Pakayak - The Ultimate Packable Kayak

Progress, Progress, Progress w/ Photos
over 9 years ago – Tue, Nov 15, 2016 at 06:55:26 PM

Sorry everyone...We were so excited about all the progress that we hit the "Post Update" button before we remembered to include some photos and also to make it a "Public" Preview so that everyone can see what's new! So here is the same update, now available to the public AND with some photos!

Wow! So much happening here at Pakayak HQ! BIG UPDATES on Everything!!!!

With all of the soft awards shipped (and only a few minor glitches) we press on with fine tuning the "fine tuning". So without further ado this is what has happened since our last Update.

1) Molds: The reworking of the molds is complete and the molds are at our manufacturer waiting for the initial test run. The manufacturer had a delay in their schedule because one of their rotomolding machines went offline. They are installing a new machine and we hope to be on that machine shortly.

2) Fixtures: The Fixtures we need to maintain consistency are also complete and at our manufacturer’s ready for the first run.

3) Footpegs: We are expecting to see the first of the new footpegs for approval within the next couple of weeks from our injection molding manufacturer.

4) Clamps: Final clamp design has been finished, after several updates and versions. Tooling and first production run has been ordered! You guys are going to love this new clamp! So much lighter too!

5) Seat, seat back and cockpit pad: The seat shape and location are exactly the same but will be made from a new cutting-edge foam designed for kayak and rowing seats. The new material is quite supple and eliminates the need for an additional pad over the hard plastic. The “seat to kayak” attachment has been simplified greatly and will eliminate any movement while paddling. Prototype has been ordered and tooling will begin upon approval of prototype. The “seat back” attachment has been moved to the rim of the cockpit. This eliminates the need to remove it for packing and no more stem to get in the way. This allows better access to the storage area behind the seat. How awesome is that!!! We believe the changes are a huge improvement on the entire seat, from a user’s perspective.

As for the cockpit pad, it’s in development by our bag manufacturers and we have integrated stretchy straps to hold a water bottle or other small items (Six-pack cooler? Small bag?)

6) Bag - We have solidly moved in the physical prototyping phase and have made major improvements to the bag over all. This bag will be easier to manage and much more robust than the bags you saw in our KS Video. As soon as we get an image we will share that with you.

Thank you so much for your continued support and interest.

We remain, gratefully yours,

Team Pakayak

Progress, Progress, Progress!
over 9 years ago – Mon, Nov 14, 2016 at 04:42:38 PM

Wow! So much happening here at Pakayak HQ! BIG UPDATES on Everything!!!! 

With all of the soft awards shipped (and only a few minor glitches) we press on with fine tuning the "fine tuning". So without further ado this is what has happened since our last Update. 

1) Molds: The reworking of the molds is complete and the molds are at our manufacturer waiting for the initial test run. The manufacturer had a delay in their schedule because on of their rotomolding machines went offline. They are installing a new machine and we hope to be on that machine shortly. 

 2) Fixtures: The Fixtures we need to maintain consistency are also complete and at our manufacturer’s ready for the first run. 

 3) Footpegs: We are expecting to see the first of the new footpegs for approval within the next couple of weeks from our injection molding manufacturer.

4) Clamps: Final clamp design has been finished, after several updates and versions. Tooling and first production run has been ordered! You guys are going to love this new clamp! So much lighter too! 

5) Seat, seat back and cockpit pad: The seat shape and location are exactly the same but will be made from a new cutting-edge foam designed for kayak and rowing seats. The new material is quite supple and eliminates the need for an additional pad over the hard plastic. The “seat to kayak” attachment has been simplified greatly and will eliminate any movement while paddling. Prototype has been ordered and tooling will begin upon approval of prototype. The “seat back” attachment has been moved to the rim of the cockpit. This eliminates the need to remove it for packing and the stem, which allows better access to the storage area behind the seat. How awesome is that!!!

We believe the changes are a huge improvement on the seat, from a user’s perspective.

As for the cockpit pad, it’s in development by our bag manufacturers and we have integrated stretchy straps to hold a water bottle or other small items (six-pack cooler? Small bag?) 

6) Bag - We have solidly moved in the physical prototyping phase and have made major improvements to the bag over all. This bag will be easier to manage and much more robust than the bags you saw in our KS Video. As soon as we get an image we will share that will you. 

Thank you so much for your continued support and interest. 

We remain, gratefully yours, 

Team Pakayak

Timeline Update
over 9 years ago – Sun, Sep 04, 2016 at 07:23:05 PM

Hey Backers,

Just a quick update on our timeline and progress:

1. We have received our funds in our bank account.

2. We are progressing with the clamp prototype and should be seeing our second, improved version in a week or so.

3. We have ordered the tooling for our custom foot braces.

4. We expect to be producing a test boat in a week or two and detailing the assembly process (all the minute details like where each piece of hardware and/or bungee goes, how it’s tied or tightened, etc.).

5. We are in the process of getting a prototype for the Mac Daddy bag.

6. We are designing the new seat and are getting quotes on it’s tooling and production. It might even have a cup holder!

7. This week, we’ll be tallying the rewards and starting the ordering and printing process for the stickers, hats, t-shirts and dry bags.

That’s where we are today! Pictures are forthcoming… Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend, if you celebrate it.

Cheers,
Team Pakayak

Fulfillment and Backerkit
over 9 years ago – Sun, Jul 31, 2016 at 07:54:23 PM

We wanted to make sure that all of you are aware that we have chosen BackerKit to help us with our fulfillment. Over the course of the next few weeks you will be receiving surveys from BackerKit, these surveys will be your opportunity to choose boat colors, tee-shirt sizes, etc. This will also be an opportunity to buy additional items. We will be working with Backerkit to list all of the items available for purchase. We are grateful for all of your support, messages of encouragement and congratulations!

 We feel so honored to have you all as backers and to have your input is invaluable.

Many, many thanks (again!!!!)

Doug, Zine, Day and Phil

Credit Card Issues
over 9 years ago – Wed, Jul 27, 2016 at 11:14:24 AM

Hello Backers!! We understand that some of you are having credit card issues with Kickstarter. 

 First, we are very sorry for any inconvenience you are having and we want to assure that Kickstarter is working to fix this. ALSO, we Pakayak, do not have access to any of your information other than the name you used when you set up your account with Kickstarter.  Further please be aware that we do not receive any funding for 14 days after the end of the campaign. Any charges you see wil be from Kickstarter. Some of your cards were charged a deposit by Kickstarter so you may see that deposit be refunded and then the total amount charged. Please bear with us as we are aware of the issues you are having and are working to find a solution. We will get back to you soon. 

 Team Pakayak