Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed

[pipesg]

Hi all,

After long time knowing of this page and using some of the knowledge Matt share (thanks!!!) to make some TPU gear different to packrafts. I have decided to try a packraft. I actually have an IK but some laws in Spain do not allow to use rafts longer than 2.5 meters in many areas, but allow to use less than 2.5 meters rafts (float tubes for fishing…) as they are considered as floating devices not boats.

I have a doubt regarding Atlin and Telkwa because in my size (115 cms  seated leg length) both are aprox 2.50 meters long. Is there big differences in tracking/speed due to the bow desing in the Atlin? The main use I expect is use it for explore some rivers section, with no more than whitewater class II, fishing and some hikes loading the bacpack and few more. Telkwa would be great with the extra protection but if there are no important differences I think I will opt for Atlin because the length is closer to 2.5 meters.

Are there users of diy packrafts in Spain (Extremadura)? I have never seen one here, but would be great to contact with anyone.

Thanks in advance!

Pipe

Topic

[Matt (Admin)]

Hi Pipe,

The speed difference between the Atlin and Telkwa is not much. I have only tested it a little bit with GPS on a lake, but it seems like the Atlin is about 10% slower (less than 1/2 km/h difference). On rivers, speed is less important because the river does most of the work for you.

If the packraft’s length is critical, you can make the stern (tail) a bit shorter and less pointy by simply rounding the tube pieces more before adding the final seam strip that joins them together. On the Telkwa you could do the same on the bow (front).

I have sent only a few packraft kits to Spain, and I don’t recall where exactly. I hope you can connect with someone though!

Feliz año nuevo!

[Author]

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