Stowaway K2 - Versatility

The K2 - Versatility

K2 on a car roof rack

Most people choose a folding boat for the versatility this brings, particularly in terms of transporting and stowing the boat.

The K2, folds down to 305cm x 48cm x 20cm (10ft x 1ft 8" x 8 inches!). It is designed so that all the parts that make up the boat fitted into the hull when folded.

The folded boat can be easily transported on a roof rack or against the guard rails of a longer vessel and takes up not much more space than a ladder or windsurfer in your garage or shed.

Holiday Boat

As a Holiday Boat the K2 comes into its own. How else could you take a family sailing dinghy or fishing boat on holiday without needing a trailer? Not only do you not need a trailer you do not require a launch trolley, as each boat has an in-built skeg wheel. The mast is the same length as the boat (the full height of approx 5 metres is achieved by the gaff which raises the mainsail vertically 2 metres above the mast.

The K2 is no toy and will hold its own with craft of a similar size such as the Mirror Dinghy as well as performing well under motor or oars.

As you will read in the section “On the Water” she is fitted out to a high standard to ensure optimum performance in all respects.

The time it takes to comfortably assemble the K2 single handed is around 5 minutes including inflating and strapping in the 3 buoyancy bags (two people can do this, with practise, in far less time). Rigging can be easily achieved in less than 5 minutes as the mainsail is attached to the boom and gaff and can be raised in a few seconds, as can the jib sail.

Sail Trainer

K2, whilst offering a lot of performance for the serious sailor is also a very forgiving boat suitable for sail training.

There is plenty of room to take 3 people out and give instructions and coaching. The boom is positioned quite high to make it easier to learn to gibe and tack. The beam is generous and, together with plenty of freeboard, (height of the boat sides above the water) reduces the chance of involuntary capsize.

A useful feature is the ability to strap the buoyancy tubes to the outside of the boat – this is akin to putting stabilizers on a bike – except that the tubes are well clear of the water unless the boat is leaned over at which point the buoyancy will in most cases prevent the boat shipping water.

Yacht Tender

K2 is an ideal versatile alternative to the ubiquitous rubber dinghy. It can be assembled much more quickly, it is more convenient to assemble and pack up and causes none of the windage problems of a large rubber dinghy tied down inverted on deck.

K2 is a rigid boat and will row a lot better than a rubber dinghy as well as providing proper inboard seating for 2-3 people, rather than getting a “wet bottom” from sitting on the side of a rubber tube.

The fendering and stability afforded by the inflatable collar of a rubber dinghy can just as easily be achieved by clipping the two reinforced buoyancy tubes along the sides of the K2. These will also provide additional positive buoyancy.