The Llama has arrived! | Korpijaakko

Not much to say yet, but wanted to share the news with you: The Alpacka Denali Llama has arrived!

The brand new 2011 model Alpacka Denali Llama with spray skirt rolled up.

I had a chance to test the older model Denali Llama and there are several differences between them. The most striking feature is the shape of the new 2011 models, especially the long tail which should make it less prone to bandersnatch and a little better tracking. Both very welcome attributes though I didn’t miss them last autumn as I didn’t know such things would be possible.

The seat is also different and is now built of two separate pieces: A traditional style seat part attached to the boat with four threaded tabs and a small separate inflatable backrest that attaches to two grap loops. Except that they are not exactly loops but one could easily tie a piece of strap to them, move the seat a bit forward and use a dry sack as a backrest. Or utilize the other two tie down loops at the back and strap a rucksack on top of the stern like it is usually tied down to the bow. I think this might be useful if using the boat for two persons with backpacks. Have to do some testing…

Details of the new backrest.

The spray skirt has also been changed and can now be fully unzipped instead of rolling it away. Very useful feature and enables lightening the boat a bit if the skirt is not needed. Once again, very useful if using the boat with two on board. I’m pondering if I should have taken the “beefy spray deck” upgrade – but if I feel a need for it, I can just unzip the spray deck and send it to Alpacka for modification.

The boat with the spray deck removed.

I’ll be taking the boat out as soon as I get my paddle… Unfortunately there weren’t any reasonably priced and short enough 4-piece paddles available in Finland so I ordered a cheap but sturdy (i.e. heavy) 2-piece aluminum paddle to get started. Some testing on the lake on Thursday or Friday and during the weekend I’ll take the boat to white water for some practise and fun with friend.

So, more to come. A lot more. And hopefully also more on completely different topic… Stay tuned!