SkirtworkS Sprayskirts and Quick-Grab Rip Cord

[RandyJ]

Wondering if anyone out there has one of these skirts w/ the new Quick-Grab Rip Cord? Just ordered one. Concluded that it wouldn't be any bigger risk - snagging or whatever - than a conventional grab loop, and if anything, maybe a bit safer since it's more fixed in its location. Comments and opposing views welcomed.

http://www.skirtworks.com/

[turboturtle]

I just ck'd their site. I've never heard of them till now. I might consider speaking with them about a custom one for my squirt boat. But only if they will make good with replacements till one does fit. Most mail order retailers "will not" give you a refund, only an inhouse credit. This means if they don't have what it takes to properly fit your boat, they have your money either way. Some of us waterheads can't afford to purchase multiple hundred plus dollar spraydecks till we find the right one.
For the last fifteen plus years I have taken my boat with me to the store to shop. The last purchase took trying on about six or seven to find the right one. The right one was one of three which were sized the same but each fit a little different.

Good luck with them, and remember to post what you think about their product. Might be incentive for a local retailer to stock their stuff.

[RomanLA]

Hmmm...you won't have to worry about tucking the grab loop inside the skirt. Definitely let us know how you like it.

[Jeremy M]

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters has been looking into stocking SkirtworkS. These are, with the exception of a few changes, the skirts you remember from Mountain Surf. They are using the same construction techniques, materials, and designs...with of course their updated features, including the new grab loop. I was really impressed with them and they are just starting. If you're interested in one, give me a call at the store and if we get enough response...We'll pick them up.

Jeremy

501.767.1373

[RandyJ]

Yep, anxious to get it in, and I'll post up my review when I've had a chance to give it a good once-over. From what I can tell/have heard, John, the main guy at Mountainsurf, has relocated to Canada (maybe is from there originally?) and plans to resume production some day. The Mountainsurf skirts that are still out there were made before they shut down operations. SkirtworkS is in Friendsville, too - a start-up by a couple of folks that worked at Mountainsurf.

Dave Holl in Dallas (http://www.kayakinstruct.com) says he thinks the SW skirts are as good or maybe slightly better than Mountainsurf. One thing he mentioned is that he thought the diameter on the half-round rand was slightly larger than on MS.

I'd say if you can still find a Mountainsurf skirt out there, you won't be disappointed. I've had two Dur-O-Rings and have been VERY happy w/ both. I don't huck waterfalls that often, but have hit drops up to 30' and have had ZERO blown skirts using MS. Just keep it (or any other skirt) stored out of the UV rays and you'll get several years of good service out of it.

Again, more to come...

[RomanLA]

I'd say if you can still find a Mountainsurf skirt out there, you won't be disappointed. I've had two Dur-O-Rings and have been VERY happy w/ both. I don't huck waterfalls that often, but have hit drops up to 30' and have had ZERO blown skirts using MS. Just keep it (or any other skirt) stored out of the UV rays and you'll get several years of good service out of it.

My Mountain Surf Dur-O-Ring is definitely my favorite piece of equipment. It just happened to be the right size for both of my whitewater boats and my 17ft touring boat. It's finally getting worn in enough that the grab loop wants to flop under when I'm putting it on though. I've had to get in the habit of double checking it every time. If these new skirts turn out to be the same or better I will definitely make the switch at some point.

[RandyJ]

Okay, picked up the skirt today. Called Dave Holl of Kayak Instruction (http://www.kayakinstruct.com) and ordered it Wednesday night, and it drop-shipped from Friendsville via USPS Priority Mail. Would have had it Saturday, but postman wouldn't bring the box to the door - probably skeered of my Jack Russell Terror. Point being: it got here fast.

Summary, based on dry land assessment: As good or sllightly better than the MountainSurf Dur-O-Rings I've owned.

First, seems like great materials and construction all around. All of the seam taping is smooth and even. The Armortex material (Kevlar-reinforced material used around the cockpit rim) seems bomb-proof. Amazing stuff.

I like the fixed grab loop idea a LOT, but ask me again after I've done a wet exit or two (voluntary or otherwise). Before I saw it, I was questioning how they would attach the back of the loop to the skirt deck (durability concern). As photos below show, they've used a piece of Armortex sewn and glued into the deck for reinforcement. If you can rip this out, I'm guessing you can crank hard enough on your paddle to break the shaft.

The Rip Cord pull DOES release from the cockpit rim differently conventional loops, so if you get one, I'd recommend you practice pulling/popping the skirt a few times while you're upright or out of the water so you'll get the feel. I try to pull the loop forward when I'm releasing, but I think this will be different, at least with the tight-fit model. I'm going to practice some more with it. The rand diameter is about 5/8" or so and makes a truly airtight seal around the cockpit rim of my boat ('08 Jackson Hero). Cockpit size on the skirt in this case is XLK.

Other details:
- there's a label stamped on the underside with the appropriate safety warnings. Label also has a place to add your name.
- Many skirts pick up extra wear where thigh braces or cam buckles for backband adjustment stick up at or above the cockpit rim. I don't think it's going to be a problem on the Hero, but it wouldn't hurt if they'd widen the Armortex at that point (think hourglass shape vs oval).

Okay, the photos:



Grab loop


Grab loop front detail.


Shows how grab loop wraps all the way around the rand.


By the way, these folks seem pretty big on good service. They're willing to do pretty much any kind of customization. I asked them about making the whole deck out of out of Armortex. The cost would be $220 (vs $165 standard cost). So much higher since that eats up the casings for four other skirts. Other custom work is free - lap straps, C-1 tunnels, custom set-backs, loosen, tighten, whatever.

[turboturtle]

I just got off the phone with Skirtworks and will be ordering one for my squirt boat. If I'm not satisfied with the fit, I can send it back to be modified for a more custom fit. Satisfaction has been guarantied.
They mentioned the addition of bungy/shock corded skirts being added to their line by the start of the new year. I have been pretty particular to this kind of skirt for most of the last ten plus years.

[RandyJ]

Good deal, Turbo.

FYI, I got out a couple of nights ago and practiced skirt pops a little. Since the skirt has stretched a bit, it's now pretty easy to just hook my left thumb into the stationary grab loop and pop the skirt right off. Quick and easy single-handed movement that should free up your right hand to hang on to your paddle in a wet exit. I say "your" since I don't wet exit.

Okay, just kidding about that last part. Don't want that to come back to bite me. :shock:

[Max Carruth]

Looks good to me!