It’s In The Bag – Folbot Float Trip
While looking for a small watercraft to enjoy on rivers and lakes, I stumbled upon a modern kayak with a rich history that is worthy of the spotlight. The Folbot (pronounced Full Boat) is a foldable kayak that fits in a backpack style bag for transport when not in use. A visit to the Folbot warehouse in Charleston, S.C. gave me a unique look into their current operations before I made a splash at a nearby boat ramp.
Jack Kissner founded Folbot just over 80 years ago in England. This wasn’t the only foldable boat brand in the United Kingdom but its reputation for simple set up, sturdiness and low maintenance seemed to buoy its popularity. All of these traits are still valued by small craft owners today. Kissner moved the Folbot operation to New York City in 1935 to tap the American market, eventually settling in Charleston, S.C. in 1953.
The company has changed owners a few times since the 1980’s, most recently when Eric Thome and Scott Peckham purchased Folbot in 2012. This duo of young fellows is updating the technology behind the company so orders can be shipped out with more ease, and they are experimenting with new looks and colorful designs all the time. Presently, Folbot is offering nine different models of foldable kayaks in nine different colors.
Part of the Folbot warehouse is an old wooden structure located in the Industrial Park area in North Charleston. It is far more expansive than the space required to run Folbot today, so a consolidation of work space has been part of the focus of the new owners. Inside the warehouse lies the treasured history of Folbot, with some very old models which despite gathering dust may well still be watertight today.
One joyful discovery from that warehouse is a vintage Owner’s Manual written by founder Jack Kissner himself. This 1973 fourth edition is titled Fabulous Folbot Holidays, a stunning 300-page color guide to all things Folbot. It includes many customer testimonials and it heralds how Folbot owners catch more fish by getting closer to them. The manual was way ahead of the curve regarding today’s kayak fishing craze that has spawned its own culture. Today there are dedicated publications just to keep track of all the action.
Versatility is what sets Folbot apart, since the boat actually fits in the trunk of a car. No SUV, no pick-up, no roof racks – No problem. Summer intern David Grubbs, a local high school student, helped Thome and me load three Folbots in the back of a Mercedes wagon. After a short drive to a public kayak landing in Charleston County I witnessed the assembly of the 13-foot Sporting Life model.
“The average setup time for the Folbot is right around 20 minutes,” said Thome. The backpack was brought down to the floating dock where all the parts were emptied onto the flat surface next to the kayak ramp. “In the backpack, the Sporting Life model weighs about 39 pounds. The water repellant skin on this model features Realtree Max-4 camouflage, which is our latest offering for those who like to fish or to hunt out of their kayaks.”
“The primary stabilization of the Folbot is your body weight in the boat,” said Thome. “All of the assembly parts are clearly labeled such as bow and stern, and its much like setting up a tent. The Folbot does feature inflatable sponsons on each side of the craft, providing greater rigidity for the hull. They are easily inflated by blowing into them. Inflatable outriggers are an accessory that allows anglers to stand up with confidence when precision casting is required.”
Building a boat at a public launch is a unique experience and we soon had several observers looking on and asking questions. Assembly of the frame and installation of the skin can be done by one person, but it does require dexterity, and would be tough to accomplish in any weather that was less than ideal. At last, Grubbs added drink holder and fishing rod holder accessories, grabbed a kayak paddle and launched into the Ashley River.
It’s a nice connection that the vintage Folbot book includes a passage about ‘Swift Folbot Waters in Carolina’ and mentions the saltwater marshes of the Ashley River. So with one eye on the past, and the other on new experiences, I paddled the Folbot upriver and found it to be comfortable, easy to maneuver and fishable.
A folding kayak is just another means to spend more time on the water and in the outdoors. The possibility of airline travel opens new territory to float in foreign destinations. These custom-made kayaks come with a lifetime warranty making them suitable for passing down through the generations. To learn more on how to Unfold New Adventures visit www.Folbot.com.
jeffdennis has written for ALL AT SEA since 2012.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
