Product Description
The Foldak is constructed from a lightweight wooden keel assembly, a pair of drop down plywood floors and four hinged laminated hoops. The structure is then covered with PVC cloth. The edges of the cloth are protected by wooden strips.
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The Woodenwidget Foldak is a small folding canoe. It is 12 feet long (3.75m). Two sets of hinged hoops swing out to create a shapely but tough and lightweight canoe designed to work with either a single paddle or a double kayak paddle.
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Because the floors are above the bottom of the boat, you never get a wet bottom. Handles are incorporated into the floors which makes it a doddle to move about with either one person or two. Foldak is a light little boat yet surprisingly capable and tough.
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The Foldak is an easy boat to build consisting of a central keel assembly, a pair of drop down floors and four laminated wooden hoops. This structure is then covered with a strong PVC cloth. Don't be daunted by this construction method. Laminating wood is not difficult and in fact is lot of fun and is also very satisfying.
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Everything you will need has been listed and there are many links to lots of suppliers should you not be able to find what you need locally.
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The Foldak folds to just 150 mm (6") and will easily fit on any roof rack. Weighing from 20 kilos it's also light enough to be easy to move about if you need to.
FAQ
Q: How long will it take to build my Foldak?
The Foldak is a quick boat to build as it is made from so few pieces. It has a simple keel assembly, a pair of drop down plywood floors and four laminated hoops covered with PVC cloth. What takes the most time is waiting 24 hours for each hoop to set before you can use the jig for the next one.
Q: How much will a Foldak cost to build?
From $400, but this figure can go either way depending on the quality of the materials you choose to build your dinghy with.
Q: Do you sell a Foldak kit?
Sorry no, Foldak is only available in plan form. But don't let this stop you! All you need is a jigsaw and a plane and you can cut out all the pieces yourself in just a few hours
Q: How long does it take to assemble?
With practice Foldak can be assembled, ready for launching in about one minute.
Q: Is there a sailing version?
Not yet but a Foldak should sail well. With its long length it should have a good turn of speed. Like the Fliptail, the Foldak will use a lee board bolted to one side.
Q: Can I fit an outboard engine?
The Foldak does not have a transom so it is not possible to fit an outboard.
Q: What is the Foldak's maximum carrying capacity?
Approximately 150 kilos (330 lbs). Two persons.
Q: How much does a Foldak weigh?
Foldak weighs from about 20 kilos (42 lbs.).
Q How well does it paddle?
The Foldak has been designed to use either a single paddle or a double kayak paddle. The Foldak slips along with very little effort. It tracks well yet turns easily.
Q: Can I personalise my Foldak?
Yes! The plans include many ideas for doing this, from changing the colour of the cloth to choosing a different wood.
Q: What is the fabric that Foldak is built from?
It's a PVC fabric like the kind seen on truck sides. It is easily available and the plans include all the necessary info about what weight of cloth to buy and where to get it.
Q: I don't have any experience, can I still build an Foldak Folding Canoe?
You do not need to have any experience building boats, you only need very basic woodworking skills, and a few tools such as a jigsaw and a plane.
Q: What are the Foldak's folded Dimensions?
12' (375cm) Long - 14" (35cm) Wide - 6" (15cm) High. (figures approximate) The Foldak has built in handles in the floors making it very easy to carry when folded.
Q: What are the Foldak's assembled Dimensions?
12' (375cm) Long - 28" (70cm) Wide - 14" (35cm) High. (figures approximate)
Q: Tell me more about the plans
The metric plans have 60 pages, over 70 photos and even bonus sections full of useful information. The plans come as a PDF file and are about 5 mb in size. The Plans can be downloaded immediately.
Specifications:
- Assembled: 12' (375cm) Long - 28" (70cm) Wide - 14" (35cm) High.
- Folded: 12' (375cm) Long - 14" (35cm) Wide - 6" (15cm) High.
- Weight: From 20 kilos (44lbs)
- Carrying capacity: Two adults or 150 kilos (330lbs)
