Whatever Floats Your Boat

We just had the unofficial launching of the kayak. Stuart III, Jerri, and Josie went down to the lake with Janet and I to see if 11 months of work stayed above the surface. I was the first to give it a try, followed by III. Then Jerri got into the kayak and put both of us to shame. I'm figuring I'll get better at it with practice.







Of course, it wouldn't be complete unless blood (mine) was spilled.

Here's a short video of Stu-3 in the kayak.

IT'S A BOAT!!!

Well, it's been almost a year, but the kayak is finally done!! I put the hatch straps, the seat back, and the front bungee on today. Now the hardest part: waiting for a day warm enough to launch.

I'm Getting Closer to My Boat....

(With apologies to Grand Funk Railroad).
Well, the hull has three coats of paint, and the deck has two (so far) coats of varnish. Starting to look pretty good, if I do say so. Straps, bungee and seat back are the finishing touches. April launch looks assured.

Did have one minor setback. I won't be launching with a homebrew wooden paddle; my drawknife took a big chunk instead of a shaving. Best I can figure, I muscled it along a contour line in the wood. Oh well, that's why I have the other paddles.

If I'm lucky, varnish will be done this week with the finishing touches starting on the weekend.