HOW DOES A KLEPPER FOLD?
There are 31 wooden pieces that interconnect via patented "Snaplock Fittings". One half of the frame is snapped together and slid into the "skin" and then the other half. The two halves are expanded in the hull, a coaming is put in place, air sponsons are inflated by mouth and you are done.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
The average assembly time for one person - bags to boat- is 20 minutes with no tools and no force required. All parts are color or number coded. Disassembly takes even less time. Two people can comfortably cut the assembly time in half.

WHAT DO I NEED TO SAIL MY KLEPPER?
The Klepper is designed for full upwind sailing. Every model is equipped with a mast step, mast support bracket, stay fittings and rudder bracket. You have a choice of four sail types: a downwind sail, two full upwind sails and a very unique after market sail. The upwind sails come with lee-boards and a traveler is available as an optional extra.  There's the adage: “Sail when you can, paddle when you must”

WHAT MATERIALS IS IT MADE OF?
The frame is white mountain ash and laminated birch (age dried for three years). Fittings are of rust and corrosion proof metal alloy. The hull (skin) bottom is Hypalon® rubber reinforced with polyester cord.  All  decks are from Egyptian long-staple, self-sealing cotton/hemp, this allows the deck to "breathe". The natural air circulation eliminates excessive condensation and provides natural waterproof insulation.  

WHAT ARE AIR SPONSONS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
Two, four for the Quattro, internally mounted, full length air sponsons have two major functions.  Firstly they assure maximum stability, safety and hull protection. Secondly the final step in assembly is to inflate the air sponsons.This tensions the hull over the frame. In addition the air sponsons also provide maximum secondary stability against capsizing and allow for easier re-entry into a stable buoyant boat even when swamped.

WHY DON'T YOU USE COMPOSITES FOR THE FRAME?
The editor of Canoe Magazine once said, "If wood was invented today, it would be considered the miracle material of all time ."   Specifically, wood of the grade and quality that we work with is the ideal material for the frame of a folding kayak because it is strong AND resilient, it works synergistically with itself and with the fittings when under constant stress, it floats, it is the easiest material to repair in field. Parts are relatively inexpensive to replace, parts do not seize together, it lasts and lasts for incredible lengths of time, is warm to the touch, quiet and aesthetically pleasing now and over time.  As material and composites develop Klepper will certainly evaluate these options, however wood will always remain the mainstay of Klepper's core product line.

WHAT DO OWNERS LIKE BEST ABOUT THEIR KLEPPERS?
Because the boats are more seaworthy and more versatile than anything in its class. The design (suspension-like frame/perimeter air sponsons/complex variable multi chine shape) is totally unique and unparalleled in its record of accomplishments. The boat can run rough rivers and cross oceans. It paddles, sails, and can be used as a diving or fishing platform among countless other applications. If the boat ever capsizes, you just climb right back in. The Kleppers are the most stable and safest of all kayaks. Moreover, they will last the longest and be the easiest to repair of most boat materials.

CAN I SOLO PADDLE AND SAIL A TWO SEATER?
Absolutely! The solo seat allows center positioning for optimal trim and balance as well as proper leg and back positioning. Limitations would be a light boat in heavy winds with no load. Larger people love the boat for solo usage. It provides comfort that no solo kayak offers.

DO THE BOATS REQUIRE MUCH MAINTENANCE?
Not at all!  The materials are chosen for maximum durability in the most adverse conditions ranging from arctic cold to tropical heat and humidity. Saltwater is not an issue. The boats should be cleaned and the Hull 'cleaned' a few times a year with 'UV Tech' or '303'. For long storage, they must be packed dry. That's it!

HOW LONG DO THESE BOATS LAST?
Kleppers commonly get two generations (approximately 50 years) on frames and at least one generation (25 years) on hulls. The latter figure is based on old style hulls that used natural rubber which was eventually the weak link in the system. Natural rubber was replaced over 20 years ago by Hypalon®, a synthetic rubber which proves to have a longer life than natural rubber.

CAN I DO SIMPLE REPAIRS MYSELF?
All maintenance and most repairs of Klepper Aerius folding kayaks can be performed by the owner. Replacement of a frame fittings is a do-it-yourself project, the necessary soft rivets are supplied with fittings. Also frame, rudder, and sail parts can be ordered for replacement. Keel strip installation or replacement of bow or stern rubber stems on hull are also do-it-yourself maintenance projects for the more skilled owner. In all of the above cases simply order your necessary parts with instructions from the Klepper, or have the Klepper Service Center do the work for you.

ARE REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE FOR OLDER MODELS?
Klepper services all kayak models built from 1951. Replacement parts can be ordered from the Klepper Central Service Center NORTH AMERICA or from the Central Service Center EUROPE in Rosenheim or a dealer near you. All frame parts can be ordered individually as can boat skins. Klepper's total commitment to its customers is to provide top quality, factory-original spare parts and service at the  fairest possible price.

DO THE KLEPPERS EVER CHANGE?
The basic Aerius design will not change since the overall satisfaction with these boats is unprecedented. The attention to fine details to enhance function, comfort and convenience are always foremost. Recently, Klepper has introduced a 12 1/2' "mini" called Aerius Scout which is aimed at smaller and younger persons. A new and exciting development is a new hull for the Aerius II called the Quattro. Four air sponsons allow a slight shape change to a highly buoyant U shape and anything in between. A new Expedition SL single is now available as is an Expedition Double +. Please see the model tables for details.

HOW DO I GET A KLEPPER?
You can order your Klepper from Klepper America, call us toll free on 1-886-566-6342 or drop us an email.

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS A GENUINE KLEPPER?
If you are not sure, first off ask your dealer or supplier. There are one or two manufacturers out there using exactly the same model names as Klepper, so be carefull. Another question to ask, whether buying a new or used  kayak is: Does the frame assemble with Snap- Lock fittings?  Klepper are the only folding kayaks with this unique assembly feature.

WHAT KIND OF GUARANTEE COMES WITH A KLEPPER ?
All Kleppers and accessories come with a 5-year limited factory warranty covering materials and workmanship. Warranty service is provided by any official Klepper dealer worldwide. Kleppers Guarantee is their word of honor. If you are sincere and honest, we will rectify in the most amicable way possible.  In any event, ultimately Klepper wants a happy loyal customer.

SHOULD I BUY A SINGLE SEATER OR A DOUBLE SEATER?
If you are an "individualist" who enjoys solitude, a single seater is definitely the best choice. If you enjoy nature more when "sharing" it with someone else, you would prefer a double seater.  Enjoy fishing? Then consider the double, equipped with our fishing package - it may suite your needs - rod holders, fish finder and live bait tank.  Also, every two seater from 1997 on comes with a built in solo seat position which is located in the center of the cockpit and effectively converts a double-seater into a single seater in seconds.