Did I Say I Was Finished?

After a not-so-successful outing this morning, I came back home with some ideas on modifying the cockpit to make entry and exit easier. Before I get any comments, let me acknowledge that if I was about 30 lbs. lighter these changes wouldn't be necessary. I won't bore you with pictures; you can look at my shins from the initial launch (March 21, 2008) and see what they look like now.

First thing I did (after screwing up the courage) was cut 1/4" from around the front of the cockpit. Then I carved out the bottom lamination of the front beam. The plans called for three, I put in four for strength. My bad. Finally, I took the seat out and replaced it with a foam pad velcroed to the back of the cockpit. Actually more comfortable (for me, at least). Tried a "dry" entry and it was much easier.

Now I'm off to work on the rain barrels. Need to see if I can get someone to accompany me to the lake next weekend to try out what I've changes. I'm not going ot finish (i.e., epoxy and varnish) until I'm sure it will work.

New Future Project

I added the link to the Apple Pie Yacht Tender. This is the boat that I'll be building for Stuart and Jerri. They buy materials, I provide the labor.

I'm Still Around

Having finished cleaning up from building the kayak, I'm focusing on some home/house stuff. I'll be starting a new boat soon: a small rowboat for Stuart III and Jeremy.

In the meantime, I did find this article on an old boat that was found late last year in NC. Old Pole Boat

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.

Winter months

Things progress more slowly in the winter. Last weekend, we had a warm spell that lasted long enough for me to put the rub rails on the kayak (with the help of my dear wife, Janet). Looking for the next spell so that I can glue in the hip braces and attach the seat back. If I'm REAL lucky, it'll last long enough for me to paint the hull.

You'll recall from the last post I was looking for someone with a bandsaw. Turns out my brother-in-law, Richard, has one. I was able to roughly shape the blades of the paddle and save myself a LOT of hand planing and cutting.

Still anticipating a spring launch.