Auday1

Count me in. I will be there. I have been wanting to do this trip for a long time. Bryan Auday

Thanks for asking the question regarding who is using "electronic" navigation aids. For the past five years I have been printing my own charts on water proof paper (Rippedsheets, #100771, 8.5 X 11) using a demo copy of Rose Point Coastal Explorer. You heard me correctly, the demo copy continues to work five years later. My problem now is that my computer is getting so old I need to replace it; Rose Point no longer gives you access to a demo copy (as far as I can see). The water proof paper by Rippedsheets is one of the best products I have ever used. It has exceeded all of my expectations. It's rip proof, you can print to both sides using a standard ink jet printer, and I have not seen any fading. The paper runs about 50 cents per page. The question I have now is: What navigation software would you recommend that is either free or very low cost?

I will be coming. Bryan Auday

I just saw your post. I plan on joining the group. See you at 11:00 Bryan Auday

Sorry, I can't change my schedule. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make this paddle. Bryan Auday

Hi, I'm going to try to make the paddle this evening; hopefully, I will be able alter my schedule. Bryan Auday bryan.auday@gordon.edu

Hi Suzanne, I would like to attend the cold water workshop on Nov. 7th. Bryan Auday bryan.auday@gordon.edu

I want to download NOAA navigational charts for free and then find a decent chart viewer software program to view and print the charts. In the past, I have used Maptech free software to do this; however, since my computer hard drive recently crashed and needed to be replaced, I'm wondering what you would recommend that I consider using in the future. I'm cheap and I don't need software that allows me to download to and from a GPS since my GPS does not have that capability. What would you recommend? Bryan

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Nov 28 2009, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Bryan, The Necky Eliza might be a good fit. I haven't paddled one myself, but REI had one on clearance that looked like a good fit, not only for the current description you gave about your daughter's height and weight, but she would also be able to grow with it. As for paddling with kids, I second Peter's remark that you have a tow belt at the ready and plenty of on water games in your mind. I've kayaked a great deal with kids and having both has proven to be invaluable. Thanks for the wonderful suggestions for my daughter. Based on what I have heard I'm looking closely at both the Impex Mystic and the Necky Eliza. Both of these crafts are designed for smaller paddlers who want to enjoy the open water. Having owned an Impex Currituck for a couple of years, it's been my experience that the craftsmanship with Impex kayaks is impeccable; down to the smallest detail, the company designs features that paddlers want (and need). I'm less familiar with Necky, although I see several NSPN club members owning these crafts. The polymer Eliza is larger and a little heavier than the Mystic, which concerns me a little; however, the composite version is suppose to be very light and have a beam of under 22 inches--which makes it more attractive. In addition, the composite version goes with a skeg instead of the rudder in the polymer option. I'm very predisposed to skegs, but I have to remember that this is for my daughter and not me. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding exact specifications for the composite version, even from the Necky website. I will give them a call. For those of you who have not had the privilege (yet) of introducing a child into the sport of kayaking--it's really cool . . . Bryan

Four years ago, I posted a notice asking if anyone could recommend a kayak for my (then) 8 year old daughter. A woman from New York responded and recommended that I look at the Perception Acadia Scout (10 ft. length, 20 inch beam). I purchased it and it turned out to be an ideal kayak for my petite daughter. However, now she is 12 and has out-grown the Scout. What would you recommend for an 80 lb, 4 ft. 8 in. girl who can easily paddle 6-8 miles in level 2 conditions. The kayak needs to have thigh bracing, preferrably a skeg (although I would consider a rudder), hopefully under 15 feet, and light. I don't care if it is a fibergass boat or plastic. This year she will begin to paddle in open water for the first time. Any suggestions? Bryan

Tom, I found a great product for printing waterproof charts. Sea Kayaker magazine had an article on waterproof paper a year or two ago. I use a product sold by Rippedsheets.com called 10 mil WP Teslin for an inkjet printer. The paper is expensive--it sells for $.91 per sheet if you purchase 50. I print on both sides of the paper which is virtually indestructable. I then punch two small holes in the corners and fasten them to my deck lines with small rings that open and close or small carabiners. The hole punch does not comprimise the paper since the ink from the printer fuses with the paper which is totally waterproof. I have used this product for the past year and have been amazed that it actually works as advertised. Bryan

I tried to use Magazine Beach this weekend and the road into the park was blocked off with a construction site fence. Later, I learned that the park will eventually return, allowing access to the Charles. Until the construction is completed you can find parking 400 yards west, up-river, near the boat house. It worked out well for me--I found access to the water a couple hundred feet from the parking area. Bryan Auday

I plan on going on this trip. I'm very interested in going through the locks as well. Bryan Auday

I'm interested in the Sunday trip in Boston. Let me know of any details as they become available. Bryan Auday

Thanks for referencing this thread, Bill. It answered both of my questions. For those of you with a similar situation, I have come to the conclusion to gently scrap off the pieces of foam that still remains and then use lacquer thinner and perhaps some sanding to help remove some of the glue. Whatever glue remains, I will simply glue right over the top of it when I put in my new foam knee/thigh braces. Bryan