''FAP-15 by Thomas Yost''
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FAP-15 (15ft Folder), Oct 2002

Based on FAP-16, this smaller/wider version was designed to use the minimum of materials possible while still producing a lightweight, strong, and durable folding kayak. This has been accomplished by using (5/8" X .049) tubing in place of the normal 3/4", and also by having only four cross sections, instead of FAP-16's seven. The displacement figure of 190lbs is at the 4.5" waterline. Final displacement at the gunwales is in excess of 600lbs. The finished kayak weighs about 24lbs.

The cross sections, backrest and footbrace are made of HDPE. The skin is a sewn, one-piece Polyester design. Coating are Neoprene/Hypalon.

The deckridge is considerably taller than FAP-16 to provide greater room for comfort and storage. Personally, I prefer lower, flatter decks, but wanted to provide an alternative for other builders.

Frame Design
This Aleut based frame is made of 5/8" tubing. Though flexible, it showed no signs of deflection in the water. The HDPE cross sections allow for ease of construction and assembly. The tubing size and number of cross sections are the same as the Feathercraft Kahuna (14'6" LOA). Tubing size can be changed to 3/4" if desired during construction.

Adjustable Footbrace
The footbrace is a combination of aluminum tubing and HDPE. The three piece aluminum tube telescopes to attach to the chines with an HDPE "snap" connection. Sheet metal screws are attached to the chines every inch or so to allow adjustment points. The HDPE foot plate is both comfortable and secure.

Backrest
Like the footbrace, the backrest uses a combination of aluminum tubing and HDPE. The backrest "snaps" onto an aluminum tube that is affixed to the back of the coaming. The backrest pivots to adjust to the paddlers back position. The overall depth of the backrest is 2.5". The entire unit can easily be removed if not required.

Backrest
Both FAP-15 and TDY-16 utilize a 2 piece coaming design. The hold down screws attach to plates affixed to the front of section 2 and the back of section 3. This provides a secure coaming mount. The snap-on connections used with FAP-16 have been eliminated.

9 oz. Polyester Skin
Same design/construction as TDY-16 and FAP-16.

Neoprene/Hypalon Coatings
Unlike the Hypalon coated skin of FAP-16, this boat uses both Neoprene and Hypalon. The hull is covered with 8 coats neoprene, while the deck is covered with 3 coats Neoprene/4 coats Hypalon.

Neoprene/Hypalon Coatings
FAP-15 and TDY-16 curing on the racks. At this point, deck fitting have not yet been attached. Both boats have since been paddled, but no pics are available since my digicam is in the shop for repairs. I'll provide a report with pics at a later date.


Contributors to this page: Thomas Yost (TDY), Patrick Poirier (PPR), Gerald Maroske (GUM) and Hendrik Maroske (HHM)