Bill Lord

Gorilla tape does not stick to wet surfaces, therefore, I suggest you use duct tape instead.

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Hi Al, I plan on attending the paddle. Bill Lord Quest, yellow over white

Tom: If your are considering building your own you should also look at Chesapeak Light Craft. A good source of products and information for all kinds of paddling needs is PaddleNews@paddling.net. Good luck, Bill

Tom: I had the same problem with my Quest when I first ventured into choppy water. A small dry bag full of sand (about 18#) installed in my day hatch stopped that annoying bouncing around. I installed some hooks in the wall of the day hatch and use bungy cords to secure the bag in place, that way, if you roll, it won't dislodge, making it more difficult to roll up. Bill

I started in a 16' plastic boat and could do a cowboy entry with ease. Now that I have a Quest, I have not been able to re-enter it alone without the aid of a paddle float. It just flips right over and that is in calm water. You may have better luck but I seriously suggest some wet entry practice before heading out off of Crane's. Large rogue waves are very common and can catch you off guard. Bill

Tom: I too bought a Quest from NESC. I tried it first in a pond and it fit me like a glove, however, after I bought it I went on the ocean and found its initial stability to be horrible. I have made some alterrations to the boat that made it acceptable to me. I installed a dry bag containing 18 lbs of sand in the day hatch as ballast. Next I removed the seat and carved off some of the foam support pads from the bottom of the seat and put the seat back in the boat without fastening it in, letting it "float". This lowered the center of gravity and this, combined with the ballast, increased the initial stability considerably. The Quest was designed as an expedition boat and performs well fully loaded. She is fast and tracks well but has little rocker so does not turn easily unless you "edge" it. The ballast I carry makes edging more difficult. Overall I am happy with the boat but it is best used for long paddles or expeditions and not for rock play and such.

The Barnical Restaurant in Marblehead, near Fort Sewal. It has a deck and a beach (rocky, but landable) right next to it. It has excellent fried seafood and chowder. They have lobster but call ahead to make sure they have them for you. The deck and tables inside overlook the harbor. Very nice. Bill

You should not throw plastic bags into a porta potty as they don't break down and will clog the pump out. Most North Shore towns send their trash to Resco in Saugus where it is burned and produces electricity, therefore, you can deposit Wag Bags, plastic bags, etc., in the trash.

Gary: I bought the C-Tug this winter but have not tried it yet with the kayak on it. It comes apart easily and I am sure it will fit in one of your compartments. The wheels are fat and rugged, advertised for "any terrain" and it is made of good quality materials. I think I am going to be happy with it and can't wait to try it. Bill

John: Very regretfully, I am working and cannot attend, however, I have a question; some time ago, I believe it was you that provided a link to a very good navigation instructional website for dead reckoning, etc. I had downloaded it to my computer but recently it crashed and I lost all data. Could you provide this link again? I think there are many new members now that would also appreciate this info. Thanks, Bill

I am sure you can park right in the main lot now and no one will bother you. Bill

I know that a Valley day hatch cover does not fit my P & H Quest day hatch cover which is a Kajaksport. Bill

Thanks guys, from me as well. I only wish I could have attended more than the two I did. One of these years I will learn to roll. Bill

Gene: If you continued past 133 on 95 and take the rt. 97 exit and followl that to 128 it would be faster. That is the same route you would take to Manchester. It is not much farther to Gloucester from there than Tuck's. Bill