Greetings:

I have never given much thought to SOF yaks, but there is so much discussion of them here that I cannot help but think there must be a reason for it. Yes, a spark has been loosed in my head! So what I would like to know is where best to get a primer on the SOF yak for the rank beginner.

Some specific questions, if'n I may:

1. I want a true sea kayak, but not very badly. That is to say, not enough to sink hundreds of bucks into a project (I build all my own toys). Are they really cheap to build? How cheap is cheap?

2. What keeps 'em from heading straight to the bottom upon first contact with an oyster shell?

3. Even though I have looked at folding boats and SOF yaks to some degree, I do not clearly understand how folders work, and following, the difference in complexity (read: expense) between them. Where might I learn more about folders without spending any money? Or at least, very little of it? Or should I ignore folders altogether, since compacting the boat isn't an issue at this point?

4. Do I have to get a sewing machine, and learn how to use it?

Note: There are no examples of anything this board has to do with for me to see locally. A few plastic yaks are about it here in my part of Texas.

Thanks again... y'all are the greatest! And thanks again Nick; the same goes double for you, for making all this possible.

Cheers,
Kurt Maurer