
They’ll be available on our website for purchase after the Kickstarter campaign. We will also make them available at certain canoe/kayak specialty shops. Visit our website to find the locations as we add them.
Last updated: June 30, 2016 10:38
Will it accept a spray skirt?
Yes, it will accept any brand spray skirt. See our website for sizing.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:04
What safety features does Pakayak have?
There are two sealed bulkheads, fore and aft of cockpit to ensure that the Pakayak stays afloat in the event that you swamp the cockpit. Pakayak also comes with reflective safety lines and watertight hatches.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:04
What is the seat configuration?
The seat is molded plastic pan with a gel pad and a fully adjustable seat back with a padded cover. The seat back is 13”w x 8”h and has a 5” adjustable range up and down. At it’s highest point, the top of the seat back is 15” from seat pan and at it’s lowest is 10” from the seat pan.
Last updated: July 17, 2016 09:34
What are the hatch covers like and what size are they?
There are two large watertight hatches. Hatch covers are 10” x 17” high performance rubber.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:18
Are there any deck lines or carrying handles?
There are fore and aft carrying handles, lots of deck lines: three areas of cordage for gear plus safety lines along both sides.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:18
Do you plan to be at any of the kayak demos?
Yes. we will be visiting kayak demos and trade shows. See our website for the calendar of events (http://pakayak.com/events/).
Last updated: July 17, 2016 09:34
Will it hold up in high winds?
Pakayak is designed to equal the performance of the currently available sea kayaks in every condition. It has a low rear deck to diminish the effects of crosswinds on tracking and a bow designed to shed waves and recover quickly.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:18
What happens if it hits a rock?
You can expect the same effect as you would experience in other top of the line rotational molded kayaks. If you hit a rock you most likely will bounce off. If you pin the boat against a rock with a large volume of water pushing against it (say, in large waves or river current), you will run the risk of crushing the thinner walled sections of the hull. Although our Pakayak is designed to meet or exceed the performance of the current available sea kayaks, it is the paddler’s responsibility to make good decisions and stay within their abilities for their safety. Of course, you should always paddle responsibly, never paddle alone, wear your PFD, and follow all local laws and regulations.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:18
Will you make a tandem?
Yes, but it’s better than you might think. Due to the sectional nature of Pakayak, all we need to do is make one additional section to turn the Bluefin 14 into a tandem. That way, you will be able to have a solo and tandem in one boat. So, if you buy the Bluefin 14 now, you can just add the one piece later.
Last updated: June 30, 2016 10:50
What about foot braces and a rudder?
The Pakayak is rudder-ready so you can add one if you like. The foot braces are flag style adjustable and can be used for rudder.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:18
Are there any loose parts?
No, there’s nothing to lose in the sand.
Last updated: June 28, 2016 11:18
Will I fit? What’s the length from the back rest to the front bulkhead?
The inside measurement of the cockpit is 18” wide by 34” long. Length from seat back to bulkhead is 45”. We just got back from filming for our Kickstarter campaign and had many body types in the Pakayaks. My brother is 6’2” with inseam length of 35” and weighs around 190 pounds. He fits fine and loved paddling the boat. He is a surf ski paddler and also competes in OC racing (outrigger canoe - like in Hawaii). He’s the one in the Eskimo roll video. Doug, the inventor, had our dog in his lap while paddling a few times, and combined, they are 240 pounds. At a recent demo, we had someone who was over 275 lbs in our boat - no problem.
Last updated: June 30, 2016 10:55
Does the boat come with a serial # or Hull ID #?
Yes. All of our boats have a US Coast Guard Approved Hull Identification Number which you will need to give us in the case of needing a replacement part. That number will contain all of the info we will need to trace your boat back to its production time, location, and mold.
Last updated: July 14, 2016 04:37
What is the storage capacity?
The front hatch dry storage is 7000 cubic inches (115 liters), the rear hatch dry storage is 4000 cubic inches (65 liters), behind the seat storage is 2500 cubic inches (41 liters).
Last updated: July 17, 2016 09:25
Need help picking your color?
- Surf = turquoise
- Chili = red
- Sunshine = yellow
- Habañero = orange
Will it leak? How are the sections are held together?
The seal is made from a silicone foam which has an excellent rating for exposure to UV radiation, salt water environments and does not take a compression set. In other words, it does not stay crushed but rather always returns to its original shape. The seal is oversized and pressed into a 1/4” wide channel at the bottom of the groove where it is protected from damage when the boat is in its disassembled state. If the seal is damaged, it need only be plucked out with your fingers or a key, for instance, and replaced by pressing the new gasket in the groove. Once it’s clamped together the first time, it will not fall out. The gasket forms itself to the tongue creating a seal with a large surface area which can overcome minor contamination on the seal but in the event of extreme amounts of sand or dirt contaminating the seal, brushing it clean with a damp clean cloth or rinsing it with water will be all that’s required prior to clamping the sections together. We had our prototypes nearly buried in the sand and one quick dip in the ocean was all we needed to clean it before assembling. We include a cloth on which you can use to assemble the Pakayak and we recommend a vertical assembly (see Kickstarter video at 1:34) which is the easiest and offers the least exposure to the sand. The tongue and groove mating sections are designed assist with bringing the pieces together easily and accommodate the maximum expansion and contraction of the plastic in normal environmental conditions. We have tested our prototypes in temperatures from 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) to baking in the hot sun in the 90’s without any problem whatsoever. All of the latches and plates will be made of either 304 stainless steel or steel coated with an enviro-coat which gives the same exposure resistance as the 304 stainless steel. The design of the arched metal band has been used successfully for decades in numerous applications without failure and is particularly good at handling vibration or impact such as collision with a rock in a rock garden as it is able to flex with the impact while holding its tension. With our boat’s maximum capacity of 300 pounds and each clamp rated at 500 ft/lbs of holding force (ft/lbs is the rating used by two of the largest clamp makers in the US), we have, without question, over-designed our clamps with respect to the forces that could be exerted upon them to ensure the durability of the Pakayak and the safety of our customers.
What will the price be?
It will retail for $1695 and the “Mac Daddy” wheeled backpack bag will retail for $250.
Does the Pakayak assemble securely enough that I could “mount” and board it from behind like a traditional kayak?
Absolutely! The Pakayak is identical to the one piece kayaks when assembled. It can be mounted solo in deep water from the stern, it can be rolled, and you will actually find it stiffer than the one piece versions as the connections act as reinforcing bulkheads.
How much does it weigh?
It weighs 55 lbs, similar to most traditional 14 foot kayaks. But remember, you barely have to lift it, certainly NOT over head (to the roof of your car) and the “Mac Daddy” bag comes with wheels. :-)
Will the bag fit inside the kayak?
Yes.
When will Pakayak be available?
Through this Kickstarter campaign, they can be ordered as part of the “rewards”. They’ll be available on our website for purchase after that. Pakayaks will also be available at canoe/kayak specialty shops. See our Kickstarter campaign for the timeline to production.
Where will Pakayaks be available?
They’ll be available on our website for purchase after the Kickstarter campaign. We will also make them available at certain canoe/kayak specialty shops. Visit our website to find the locations as we add them.
Will it accept a spray skirt?
Yes, it will accept any brand spray skirt. We have used a Snapdragon extra large spray skirt and a Harmony 38-20 with our Pakayaks and both work perfectly. By using those sizes you will be able to convert to almost any brand on the market. We would urge you to determine what type of spray skirt best fits your needs and then try them on to determine the best fit around your mid section. The “tunnel” should be water-tight yet not restrict breathing while under exertion. Best to go try one on and see which fit/feel the best on you in terms of comfort.
What safety features does Pakayak have?
There are two sealed bulkheads, fore and aft of cockpit to ensure that the Pakayak stays afloat in the event that you swamp the cockpit. Pakayak also comes with reflective safety lines and watertight hatches.
What is the seat configuration?
The seat is molded plastic pan with a gel pad and a fully adjustable seat back with a padded cover. The seat back is 13”w x 8”h and has a 5” adjustable range up and down. At it’s highest point, the top of the seat back is 15” from seat pan and at it’s lowest is 10” from the seat pan.
What are the hatch covers like and what size are they?
There are two large watertight hatches. Hatch covers are 10” x 17” high performance rubber.
Are there any deck lines or carrying handles?
There are fore and aft carrying handles, lots of deck lines: three areas of cordage for gear plus safety lines along both sides.
Do you plan to be at any of the kayak demos?
Yes. we will be visiting kayak demos and trade shows. See our website for the calendar of events (http://pakayak.com/events/).
Will it hold up in high winds?
Pakayak is designed to equal the performance of the currently available sea kayaks in every condition. It has a low rear deck to diminish the effects of crosswinds on tracking and a bow designed to shed waves and recover quickly.
What happens if it hits a rock?
You can expect the same effect as you would experience in other top of the line rotational molded kayaks. If you hit a rock you most likely will bounce off. If you pin the boat against a rock with a large volume of water pushing against it (say, in large waves or river current), you will run the risk of crushing the thinner walled sections of the hull. Although our Pakayak is designed to meet or exceed the performance of the current available sea kayaks, it is the paddler’s responsibility to make good decisions and stay within their abilities for their safety. Of course, you should always paddle responsibly, never paddle alone, wear your PFD, and follow all local laws and regulations.
Will you make a tandem?
Yes, but it’s better than you might think. Due to the sectional nature of Pakayak, all we need to do is make one additional section to turn the Bluefin 14 into a tandem. That way, you will be able to have a solo and tandem in one boat. So, if you buy the Bluefin 14 now, you can just add the one piece later.
What about foot braces and a rudder?
The Pakayak is rudder-ready so you can add one if you like. The foot braces are flag style adjustable and can be used for rudder.
Are there any loose parts?
No, there’s nothing to lose in the sand.
Will I fit? What’s the length from the back rest to the front bulkhead?
The inside measurement of the cockpit is 18” wide by 34” long. Length from seat back to bulkhead is 45”. We just got back from filming for our Kickstarter campaign and had many body types in the Pakayaks. My brother is 6’2” with inseam length of 35” and weighs around 190 pounds. He fits fine and loved paddling the boat. He is a surf ski paddler and also competes in OC racing (outrigger canoe - like in Hawaii). He’s the one in the Eskimo roll video. Doug, the inventor, had our dog in his lap while paddling a few times, and combined, they are 240 pounds. At a recent demo, we had someone who was over 275 lbs in our boat - no problem.
Does the boat come with a serial # or Hull ID #?
Yes. All of our boats have a US Coast Guard Approved Hull Identification Number which you will need to give us in the case of needing a replacement part. That number will contain all of the info we will need to trace your boat back to its production time, location, and mold.
What is the storage capacity?
The front hatch dry storage is 7000 cubic inches (115 liters), the rear hatch dry storage is 4000 cubic inches (65 liters), behind the seat storage is 2500 cubic inches (41 liters).
Current Estimated Shipping Date: April 2017
Last Updated At: 08/19/16What is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.
How does BackerKit work?
After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.
I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?
The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.
Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.
To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.
How do I update my shipping address?
BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.
When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?
That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.
I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?
As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.