The new KRAKEN is a modular and interdisciplinary connection system for hydrofoils to connect masts, fuselages, plates and everything. Recently presented by Sabfoil as a real revolution in the hydrofoil world, the system certainly has some interesting features and is a step forward in terms of functionality and ease of assembly, compared to the previous model.
Specifically, the Kraken Modular System allows you to:
- Connect any kraken mast to any kraken fuselage
- Easily change the type of stem connection from plate to allle and vice versa
- Use the Q01K quick release system, to mount and dismount the hydrofoil with a single screw
Let's take a closer look at how the new system works.
We used it in the Wingfoil with the following configuration:
MAIN 83 KMS + KRAKEN 703 FUSELAGE + CP02K CARBON RAIL PLATE - KRAKEN MODULAR SYSTEM + Q01K - KRAKEN QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM
We personally chose the 83 cm KMS column which is a particularly versatile 83 cm full carbon column. We chose it because it adapts well to various disciplines: wingfoil, kitefoil and surffoil, even if our use is almost exclusively in wingfoil. Its height is a fair compromise and is well suited to use even with choppy seas or with active waves.
For the fuselage we chose the new Kraken 703 (F703K). The fuselage is made of aluminum and is 70.3 cm long. Also in this case it is a very multipurpose fuselage that lends itself to being used in different disciplines. Compared to the previous model, M8 SCREWS are now used for the connection with the column. Attention as always to the fuselage as regards the connection with the front wings. There are two types of fuselages: T6 narrow chord, suitable for front wings with M6 screws or T8 wide chord, suitable for M8 screws. The Kraken 703 is a T8 fuselage.
The table - column connection system in our case is the CP02K plate which is a very light carbon plate.
Mast - Fuselage and Mast - Table connection
The first thing you notice is that the fuselage for the new Kraken system is bigger and has a more solid connection. Unlike previous systems, which have a tapered coupling between the mast and fuselage, the Kraken has a thicker parallel coupling system and uses two M8 screws to secure the parts together. The new Kraken design prevents the front screw from loosening during a session, a problem that many riders had already pointed out to sabfoil. Also, it is no longer necessary to strike the bottom of the fuselage to free the tapered fitting between the mast and fuselage during disassembly. In the new system after removing the M8 screws, the two parts detach smoothly with minimal force.
The vertical angle of the Kraken mast is very similar to the Series 2 mast. Therefore, if you replace a Series 2 mast with a Kraken mast, the mast will be in the same position. The Kraken mast plate has 4 additional mounting holes allowing the mast to be positioned 30mm further forward or rearward than the Series 1 and 2. This provides more adjustability to accommodate riders weight and foil choice.
Kraken plate
The new P02K aluminum or CP02K carbon base kraken plate comes with the M8 hexagon countersunk screws. This is certainly good news for the solidity of the system but, as always, pay attention to the compatibility with the table guide system. On the other hand using the M6 ??
ATTENTION: when assembling the plate it is always important to pay attention to the length of the screws. In our case, for example, the screws were a few mm too long and, once tightened, they touched the bottom of the table rails. In some cases you can even run the risk of drilling the board. This is to say that when first assembling it is always important to take things slowly and check carefully what you are doing, if possible at home, before going to the beach, so as not to rush things in the hurry to go to sea!
Q01K Kraken quick release system
The Quick Release system for Kraken columns is the flagship of the whole new Kraken system. An upgrade that allows you to assemble and disassemble your hydrofoil much faster.
In practice, the system allows you to leave the plate (P02K - CP02K) or the tuttle (T03K) always on the board and to quickly assemble and disassemble the rest of the hydrofoil thanks to a single conical screw, with a few turns of the key and without losing any turn the setting on the board.
The new quick release system is based on a through screw that locks the stem to the plate (or to the tulle).
Please note that a different size Allen key is required to tighten the screw than the one used for the M8 fuselage base plate screws. The locking / unlocking screw has an M10 Allen head
So to mount the column to the plate we need an M10 allen key, to mount the plate to the table, the column to the fuselage and the front wing an M8 allen key and finally an M6 allen key to mount the stabilizer... of course not it would be bad to have a system with screws that all have the same head, but this is not the case, so remember to keep all 3 necessary allen screws close at hand or you risk staying on the ground.
First configuration of the new Kraken system
The initial configuration of the system takes about 10 minutes, take it easy and do all the configuration at home without rushing.
I say this because the configuration is simple but it is important to do things right, otherwise the result may not be optimal.
There are two different types of SETUP which depend on the type of Mast - Table connection.
Setup A for aluminum plate (P02K) or mini tuttle (T03K), while Setup B for carbon plate (CP02K) or deep Tuttle (T04K). Our case therefore is that of Setup B with Carbon Plate. Between the two configurations, the need to insert or not the additional spacers changes, which are needed in case B (ours), but not in case A. But let's go in order
When assembling the column with the Quick Release for the first time, it is important to be careful to use the right number of repairs and spacers to add to the two screws which are entrusted with the connection, to ensure that the plate and the column connect correctly.
If too many guards are added, the post will swing back and forth; if we use few guards or if the spacers are not used, the screw will not tighten all the way down and the locking will not be complete.
There are a couple of things to check to make sure you've installed it properly.
1. The steering column must absolutely have no play or wobble but must remain firmly in position once the tightening screw is tightened
2. The tightening of the screw must not be too hard or too soft, especially at the end of the stroke. If at the end of the stroke the tightening is too hard, it means that it is necessary to add a guard on each side. If vice versa the tightening is too soft and does not offer any resistance, it means that it is necessary to remove a guard from each side.
As already said, it is not a difficult job but it must be done slowly in order to be able to take full advantage of the system which not only saves you a lot of time in assembly / disassembly, but also ensures that your tree is always in the correct position.
Conclusions
The new Kraken system with Quick Release is valid and allows you to enter the water quickly. For those who have more than one board or use hydrofoil for multiple disciplines (wingfoil, kitefoil, surffoil, etc.) we strongly recommend buying a plate with quick release for each board in order to make the most of the advantages of this system.
Practical and light, the Sabfoil Kraken system is another novelty in this sport where it is increasingly difficult to stay up to date.
Overall I am very satisfied with the Kraken system and would recommend it to anyone as the benefits are indeed there.