Feathercraft K-light Review

In 2008, Feathercraft 're-launched' the K-Light kayak. It was previously discontinued in 2000, with a replacement model which is the now popular Kahuna. Kahuna was touted as a improved version of the K-light - longer waterline, sail enabled, and comes with an option of a bigger cockpit.

10 years ago if you want a Feathercraft, you either buy a K-light or a K1 ! The Kahuna thus answered the desire of many paddlers who have a bit more than a weekend on their hands, who wanted a kayak for 3-7 days outing.

And between the K1 and K-light was huge sums of money, with the K1 about many thousands dollars more than the K-light. It was simply beyond my budget as a recently graduated dreamy paddler, even though I was planning for a 2-month trip. So I had went for a K-light.

Size & Capacity
I had initial concerns with its size, as I stood at 182cm. Chan, my paddling buddy with the same height but bigger frame simply could not squeeze into the K-light. I still slithered in each time and felt squeezed in the kayak. My feel is that the boat is paddled most comfortably by a person aound 170cm.

The capacity of the K-light is paltry compared to real expedition kayaks. It should just be enough for a 4 days total self-supported 'wilderness' trip, including tents, cooking gear, etc. However in terms of comfort level, your legs will have to content with sharing space with the water bottles. Longer than that, all those extra gear must go on top of the kayak, strapped.

Assembly
The assembly of the K-light will be trickly for any first-timer. The most difficult part being the 'over-sleeve midconnectors', that requires one to align two aluminum tubes and slide a sleeve over them. It calls for lots of practice, finese, and feel for the tubing.

It took me a good 2-3 months practice to get used to the assembly. Once I got use to it, the whole kayak assembly actually took me quite fast - no more than 10 minutes. The dis-assembly took less than 5 minutes.

Feathercraft has since changed this assembly step with an extension bar concept for all their new models like the Kahuna or Wisper. Having experience with both systems, I still prefer the K-light's sleeve system, as it requires more technique which you can practice to make it faster. I am happy to note that the new K-light still retains this 'old' assembly step.

Performance
The K-light is not the fastest of kayak. It handles well on water - easy to turn, stable (with sponsons inflated), and tracks well. A crusing speed of 5-6km/hr is easily achievable.

On open water conditions (wind), the K-light can sometimes be too 'light' for its own good, and gets blown around in very strong winds. On such occasions a rudder will help. On open water conditions (waves), the K-light is surprising good at riding waves and keeping pace with longer boats.

The best places to paddle the K-light is on the rivers, lakes, and costal areas. I would not do a channel crossing or open sea paddle with it if I have other options.

Portability
Among the factors I had considered was the ease of getting my kayak from my high-rise apartment to the sea. With public transport in mind. In a single comfortable backpack, the K-light is the easiest and lightest kayak to carry on the trains or buses, which I did on a few occasions. With airlines starting to charge for baggage, its light weight is a definitely a plus.

Conclusion
I bought my K-light in 1999. And I am both happy and sad to report that I am still paddling it. There were a few half-hearted attempts to sell it. These were caused by envious occasions when I paddled with the Kahunas and Wispers. These two models are much faster and sleeker than the K-light.

"Oh my kayak is totally waterproof! Complete welding..."

I would replied that mine (pre '99 model) was made on a sewing machine, and I have to pump out water often. (The new model comes with welded skin now)

The happy fact that I am still 'stuck' with it after 10 years, is that it has not deterioated. It is a testament to Feathercraft's quality. There are scratches and small punctures of course, but none life-threatening. Each time a HDPE crossribs broke, I simply replace them. When the hull punctured in Laos last month, I just patched it up with duct tape and it was as good as ever. Really, to keep it permanently in storage would be a pity.

However at 1.82 meters and going for longer expeditions, I probably need a bigger and longer boat. Otherwise, the K-light is the ultimate urban weekend kayak.

Enjoy paddling!