Klepper Assembly - Page 2 of 3


This shows the cockpit coaming, partially attached to the cockpit ribs. The two free ends of the coaming bend in towards the boat and attach to clips at the rear of the cockpit sides.		This shows how the cockpit coaming is attached at the middle of the cockpit. The rear fittings are much simpler.


This shows the inflation tube for one of the sponsons. The sponsons are inflatable tubes that run along each side of the boat, between the wooden gunwale and the hull material. You inflate the sponsons by blowing into the tubes. This causes some pressure between the frame and the hull so the hull fabric becomes taut. The inflated sponsons will also keep the boat afloat even if it is completely swamped.		This shows an interior view of the cockpit, looking aft at the seat and backrest. Looking further aft, you can see the storage area inside the hull. Since the Klepper doesn't have deck hatches, you must access the storage area via the cockpit. When storing items, I use a paddle blade to lift items over the interior ribs. I wind up tying strings to items so I can retrieve them.


This shows the rudder, in the "down" position. From the cockpit, you can raise or lower the rudder by pulling a small rope that is clipped to the top of the rudder. To steer, the small black crosspiece has wires attached that connect to the rudder pedals in the cockpit.		This shows the rudder pedals inside the cockpit. The pedal assembly detaches from the frame, so you don't have to install the rudder if it won't be needed. You can see the wires from the rudder crosspiece where they attach to the top of the pedals. The black rectangle is a footrest.


This shows the cockpit, loaded with gear. In the front of the cockpit (at left), there is a waterproof case to hold my camera. On the seat are my paddling gloves. Along the sides of the cockpit are my water bottles. Behind the backrest you can see a clear "dry bag" with a few items (duct tape, rope, lunch, etc.). Tied on to the backrest is a bailer cup (not visible). You can see the paddle attached with the paddle leash.		This shows the Klepper boat cart, the Mercedes-Benz of boat carts. Unfortunately, this picture doesn't do justice to the fine quality of the cart. It's shown flopped over; in use, the two metal support rods would be on top. The wheels detach and the frame folds up, so you can easily stow the disassembled cart inside the hull.