Classic Klepper Aerius 2-Person Folding Kayak, Well Kept, Ready For Use

This Klepper Aerius 2-person kayak is 17 ft long and weighs about 70 lbs. Its skin and frame parts are interchangeable with other Klepppers, so if you ever need to replace any part of it, that’s doable. I believe this boat is about 50 years old, but it’s in very good shape for its age. When I bought the boat about 20 yrs ago I carefully sanded and varnished (two coats) the entire frame. I added “step plates,” two riveted portions of plywood that strengthen the keelboard.

I also glued keel strips (from LongHaul Kayak) on the skin, which protect the more vulnerable areas from abrasion. The keel strips are very much intact and undamaged. The rubber portion of the skin shows its age, with some wrinkling, but it’s still tough and durable. There’s plenty of life left in it. You’ll find a scrape or two, minor surface issues, but no rip or puncture.

The blue canvas portion is in very good shape, no holes, rips, etc. There is some thread pull where the top of the skin tucks into the coaming, but the skin is watertight and ready for use. The longerons, which are a set of dowels in the floor of the frame, have been repaired (sheet metal and tape) in three places. The repaired portions are as strong as original and hardly noticeable due to their location low in the boat. The sponsons hold air pretty well.

You might have to add a puff or two of air every other day or so to keep the skin drum-tight, but they hold air just fine for day use. The original seats are included, though no longer inflatable of course. I recommend a folding camp seat (the LongHaul comfort seat is best). I modified the coaming for use by a single paddler, moving the front seat posts more amidship. But these can easily be relocated to their original position, which is readily identifiable.

Four screws are all that’s involved. There’s no rudder included. When using a Klepper (I have two others) I don’t use a rudder (except when sailing). For paddling, I find the rudder cumbersome and unnecessary. One Klepper paddle is included—very much used, but complete, intact, and ready for use.

Should the buyer want it, I can include a non-klepper aluminum body, rubber end, Folbot paddle as well. A Klepper two-person spray cover is included. Never used, never installed. The tote bags for this boat are ragged, not included. I have more photos of the boat, but could only upload those shown.

I’ve been boating with Kleppers since my dad bought one in 1958, so you’re dealing with a knowledgeable and careful Klepper owner. I believe this boat is in such good condition because it’s been carefully and properly stored when not in use. I am located in Boulder, Colorado, so unless you’re within 200 miles this will involve shipping. Free local pickup, of course, or I’d meet a buyer halfway if that meant 200 miles or so. Otherwise, it’s UPS ground shipping.

Estimated to be about $200 to the west coast or $250-ish to the east coast, less if closer to Colorado. Buyer pays actual shipping, and I’ll do all possible to limit the shipping cost.