Folding Kayak Phenomenon
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This U.S. manufacturer of folding canoes in recent years has come out with a quasi canoe/kayak, the Puffin series. Because of its light weight and small packed-away size, the Puffin 12 is an ideal travel boat to throw in the trunk of your car for times when a paddling opportunity beckons.
Assembly: The process is easy once you get the knack. You have to know where to place yourself in relation to the boat for each step. Every word in the instructions should be read carefully. If you do, it is fairly easy to assemble. If not, you will run into difficult moments.
Handling: The Puffin tracks well in this sized version of the series. Because of its very large sponsons, the boat rides high, and this seems to allow it to bop over waves. But having a frame, it doesn't get bounced around in the wind the way an inflatable would. Stability is unbelievably good, and it maneuvers well. Overall, it is not a boat for very open water, nor is it meant to be.
Details: The frame is all aluminum and the skin is PVC-coated material. The Puffin looks very much like a decked canoe, and the bow and stern ends are indistinguishable from one another. Storage is good but somewhat limited by the size of the sponsons, however you can elect not to inflate them quite so hard.
Portability: Being so lightweight helps in portability. The bag is just a simple duffel. You can improve on ease of carry by finding an aftermarket simple backpack that is of a size to fit the Puffin's longest components.
