Marine

DFP kayak features retractable pontoons

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The DFP (Dive-Fish-Paddle) kayak, with its pontoons extended
The DFP features a below-the-deck storage compartment, and a rail system for mounting gadgets such as fish finders
The kayak itself measures 13 feet (4 m) long by 32 inches (81 cm) wide, weighs 75 lb (34 kg) and can carry up to 450 lb (204 kg)
The DFP (Dive-Fish-Paddle) kayak, with its pontoons extended
The DFP, with and without its pontoons in use
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Compared to human-powered watercraft such as canoes or rowboats, kayaks are certainly fast, plus they’re easy to paddle. Should you try to stand up and fish or scuba dive from one, however, it’s quite likely to capsize. With that in mind, California-based TrueRec has designed the DFP (Dive-Fish-Paddle) sit-on-top kayak. It features spring-loaded pontoons that fold out to the sides and lock in place for added stability when stopped, but that otherwise stay tucked in and out of the way.

While other kayaks have offered retractable pontoons before, these have usually taken the form of outriggers that pull in against the sides of the boat when not needed, but that still drag in the water. By contrast, the DFP’s pontoons fold right into recesses in the hull, giving it the water-cutting profile of a regular kayak when they're not in use.

The kayak itself measures 13 feet (4 m) long by 32 inches (81 cm) wide, weighs 75 lb (34 kg) and can carry up to 450 lb (204 kg).

The kayak itself measures 13 feet (4 m) long by 32 inches (81 cm) wide, weighs 75 lb (34 kg) and can carry up to 450 lb (204 kg)

Although its pontoon system is its major selling point, other features include front and rear storage areas for scuba tanks or other items; a below-deck cargo compartment; rail mounts for gadgets such as fish finders; and, a dry hatch for storing items that shouldn’t get wet, such as phones and wallets. An optional deck-mountable live well is also available, for storing live bait or caught fish.

The designers of the DFP are currently raising production funds, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$1,450 will get you a kayak of your own, when and if they reach production.

The DFP can be seen in use in the pitch video below.

Sources: TrueRec, Kickstarter

View gallery - 4 images
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3 comments
The Skud
Clever idea! I wonder if they would consider selling the pontoon and associated recess as retrofit accessories to fibreglass into other kayaks or canoes for inept boaters? Any good 'glasser should be able to cut-n-shut it into a hole in existing kayaks.
Slowburn
I wonder how it effects the structural integrity of the kayak. You might want to avoid serious white water. I think it will be a little less slick through the water as well but it looks like a good tradeoff.
BigGoofyGuy
I think this is a way cool fishing boat / kayak combination.
https://truerecreation.com/ The web site indicates it is coming soon. That would be cool.
Another one that is just as cool is the TriKayak. http://trikayak.com/ http://www.gizmag.com/trikayak-xs-1-adjustable-outrigger-kayak/30703/