Folding Kayaks Forum

Hi, I've been given an old folding canoe which I saved from being thrown in the tip. I thought I'd give it a go and then when it sank I'd use it here in my camping holiday for firewood.
However, upon assembling it I have found it is an immaculate Klepper Blauwhal complete with unused sails and all the original paperwork including old German receipts (purchased August 1968), Klepper brochures and instructions manuals plus two leaflets on 'How to Sail' ine German and one English.

I've now paddled and sailed her around the estuary here in Devon, UK and she is beautiful. Watertight and stable.

I would like to know though if there is any product I can buy to protect the hill air skin from any further deterioration?

Klepper once sold a wax for rubber hulls, but I don't know what a modern substitute would be. Keep the hull away from excessive heat, ozone, and direct sunlight. That will help preserve it.

_________________
Michael Edelman
FoldingKayaks.org Webmaster

Thanks, it's water tight but not beading on the deck much so a wax would be good.
Will a link to instagram work? If so here are some pics https://www.instagram.com/neil_wragg/

Sorted out some pics, still on holiday with her and in a couple of weeks we'll be off to the South of France.

Once put together me and my son took to the water


and then I tried first with the jib and then here with the mainsail

Looks like great fun.

Great pictures. It does look like you're having fun.

The wax was for the rubber hull. Don't put anything on the deck- that will actually compromise its waterproof properties. Canvas gets its waterproof qualities from the fibers swelling up when they get wet. Anything that prevents the fibers from absorbing water will prevent that from happening. Just keep it clean.

_________________
Michael Edelman
FoldingKayaks.org Webmaster