risingsn

I found the participants qualifications at the end to be very impressive. Very well analysised

yes, discretion is the better part of valor

I have no interest in Uniden or West Marine I just saw this radio on sale @ West Marine, regularly $119.99 on sale for $89.99. I don't know anything about these radios, but that seems like a great price for a submersible radio. It has a JIS8/IPX8 submersible rating.

Suz, Not being the sharpest knife in the draw, I assume you are suggesting putting a little grease on the neck & Wrist gaskets before putting on the dry suit. Is this the same silicone grease that I use for pool & plumbing gaskets? If so, you can buy a big tube @ a pool store for not much $. Thanks, Chuck

Another option is to install every thing using Tapcon screws. These are designed to be used in concrete & if installed correctly they are very strong. If you are going to mount w/ adhesive anything into the concrete the product to use is Strong Tie. It cones in a caulking tub. but is a two part epoxy adhesive that mixes in the nozzle as it comes out the tip. As I remember, when used w/ a 1/2 bolt it has a pull out strength of 10,000 lbs. Hmmm...I wonder if this is what they used to hold the ceiling panels in place in the 'big dig' tunnel.

Timing...I just ordered new ones yesterday...

I was just on their USA & UK site, none listed. Any other ideas?

Hi Liz, When the new Mini first came out two guys showed up & Sweetwaters Sympo with two 18' boat mounted on the rack> I always wondered if Thules Tracker feet might mount into cars that have those mounts already in the roof...

I am considering adding these to my kit as emergency hatch covers. Does any one have any experience w/ them or other suggestions http://www.secondwindsports.net/products/products.php?cat=8 Does anyone have a WWW address for Expedition Essentials or is Dale out of the business? Thanks for your help! Chuck

I think this is a great boat that fills the gap between a rec boat & a sea kayak. I have paddled it (I'm 5'7 #152). I have found Carbonlite to be pretty bullet proof, coming off a trailer @ speed & taking very little damage (no, I didn't tie it on). As to speed. About a year ago someone took the resistance results from reviews that Sea Kayaker Mag had done & plotted them on a chart, Sea Kayaker published the result. Based on that, it appears that most boats are very close in speed until after they go above 4 knot (yes, a 12' Heritage will be a dog). Yes, of course the motor will make a difference. If you like the fit & feel, I think this boat will take you a long way in developing you skill & will be an upgrade from you WS. Enjoy!

If I carry the appropriate number of unexpired flares, is their a restriction or penalty for carrying expired flares as well? Thanks, Chuck

Two things -Their have been threads on NSPN that included racers dying wo/PFD -A piece of kit that s worth a million $$$... A large mesh kit bag. I have a large one from NRS. it hold everything, really...PFD, tow, igloo, med kit, pump, hypothermia kit, boots, spare tops etc, spray deck, bail out bag, Mylar bivi, storm cag plus misc stuff I can't think of @ the moment (my guess is it weighs about #300) . Of course it is to short to put my paddles in & yes, much to my embarrassment I have forgotten them or brought halves to different paddles Bottom line it is all about risk assessment. If you look at all of the kayak fatality reports that come across the NSPN site & other places I would say that they are all caused by poor risk assessment & over confidence. Well, theirs my 2 cents ($3.50 w/ the coming inflation)

You can also try Mel (Mellisa) @ http://www.carpediemkayaking.com/ in Maine. She is an excellent coach!

I have had an Optio W60 for about a year. It takes great pic & I have had no problems. This is a great site for reviews http://www.steves-digicams.com/

Well deserved! Congrates! Chuck

I also know Leon & Shawna. Besides being the great coaches & guides that they are, they are also a lot of fun. Worth the drive.

Hi Bob, Why wouldn't you wear a tow belt? Thanks, Chuck

Hi Jon, Well, first I would suggest ditching the deck bag unless you plan on putting 20+ milers on without a landing. Everything should fit in your PFD & day hatch (hence the name). I keep both haves @ the bow where I can see them & they are out of the way. Also if they are @ the bow you could (w/ lots of practice) retrieve 1/2 a paddle & roll up. I like to be able to return my spare to its original location after retrieving my lost primary (I'm an optimist). I have an Avocet & @ the bow are 3 RDFs w/ bungie between them. I didn't feel that the bungie itself had enough grip on the shafts so I put a piece of clear soft tubing over them & tightened them as much as possible w/ still enough room to get the shafts under from the cockpit. Well theirs my 2 cents ($3.50 w/ the coming inflation), Chuck

I have it on good authority that the BCU is desperately trying to put together a coaching scheme for these as we type... OK, well maybe not. Everyone have a Merry Christmas!

Gene, sounds like you had a great year...Congrats!!!