Care, Maintenance and Common Mistakes

Greetings Folding Boat Enthusiasts -- 

The information presented on this page and throughout this website is based on my experience from nearly three decades of professionally repairing and manufacturing wood frame folding kayaks.

Customers want certainty that their boats will function reliably on adventures. They also want to own a product that will stand the test of time. Lack of proper care and maintenance jeopardizes both of these.

There are two folding boat "crimes" I continually see in my position as a boat builder and repair expert: long-term outside boat storage and storing hulls folded up wet.

Examples of mistakes that will damage a folding boat . . . 

• Storing a boat in a shed with a leaking roof
• Leaning a folding boat upside down against a tree or a garage, thinking that because it's upside down there's not a problem
• Storing a boat under a deck on a rack with a cheap tarp over it
• Leaving a folding boat on the deck of a larger boat to be used as a dingy
• Folding up a boat and storing when wet 

Treat your folding boat with care. Avoiding these mistakes will help it last for decades, ensure reliability when you're on the water, and keep more cash in your pocket. All good things.

I am happy to discuss maintenance and repair with customers any time.

Mark Eckhart