Fri - February 10, 2006

Feathercraft Jet Stream - A Folding Surfski?



Feathercraft Jet StreamFeathercraft JetstreamJetstream and Java


I have been lurking at Feathercraft's Airline series of hybrid kayaks that combine elements of folding kayaks, inflatables, and sit-on-tops. I am particularly interested in Jet Stream that looks like a folding surfski. Well, maybe not a high performance surfski, but it should be much faster than my Feathercraft K1 expedition.

I am looking for a folding kayak that can be carried by plane to some marathon races up to 100 miles in Florida or Texas or just for a workout during business trip.

Feathercraft Jet Stream Feathercraft Jet Stream
length 5.87m (19' 3")
beam 51cm (20")
weight 20.5kg (45lb)
burden 120kg (265lb)
pump time 9 minutes (I believe that the total assembly time has to be longer. 15-30 minutes?)
hull Duratek
deck colors Red, Sand or Teal Polyester
frame anodized 6061-T6 aluminum magnesium alloy
sponsons welded urethane
travel bag 90cm x 50cm x 23cm (35.5" x 19.5" x 9")
Standard equipment includes: surf rudder, drop skeg, duffel, double-action pump, repair kit, and written instructions.

Folding Kayaker
Feathercraft has a nice promotional movie for the Airline kayaks, though its quality online is not very good. The pictures above are screen captures from that video.

I couldn't find any more information on the Jet Stream except catalog specifications. There are, however, several reviews of the Java which is the most the most versatile model of the Airline series: Java review in Folding Kayak Adventures, Java Review in Canoe & Kayak Magazine, Java & Pacific Action Sail.


Do you paddle Jet Stream? I would appreciate your comments on this boat. Performance? Handling rough water and high winds? Capability of carrying a light load for an overnight trip?

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Posted at 02:58 AM    


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