Folbot Sailing Tandem Kayak 17.5', Amazing, Collectors Item.

Up for sale is an amazing vintage Folbot Super 17 tandem kayak.  The pictures speak for themselves.  All original bags, original paddles, original paddle sleeves.  It has an original spray skirt that snaps around frame for sea or river kayaking.  It has all original parts, including all the original documents (see picture, 2 instruction sheet, brochures, sail instructions, a vintage magazine about Folbots, even an original primer on sailing.

It has a full sailing rig, which has all of the original parts pictured.  The leeboards (two wooden boards with a cross bracket used as an outrigger setup with solid brass connectors) and tiller are in almost perfect condition.  The all aluminum rudder is fully functioning in near perfect condition. The sail is in near perfect condition, the mast and boom, again, in near perfect condition.  All lines included to hold the mast, and also line to rig the sail.

The interior of the boat is in excellent condition, with the varnish on the "ribs" and floor to be in about 8.5/10 condition and could easily be a 9.5 out of 10 with a couple hours work (which I may do this week if the weather warms up).  All of the metal parts on the boat are made from brass, and will never rust.  The connecting poles on the frame of the boat are all aluminum, and are color coded for easy assembly.  See pictures for how the frame looks without the skin (canvas).  It's very cool and there is a community of Folbot enthusiasts out there that will love this.

 I've looked and have not seen one in this type of condition for it's age- especially one with a spray skirt- I have never even seen a picture online or in the magazine of that skirt, and I'm sure there are a very small amount of them left.   Even the carrying bags are all almost perfect.  See pics.  There is one of the long bags (I think it is the tan one) where I pulled the zipper too hard when setting it up the other day and the zipper became separated.  I'll try to get it back on track.

 Other that that, the 5 carrying bags are probably in 9.5 out of 10 condition.  They really look cool, and very retro cool colors.   There are two longer bags for the poles, masts, booms, oars, floors and any other long parts.  Then there is one bag (dark grey) that holds the canvas rolled up, and the wooden ribs with seat backs and bottoms.  There are two small duffels that hold the seat covers, sail, spray skirt, an original patch kit bag with adhesive and every color of the vinyl covered canvas that the boat and bags has.

  I wiped every surface down with a marine 303 spray to protect it for the season.  Every surface of the boat inside and out, and every one of the 5 bags.   Everything has a beautiful satin luster now, and protected against water and UV rays.  I don't think you will find another Folbot in this condition, with every conceivable original part.  It is really a beauty.

  I've shown a picture of the hull, and I would say it's in a 9.5 out of 10.  There are a few scuffs (probably from dragging it onto a shore or beach, but none of the scuffs even break the surface, just purely cosmetic scratches.  There is one tiny spot on the brown canvas, up near where it meets the white and yellow that has scraped off.  I'll try to get a picture of it, but would say that it is smaller than a dime and in no way affects the craft.  There are a few scuffs on the white stripe that goes from the cabin (inside part of the boat) to the bow and stern.

 Again, minor scuffs and do not affect the craft.  I even bought a little bottle of vinyl repair that will be included, but I don't even think it affects the beauty of this boat.   There are so many amazing things about this boat that it will make someone who knows the history of these very happy.  I can't say enough positive things.  The paddles are probably about 9.9 out of 10 condition, and when assembled ( 2 pieces) are over 8' tall!

 I don't think you will ever find original Folbot paddles in this shape.  There are probably things that I am leaving out too- it even has the original little white flag that sticks in the top of the mast to tell wind direction when sailing.  The sail is surprisingly sturdy and tall!  See the pictures, it probably extends to about 16' tall and will really catch the wind.   The first time you set this up, it may take 45 minutes to an hour while reading the instruction sheet.

 Assembling the sail and sailing rigging would take another 15.  The spray skirt about 5 minutes.  But, the second time I put this together (didn't need instructions after the first time) it was more like a half hour, and I'm sure the more you assemble it the easier and faster it gets.  It will pack up to a small SUV like I have that is pictured, or I guess a car with a larger trunk space or fold down rear seats.  It is truly portable and ideal for anyone who cannot trailer a boat around or wants to throw it in the back of their SUV on vacation.

 It weighs (Kayak only) about 80 lbs and I have two canoe carrier handles attached at the front and rear for two people to carry around.  Anyone with the space (hopefully indoors so it isn't constantly exposed to the elements) could leave it assembled for the season also.  It is truly a head turner and doesn't look like anything you'll see kayaking or sailing around.   Feel free to ask questions, and I can try and post more pictures if you want to see a particular area.  Thank you for looking.