Abstract:
A watercraft comprising a bow section, a center section, and a stern section, and a securing system comprising at least one strap assembly and at least one buckle assembly. The at least one buckle assembly is configured to engage the at least one strap assembly selectively to arrange the watercraft in a folded configuration and a use configuration. In the folded configuration, a bow deck surface and a stern deck surface overlap the center deck surface. In the use configuration, the bow deck surface, the center deck surface, and the stern deck surface are arranged to define a cockpit of the watercraft, and a bow hull surface, a center hull surface, and a stern hull surface are arranged to define a hull of the watercraft.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/922,200 filed Jun. 19, 2013 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/156,331 filed Jun. 8, 2011, now abandoned. 
    
    
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/156,331 claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/352,760 filed Jun. 8, 2010. 
     The contents of all related applications identified above are incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, row boats, sail boats, and paddle boards and, more particularly, to small watercraft that fold for ease of storage and/or transportation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to small water craft such as kayaks, canoes, row boats, sail boats, and paddle boards that may be folded to obtain a smaller form factor to facilitate storage and/or transportation of the kayak. The present invention is of particular significance when applied to kayaks and paddle boards, and examples of the application of the principles of the present invention will be described herein in the context of kayaks and paddle boards. The principles of the present invention are, however, more generally applicable to other types of small watercraft such as canoes, row boats, and sail boats. The scope of the present invention should thus be determined with respect to the claims appended hereto and not the following description of several examples of the invention. 
     Conventional foldable kayaks have not seen a large degree of commercial success because such kayaks have typically lacked the stability, reliability, ease of use and other desirable characteristics of a traditional, one-piece kayak. Previous foldable kayaks have many shortfalls that prevented widespread adoption of folding kayaks. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention may be embodied as a foldable watercraft comprising a bow section, a center section, a stern section, and a securing system. The bow section defines a bow engaging surface, a bow hull surface, and a bow deck surface. The center section defines a first center engaging surface, a second center engaging surface, a center hull surface, and a center deck surface. The stern section defines a stern engaging surface, a stern hull surface, and a stern deck surface. The securing system comprises at least one strap assembly and at least one buckle assembly. The at least one buckle assembly is configured to engage the at least one strap assembly selectively to arrange the watercraft in a folded configuration and a use configuration. In the folded configuration, the bow deck surface and the stern deck surface overlap the center deck surface. In the use configuration, the bow deck surface, center deck surface, and stern deck surface are arranged to define a cockpit of the watercraft, and the bow hull surface, center hull surface, and stern hull surface are arranged to define a hull of the watercraft. In this context, the center section may define at least one cavity adapted to receive a portion of at least one of the bow and stern sections when the watercraft is in the folded configuration. The center section may further define at least one cavity adapted to receive portions of the bow and stern sections when the watercraft is in the folded configuration. At least one cavity may be formed in at least one of the bow section and the stern section to accommodate a portion of one of the bow section and the stern section when the watercraft is in the folded configuration. At least one of the bow section and the stern section may be angled to accommodate a portion of the other of the bow section and the stern section when the watercraft is in the folded configuration. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a method of forming watercraft comprising the following steps. A bow section defining a bow engaging surface, a bow hull surface, and a bow deck surface is provided. A center section defining a first center engaging surface, a second center engaging surface, a center hull surface, and a center deck surface is provided. A stern section defining a stern engaging surface, a stern hull surface, and a stern deck surface is provided. At least one strap assembly and at least one buckle assembly are provided. The at least one buckle assembly is engaged with the at least one strap assembly selectively to arrange the watercraft in a folded configuration and a use configuration. In the folded configuration, the bow deck surface and the stern deck surface overlap the center deck surface. In the use configuration, the bow deck surface, center deck surface, and stern deck surface are arranged to define a cockpit of the watercraft, and the bow hull surface, center hull surface, and stern hull surface are arranged to define a hull of the watercraft. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a foldable paddle board comprising a bow section, a center section, a stern section, and a securing system. The bow section defines a bow engaging surface, a bow hull surface, and a bow deck surface. The center section defines a first center engaging surface, a second center engaging surface, a center hull surface, and a center deck surface. The stern section defines a stern engaging surface, a stern hull surface, and a stern deck surface. The securing system comprises a plurality of strap assemblies and a plurality of buckle assemblies. The first and second buckle assemblies are configured to engage the first and second strap assemblies selectively to arrange the watercraft in a folded configuration and a use configuration. In the folded configuration, the bow deck surface and the stern deck surface overlap the center deck surface. In the use configuration the bow deck surface, center deck surface, and stern deck surface are arranged to define a cockpit of the watercraft, and the bow hull surface, center hull surface, and stern hull surface are arranged to define a hull of the watercraft. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of a kayak of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D  illustrate top, side, bottom, and front views, respectively, of the first kayak embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a rear elevation view and a side elevation view of the first kayak embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrates top views of the first kayak embodiment in folded and unfolded configurations; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate perspective views of the first kayak embodiment in folded and unfolded configurations; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate top plan views of the first kayak embodiment in unfolded and folded configurations; 
         FIG. 7A  is a bottom plan view of the hull of the first kayak embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the hull of the first kayak embodiment; 
         FIG. 7C  is a top plan view of the hull of the first kayak embodiment showing hatch covers installed over hatch openings; 
         FIG. 7D  is a front end elevation view of a bow end of the first kayak embodiment; 
         FIG. 7E  is a rear end elevation view of a stern end of the first kayak embodiment; 
         FIG. 7F  is a top plan view of the first kayak embodiment in the folded configuration; 
         FIG. 7G  is a perspective view of the first kayak embodiment in the folded configuration; 
         FIG. 7H  is a close up perspective view of the first kayak embodiment in the folded configuration illustrating how the bow nests within a notch in the stern; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an example kayak plug embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of a bow section and a portion of a center section of the example kayak plug embodiment; 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of a portion of the bow section of the example kayak plug embodiment; 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of a bottom of the example kayak plug embodiment taken from the bow end; 
         FIG. 8E  is a rear end view illustrating a bottom of the example kayak plug embodiment taken from the stern end; 
         FIG. 8F  is a perspective view illustrating the example kayak plug embodiment in use on the water; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a second example embodiment of a kayak of the present invention in a folded configuration; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the second example kayak embodiment illustrating the unfolding of a stern section of the kayak from a folded position into an unfolded position; 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of the second example kayak embodiment illustrating the stern section of the kayak in its unfolded position and the bow section in a folded position; 
         FIG. 9D  is a perspective view of the second example kayak embodiment illustrating the unfolding of the bow section of the kayak from its folded position into an unfolded position; 
         FIG. 9E  illustrates the adjusting of straps to lock the second example kayak configuration such that both the bow and the stern are held in the unfolded positions such that the second example kayak configuration is locked in its unfolded configuration; 
         FIG. 9F  illustrates the carrying of the second example kayak embodiment in the unfolded configuration; 
         FIG. 9G  illustrates the second example kayak embodiment floating on the water; 
         FIG. 9H  illustrates the second example kayak embodiment being paddled on the water; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a first example strap/buckle adjustment system for securing three sections of an example foldable kayak in a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, respectively; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a second example strap/buckle adjustment system for securing three sections of a foldable paddle board in a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, respectively; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates in a second example strap/buckle adjustment system that may be used to join together two sections of an example foldable kayak of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate another example strap/buckle adjustment system that may be used in loose and tight configurations, respectively, to join together two sections of an example foldable kayak of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate another example foldable kayak of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein describe a modular, foldable kayak. The kayak may fold into two, three, four or substantially any number of modular sections. The sections may be completely disconnectable or may be attached using various types of fastening mechanisms including hinges. The folding kayak may be produced in substantially any length including, in some cases, a length of nine feet or longer. For example, the kayak may have a length of nine feet and six inches. The foldable kayak may also be designed to fold such that it fits in a typical shopping cart or in the back seat of a car. Such a design may lead to easy transport and setup by the end-user. 
     In some embodiments, a folding kayak may include three sections that form two linear planes. The three sections may be attached using hinges or other forms of fasteners. In cases where hinges are used, the three hinged sections may be separated by removing one or more pins in each hinge. Additionally or alternatively, the sections may be attached or fastened to each other using other fastening means such as nuts and bolts, clasps, straps, tongues and grooves that allow for snap shut fastening, or other fastening mechanisms. The folding kayak may be manufactured using any of a variety of different techniques (or a combination of techniques) including blow molding, rotational molding, twin sheet thermoforming or other molding techniques. The structure of the kayak may be formed of plastic, fiberglass, or any other material which is moldable or capable of being shaped into a desired form. 
     In some embodiments, the folding kayak may fold in three sections with an integral interlocking geometry between the sections, which may increase strength. For example, one or more tongues and grooves, notches, knobs or other interlocking members may be integrated (e.g. molded) in the various sections such that when the sections are unfolded, the sections are held in place by the interlocking members. The interlocking members may be used in addition to or in place of locking features such as hinges or clasps. Additionally or alternatively, the folding kayak sections may include one or more locking features (e.g. hinges, clasps, etc.) that are added to the sections after the sections have been molded. In some cases, these locking features may be self-locking in that when the kayak&#39;s modular sections are fully unfolded, the locking features automatically lock into place. 
     In some embodiments, the folding kayak may include three modular sections that form two linear planes where the sections are angled slightly such that the tail and the bow of the kayak pass next to each other (i.e. they do not directly overlap when in a folded position). Thus, each end section may be folded back in a tighter, more compact position because the tail and bow ends do not overlap when folded. This may allow the folded kayak to fit into much more compact locations such as in the back seat of a car or in a car&#39;s trunk. In some cases, the folded sections of the kayak may snap or otherwise lock into place once folded. The folded sections may also have latches or clasps that can be used to lock the folded sections into place. 
     In some cases, the folding kayak may have its own integral bulkheads. For example, each of the (three) sections may include separate bulkheads, which may create independent vessels or sections. The bow and stern sections may provide dry storage and a hatch may be positioned so items can be easily accessed by the user. Moreover, each section may be filled independently to allow for proper balance and center of gravity. 
     Several example folding kayaks will now be explained in regard to the following pictures and drawings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a kayak  20  with three sections: a bow section  22 , a center section  24 , and a stern section  26 . The bow section  22  may be fastened to the center section  24  using any of a variety of different fastening means including hinges, clasps, tongue-and-groove connections, and/or any other type of fastening means. The fasteners allow the bow section  22  to fold backward toward the stern section  26 , over the center section  24  (this will be explained further below with regard to other figures). The center section  24  includes a seat  30  for a user, footrests  32  at various distances to accommodate differently-sized passengers, as well as storage and other compartments. The stern section  26  may similarly be fastened to the center section  24  using any of the same (or different) fastening means listed above. The stern section  22  may include a notched portion  34  to allow both the bow and stern sections to be folded while overlapping each other but without interfering with each other. As will be explained in further detail below, the notch  34  is designed to accommodate a bow line  36  defined by the bow section  22 . 
       FIGS. 2A-D  illustrates the kayak  20  with top, side, bottom and front views. Various elements of the kayak may include the flat stern portion and wide hull portion, which may provide greater stability in the water. The flat stern portion may also make the kayak very difficult to turn over. Moreover, the flat (and notched) stern portion may allow the kayak to be folded in a very compact manner as the bow and stern portions can both be folded toward the center section and fold flat without interfering. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a rear view and a wire frame side view, respectively, of the example folding kayak  20 . As shown in the side view of  FIG. 3B , each section may have its own integral bulkhead  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d . As such, each section may be an independent vessel. In some cases, the bulkheads may be formed in pairs with one bulkhead of each pair defining a primarily flat surface with a locator groove and the other bulkhead of each pair defining a primarily flat surface with a locator projection. Furthermore, the bow and stern sections may provide dry storage in various compartments or hatches. Still further, each section may include portions that can be independently filled to allow for proper balance and center of gravity. 
       FIGS. 4, 5, and 6  further illustrate the three sections of the kayak  20 .  FIG. 4  illustrates that the stern section  26  has a substantially flat tail end with the notch or groove portion  34 ; the example notch or groove portion  34  is a v-shaped groove cut into the center of the tail or stern end. The bow defines the bow line  36 , and the notch or groove portion  34  is sized and dimensioned to receive the bow line  36  when the kayak  20  is in the folded configuration. This may allow the stern and the bow sections to be folded directly onto the center section, with the bow and stern sections  22  and  26  overlapping but without these sections interfering. This may allow for a more compact design, as the v-shaped notch in the stern section can receive the pointed nose of the bow section. The compact design may facilitate easier storage, transport and usability of the kayak. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the folding kayak in folded and unfolded positions.  FIG. 6  illustrates top views of the folding kayak in folded and unfolded positions. As previously mentioned, the various sections of the folding kayak may include latches, clasps, grooves or other fastening mechanisms that automatically fasten when folded. As such, a user may simply fold the bow and stern sections toward the center section until the interlocking of adjacent sections is heard as a clicking sound or felt. This clicking sound may signify that the two sections have fully shut and that the sections are fastened to the center section. Once fastened in this manner, the folded kayak may be handled as a single-section kayak. 
       FIGS. 7A-7H  are a series of colored and shaded drawings that show embodiments of the folding kayak in various views and forms. 
     The folding kayak embodiments of  7 A- 7 H advantageously may not require assembly—the user can simply fold or unfold the kayak and go. For example, the various sections may be connected via fastening means. In some embodiments, the bow and stern sections may be connected to the center section via two hinges on the top gunnels. Additionally or alternatively, the bow and stern sections may be connected on the bottom using latches. The latches may include rubber components that allow for expansion and contraction. For instance, if the kayak is constructed from plastic, the rubber components may allow the plastic to expand and contract with changes in temperature without the latches damaging the kayak. Still further, in some cases, the bow and stern sections may be hinged on an axis other than perpendicular. Accordingly, in such cases, the bow and stern sections may be hinged at different angles to allow longer bow and stern portions to be folded diagonally inward at an angle that allows the two longer portions to be folded flat against the center section while not overlapping each other. 
     The following is a series of pictures that show a prototype of the folding kayak in various views and forms. In particular,  FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate an example folding kayak plug or model used in testing the seaworthiness of the hull when in the unfolded configuration.  FIGS. 9A-G  illustrate a working prototype and the process of converting the working prototype from a folded configuration into an unfolded configuration and the use of the working prototype. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate another foldable kayak  120  of the present invention having a bow section  122 , a center section  124 , and a stern section  126 . When in an unfolded configuration, the foldable kayak defines a cockpit area  130  having a seating surface  132  and a plurality of footrest surfaces  134 . A scupper opening  136  is formed in the center section  124  between the seating surface  132  and the footrest surfaces  134 . 
     A length of the center section  124  of the example kayak  120  is approximately 40% of the entire length of the kayak  120  in its unfolded configuration. The overlapping of the bow section  122  with the stern section  126  when the kayak  120  is in the folded configuration allows the length of the kayak  120  to be as long as possible in the unfolded configuration but as short as possible when in the folded configuration. 
     The foldable kayak  120  further comprises an example securing system  140  to connect the three sections  122 ,  124 , and  126  together. The example securing system  140  comprise a first strap  142 , a second strap  144 , a first buckle  146 , and a second buckle  148 . 
     The first strap  142  extends from a first anchor point  150  located at the bottom of the bow section  122  adjacent to a bulkhead  122   a  thereof, through a first groove portion  152  in the center section  124 , and up through the scupper opening  136  formed in the center section  124 . A first end of the first strap  132  is secured to the anchor point  150 , while a second end of the first strap  132  lies within the cockpit area  130  between the seating surface  132  and the footrest surfaces  134 . The example first buckle  146  is secured to the center section  124  forward of the scupper opening  126 . 
     The second strap  144  extends from a second anchor point  160  located at the bottom of the stern section  126  adjacent to a bulkhead  126   a  thereof, through a second groove portion  162  in the center section  124 , and up through the scupper opening  136  formed in the center section  124 . A first end of the second strap  132  is secured to the anchor point  160 , while a second end of the second strap  132  is within the cockpit area  130  between the seating surface  132  and the footrest surfaces  134 . The example second buckle  148  is secured to the center section  124  aft of the scupper opening  126 . 
     The first and second straps  142  and  144  are long enough such that the second ends thereof remain in the cockpit area when the kayak  120  is in the folded configuration of  FIG. 10A . Slack is initially introduced in the straps  142  and  144  when the bow and stern sections  122  and  126  are rotated into their unfolded positions relative to the center section  124  to place the kayak in the unfolded configuration. Pulling second ends of the straps  142  and  144  takes up any slack. The first and second straps  142  and  144  are pulled through the first and second buckles  146  and  148 , respectively, such that sufficient tension is applied to the straps  142  and  144  to secure the bow, center, and stern sections  122 ,  124 , and  126  in the unfolded configuration. The location of the buckles  146  and  148  in the cockpit area  130  allows the operator of the kayak  120  easily to access these buckles while sitting on the seating surface  132  and, if necessary, to apply additional tension to the straps  142  and  144  during operation of the kayak  120 . 
     The buckles  146  and  148  secure the second ends of the straps  142  and  144  relative to the center section  124  to maintain tension on the straps. Ratchet type buckles may be used to increase tension on the straps  142  and  144 . It may also be possible to pass both of the second ends of the first and second straps  142  and  144  through a single buckle to maintain tension on the straps  142  and  144 . 
     The straps  142  and  144  may be made of conventional strapping material made of nylon webbing or the like. The material and construction of the straps  142  and  144  preferably should avoid significant stretching when exposed to water and other environmental factors. However, any strapping material with sufficient strength to withstand the loads on the sections  122 ,  124 , and  126  can be used by applying more tension on the straps  142  and/or  144  should stretching of these straps occur during use of the kayak  120  in the unfolded configuration. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate an example foldable paddle board  220  of the present invention having a bow section  222 , a center section  224 , and a stern section  226 . When in an unfolded configuration, the foldable paddle board defines a standing area  230  having a standing surface  232 . A first hinge assembly  234  is connected to the upper surfaces of the bow section  222  and the center section  224 . A second hinge assembly  236  is connected to the upper surfaces of the center section  224  and the stern section  226 . 
     The foldable paddle board  220  further comprises first and second securing systems  240   a  and  240   b  to hold the three sections  222 ,  224 , and  226  together in an unfolded configuration during use. The example first securing system  240   a  comprise a first strap  242  and a first buckle  246 , while the example second securing system  240   b  comprises a second strap  244  and a second buckle  248 . 
     The example first and second securing systems  240   a  and  240   b  are used in substantially the same manner, and only the second securing system  240   b  is depicted in detail in  FIG. 12  of the drawing. The second strap  244  extends from an anchor point  250  located at the bottom of the stern section  226  adjacent to a bulkhead  222   a , around a first tension pin  252 , around a second tension pin  254 , around the second hinge assembly  236 , and up through the second buckle  248 . A first end of the second strap  244  is secured to the anchor point  250 , while a second end of the first strap  232  extends through the second buckle  248 . The example second buckle  248  is secured to the stern section  226 . 
     The first and second straps  242  and  244  are long enough such that the second ends thereof remain in the buckles  246  and  248  when the paddle board  220  is in the folded configuration of  FIG. 11A . Slack is initially introduced in the straps  242  and  244  when the bow and stern sections  222  and  226  are rotated into their unfolded positions relative to the center section  224  to place the paddle board in the unfolded configuration. Pulling second ends of the straps  242  and  244  takes up any slack. The first and second straps  242  and  244  are pulled through the first and second buckles  246  and  248 , respectively, such that sufficient tension is applied to the straps  242  and  244  to secure the bow, center, and stern sections  222 ,  224 , and  226  in the unfolded configuration. 
     The buckles  246  and  248  secure the second ends of the straps  242  and  244  relative to the bow and stern sections  222  and  226 , respectively, to maintain tension on the straps. Ratchet type buckles may be used to increase tension on the straps  242  and  244 . It may also be possible to pass both of the second ends of the first and second straps  242  and  244  through a single buckle to maintain tension on the straps  242  and  244 . 
     The straps  242  and  244  may be made of conventional strapping material made of nylon webbing or the like. The material and construction of the straps  242  and  244  preferably should avoid significant stretching when exposed to water and other environmental factors. However, any strapping material with sufficient strength to withstand the loads on the sections  222 ,  224 , and  226  can be used by applying more tension on the straps  242  and/or  244  should stretching of these straps occur during use of the paddle board  220  in the unfolded configuration. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate another example securing system  320  that may be used in place of the hinge assemblies  234  and  236  and associated securing systems  240   a  and  240   b  described above. The example securing system  320  comprises a strap  322  and a buckle  324  for securing a first section  330  of a folding kayak to a second section  332  thereof. The first and second sections may be any adjacent pair of the bow, center, and stern sections of a foldable kayak. 
     The buckle  324  is secured to the first section  330 . The strap  322  is secured to an anchor point  340  located on the first section  230 , extends around a first pin  342  on the second section  332 , around a second pin  344  on the second section  332 , and then through the buckle  324 . Between the first and second pins, the strap  322  overlies a bulkhead surface  332   a  on the second section  332 . 
     The strap  322  is long enough such that the second end thereof remains in the buckle  324  when the paddle board  220  is in the folded configuration; the strap  322  essentially acts as a living hinge to hold the first and second sections together. Slack is initially introduced in the straps  242  and  244  when the bow and stern sections  222  and  226  are rotated into their unfolded positions relative to the center section  224  to place the paddle board in the unfolded configuration. Pulling the second end of the strap  322  takes up any slack. The strap  322  is pulled through the buckle  324  such that sufficient tension is applied to the strap  322  to secure the bow, center, and stern sections together in the unfolded configuration. When the adjacent sections  230  and  232  are pulled together, the strap  322  lies between the bulkheads  230   a  and  232   a  of the sections  230  and  232 . Grooves may be formed in one or both of the bulkheads  230   a  and  232   a  to accommodate the strap  322 . 
     The buckle  324  secures the second end of the strap  322  relative to the first section to maintain tension on the strap  322 . Ratchet type buckles may be used to increase tension on the strap  322 . 
     The strap  324  may be made of conventional strapping material made of nylon webbing or the like. The material and construction of the strap  324  preferably should avoid significant stretching when exposed to water and other environmental factors. However, any strapping material with sufficient strength to withstand the loads on the sections  222 ,  224 , and  226  can be used by applying more tension on the straps  242  and/or  244  should stretching of these straps occur during use of the paddle board  220  in the unfolded configuration. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate another modular, foldable kayak  420  of the present invention. The example kayak  420  comprises bow, center, and stern sections  422 ,  424 , and  426 . First and second juncture lines J 1  and J 2  between the bow section  422  and center section  424  and between the center section  424  and stern section  426  are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the kayak  420 . This allows the bow and stern sections  422  and  426  to overlap substantially when the kayak is in the folded configuration as depicted in  FIG. 14B . This arrangement may be preferred for longer kayaks adapted for use on salt water. 
     Accordingly, a modular, foldable kayak is disclosed. The foldable kayak may include three sections, where the bow and stern sections fold toward each other on top of a center section. The bow and stern sections may be attached via a variety of different fastening mechanisms and may be structurally supported via different integral geometric members. Each section may have its own bulkhead, allowing each section to provide an independent vessel. Because of the folding kayak&#39;s design, it may be folded into a compact unit, and may be easily carried or stored. 
     The embodiments described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.