Folbot has revamped their website and the new look is refreshing and cool but I still kinda like the ‘old’ Folbot website as with the white background and clean, uncluttered look; it reminds me of the first theme that I loved and used - ‘Minima’, when I first started blogging on the blogger platform. Anyway if I get too nostalgic I can always go to their blog - ‘From the Front’ which retains the old look.
Anyway I was pleasantly surprised by their newly redesigned website which also coincide with the introduction of their new folding kayak - the ‘Citibot’. And as the name suggests; it is designed as a city boat and at only 10ft long and a wide 34inch beam, it’s certainly not something that I’ll bring along for our Lake Toba Expedition! Unless I am on a family holiday and want to muck around with my kids playing on the waters close to the shores. I can imagine a hard-core expedition kayaker like Huey sneering away at this ’silli-bot’ but at 24 pounds light, a 10 minutes assembly time, 35 oz. Hypalon hull fabric & urethane coated polyester deck (in other words quality materials), availability in 8 colours and at an introductory price of USD999/- it is not such a silly toy! It is a hassle free folding kayak that allow you to go kayaking on the spur of the moment.
Anyway I am intrigued by the new coaming (not referred to as the quirky ‘washboard’ anymore?) and seat design of the Citibot and was wondering if they would upgrade the rather uncomfortable (for me anyway) seat of the Cooper with this new design. And I’m also speculating that Phil Cotton could be working on the design for a new ‘Kodiak’ incorporating these and other more amazing features - no Phil? Never mind lah.
Note: I still CANNOT upload my own photos (help!) and all the images are stolen ‘referenced’ from Folbot’s website. but I’m sure David AvRutick would not mind this plug … And David if you’re reading this - why are there extra bungee deck riggings on your Cooper? Although I think perimeter deck lines all round would be a welcomed feature on the Cooper (along with better seat of course) … *hint hint*
Link to this page
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
You bet I am reading this… Folbot HQ is always on high alert.
Let’s see… a few points to make. First, why does my Cooper in the photo have extra deck rigging? Well, because I am president of the company and you can never have enough deck rigging, of course. Actually, that was a Cooper EXP we took out of the Folbot showroom for a paddle. Part of the EXP package is the extra rigging… available to anyone.
Glad you like the new look on the website (and please feel free to “reference” our images) and the Citibot. We are pretty excited about both. Which brings us to point two. The Citibot is far from a toy. As you point out, it is made will all the same high quality materials as every other Folbot — and it comes with the Folbot Lifetime Warranty. And just this morning at the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival, the famous Dubside asked to use it in a rolling class/demonstration. And Dubside does not fool around with toys!
Finally, about the new coaming and seat. Well, let’s just say we aren’t done introducing new goodies. Phil is busy in the research lab.
I think that’s about it. HQ out.
David - Folbot HQ’s prompt response is certainly most impressive and I’m sure Huey is certainly eating his heart out that the President of Folbot’s reading this blog …
No slight but it’s kinda hard to imagine Dubside in a Citibot! Somehow I always have this mind’s eye image of him in a narrow greenland style kayak!
I can hardly wait to see what goodies Phil and Folbot are coming up with next! New Kodiak? New Greenland II?
Nice and usefull post, thanks, this is one for my bookmarks!