Message-Id: <l03110700b2de08ed7bca@[206.63.32.142]>
In-Reply-To: <36B84983.D7A@totalsports.net>
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 1999 06:21:40 -0800
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
From: Jeff McLean <jdm@halcyon.com>
Subject: baidarka Ballard Inflatables-fabric source?
Hi Charles & all--
These guys are about 10 blocks from my house. They do have quite a
selection of inflatable and plastic boats, both kayaks, tenders and Zodiac
type craft. Went in there to look at the inflatables after reading that
cool article in Sea Kayaker magazine--the one where the writers took
inflatables to Iryan Jaya. I think they had Aire boats, which are also
pretty pricey. The thing I like about the inflatables is their ease of
assembly, though I know they're sort of pigs to paddle (Not that I've tried
that!) I'll try and wander by this week and find out about what else they
sell in the way of Hypalon and/or fabrics. I sort of squinted at that
Yukon, but I think the Feathercraft and Kleppers are nicer boats.
Jeff
jdm@halcyon.com
Seattle
>I came across an interesting catalog a while back. It's from Ballard
>Inflatable Boats. They have the largest selection of inflatables I've
>ever seen, as well as a couple of folding kayaks.
>
>The kayaks are Yukon's Kodiak Single and Double. The description is
>sparse, but includes this:
>
> "robustly designed Hypalon side panels with Cordura deck... The
>carbon fibre/epoxy is the lightest yet strongest hull material
>available. Assembly time 10 minutes."
>
>The single is $2200.
>
>Perhaps of more interest is Ballard's claim to stock "fabrics and
>adhesives" and that their service department includes a woodshop,
>welding equipment and band saws. Although they have a URL
>(http://www.mypid.com/bib), it doesn't say anything. Maybe these guys
>would be a good source for small quantities of the exotic materials used
>in some skin-on-frame kayaks, especially the folding ones.
>
>Their address is:
>
> Ballard Inflatable Boats
> 2611 NW Market Street
> Seattle, WA 98107-4140
>
> Ph: (206) 784-4014
>--
>Charles Hall
>Raleigh, NC