Hey Lew, have you contacted Klepper yet? Some of those folding boat manufacturers are reportedly very good on warranty work. I'd at least price their replacement parts first (you possibly already have) before you decide whether or not to build your own.

If you're going to get into folding kayaking, I'd recommend a subscription to the Folding Kayaker newsletter, published by Ralph Diaz, the folding kayak guru.

Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz@ix.netcom.com

> I was just cursed or blessed (depending on how you look at the frame) with
> Klepper Aerius II. This thing has been on a wood pile and exposed to the
> elements for many years. I've already thrown out the skin which was easily
> ripped by hand and plan on restoring the frame. Some of wood is in good
> shape (this is relative, though), some bad, some enjoyed by the
> neighborhood squirrels. Much of the boat is made from plywood frames. So
> my question is basically for the S-n-G'ers who've worked with okume.
> Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for replacement Klepper parts, what
> about if I took to trip to CLC to buy some okume to replace the plywood? I
> could just trace the plywood forms, cut them out, and pop rivet the clips
> back to their original position. Is this workable, or should I stick with
> factory orignal parts? Thanks, once again, for everyone's sage advice.

> Lew