: Thanks everyone for your comments.

: In order to achieve the goal of quick assembly, I had to rethink
: traditional ideas of what a folding kayak was.

: The traditional folding kayak is actually a take-apart kayak with
: many separate frame parts that must be stored apart from the
: skin and
: reinserted into the skin during assembly. This is always going to
: be a time consuming, relatively complex process in terms of
: construction
: and assembly. A folding kayak has always been far more complex and
: expensive to build than it's non folding cousin.

: I decided that in order to make a quick assembly folder that was
: not a complex sponson / stringer equipped kayak (Klepper /
: Feathercraft, etc.),
: an inflatable, or a folder / inflatable hybrid like the
: "Sonnet" I would need to find a way to make a true
: folding kayak ... Sponsons are expensive.

: To do so, I concluded that the frame parts must fold with the skin
: and remain a part of the skin making assembly actually an
: "unfolding" process.
: With the exception of the take-apart aluminum keel, I have done so.
: Even the keel can be made to fold, but it is a more complex
: process, so I chose
: not to do so at this time.

: The Falco's construction technique allows any of my single-chine
: SOF designs to be reproduced in this non traditional folding
: style.
: The byproduct of this technique is simplicity, and low cost. Both
: of which are critical for homebuilder success.

: The Falco was actually Plan B, with Plan A being an all plywood
: hull design similar to an S&G kayak without the S&G, but instead
: using PVC hinges
: between all plywood hull panels, and with no keel. I got this to
: work (see pics) , but concluded that the construction was
: actually more complex,
: requiring much more precise fitting of the side / bottom panels for
: folding, and also heavier weight and greater bulk. This was even
: before adding
: folding cross sections and deckridge.

: With homebuilder simplicity in mind, I chose to make the Falco with
: plywood side panels only, a skin hull bottom / deck , and
: aluminum keel.
: I may yet revisit the all plywood hull idea as it still has
: potential.

: When I'm asked how long it took me to build the Falco, I say 75hrs,
: not including the 1,000hrs spent thinking about it :)

: Matthias ..... kg x 2.2 = pounds / lbs. ( 10.9kg x 2.2 = 23.98lbs /
: rounded to 24lbs)

: Best regards, Tom

: Plan A below ....

Hi Tom
This looks like a very quick idea. The all plywood folder that was in Popular Mechanics back in the late 50's or early 60's (not sure when I saw it) the hinges wore out fairly quick. (I believe that that one used painted canvas though) This just plywood sided one is a new concept as far as I know and shows much more promise that the all plywood one. I would like to see the completed Greenland version. That seems very interesting to me. Thanks for investing all the time and brain power to this project:)
Best Wishes
Roy