| The Expedition range is designed for intensive and frequent utilisation. The Touring range, simpler, delivers advantages in weight and economics. The framework Nautiraid is the only manufacturer of folding boats supplier to offer a choice between a wooden or an aluminium alloy framework. The wooden framework, apart from the pure aesthetics, can be completely assembled with a limited number of pieces that reduces the assembly time. The aluminium framework, with a less traditional aspect enables both weight and price to be reduced. Each framework requires a minimum of maintenance for each material. The metal fittings of the wood framework are in stainless steel which guarantees them i against any corrosion notably by sea-water. The skins The decking of all models is coated with quick drying PVC and a good dimensional stability (no shrinking). The weight of the kayak does not increase when it is wet. The bottoms of the Expedition models are coated with black Hypalon, ensuring a very high resistance to ripping. Those of the Touring models are coated with Black PVC. The skin of the Expedition models is heavier than that of the Touring models. Equipment All the Expedition models are systematically equipped with beaching strips to reinforce the bottom where the framework is in contact with the skin of the kayak. All models are also equipped with "Stabilairs" which, once inflated on each side of the boat, form lateral marine floats. Completely outside the hull, they limit wave effects and increase stability. They are major safety elements. Even pierced or deflated, the skin of the kayak remains sufficiently stretched around the framework so that the boat canoe keeps all its floating qualities. The tension of the skin mainly depends on the tension given to the framework in the skin, contrary to other systems where it depends only on the stretching from the inflation of the airbags inside the boat. Assembly Nautiraid kayaks are very simple to assemble and take to pieces. No tools are necessary. The number of parts to be assembled (15 for a twin seat kayak and 6 for a single seater in wood) is limited on purpose in order to simplify these operations. The risk of losing parts is also limited. Each boat is delivered with clear and illustrated assembly instructions. We recommend that our customers, before launching them into the water, try a few assembling, dismantling and folding away exercises in a quiet environment to quickly acquire the techniques. |