Phil Allen

Thanks for the suggestions; I ended up using both. After drilling and refilling with epoxy, I still had a slow leak at one end of the boat. The vacuum cleaner/blower with soapy water demonstrated cracks in the tape/hull joint. Using the suction from the vac I was able to suck in enough epoxy to seal things up nicely. Thanks again. Phil

Barry- Just to open up your thought horizons, what about one of the plastic sit-on top surf toys. Something like the wilderness systems kaos, Perception 5-O (if you could find one) or something from OceanKayak. That way you could sit him on your lap to play on the pond and have something fun to goof around in the waves with. As he got older, it would be easier for him to use safely on his own. Just my 0.02$ worth Phil

We're planning on coming. Phil & Lorrie.

redoing the resuce toggles (different from carrying point on my boat) and was wondering on the costs/benefits to elastic bungee versus regular cord. Am thinking I could get away with thinner regular cord if the elasticity isn't really necessary. Thanks. Phil

Oh it's definitely the holes for the rescue toggle cord. The water test was quite clear; so clear I'm surprised I can't see the cord itself.

Lorrie and I are interested. Depends on whether we drive up Mt. Washington to ski or not. Phil

Hi All, I season or more ago I did end pours into my older Impex currituck to add rescue toggles (boat didn't come with them, unlike modern versions). Recently, the holes for the toggle cord in the hull have been leaking but there's no visually apparent channel (can't see the toggle bungee). So what's the best way to plug my leak? Obvious options are to do the end pours over until it comes out the toggle holes or to go in though the toggle holes with some marine grad epoxy and hope it plugs the channels. Other thoughts? I would prefer to get it right this time. Thanks. Phil

I'd argue with David that Hingham harbor isn't an ideal launch at low tide unless you like boot sucking mud. The other 2/3rds on either side of high is great, but the last hour around low is pretty thin and muddy. And yes, I learned this the hard way. Otherwise, it's a great paddle in fairly protected conditions. Phil

Anybody driving up from Brookline/Boston area? Phil

Gene- I have no idea how well this would work for kayaking, but they sell "nitrile" gloves for personal protection (chemical/biohazard) that are latex allergen free. We're encouraged to use them in labs to minimize the chance of getting latex allergies (which can be really problematic if severe). I'd bet that you could use these as a surface layer under the drysuit gasket and they would protect the skin. Let me know your hand size (small, medium, etc) and I'll see if I can "borrow" a few pair. Phil

I added a few pics in the members gallery on this site. NSPN Message Board > Gallery > User Information > round Cape Ann, 50209 Phil

A nice day was had by all I'd say. Telling was the reality that most initially planned to bail at Lanes Cove, but once there all most all decided to continue round. I learned that 19 miles of paddling, a 1-2k current and a lobster buoy do NOT make for a good roll this early in the season I've got a few pics I'll see if I can get posted later. It was good paddling with you all and thank you Lesley for planning. Phil

Sounds like a (quite a bit better than) nice day! phil

David- Lorrie and I are 50/50 for the day, but would likely also want to spot a car at Lanes. Phil

Janaki- It's a bit of a drive for you, but I'd bet money that Charles river canoe and kayak in Newton MA would have a force 3 in demo/rental and they're right on the water (flat). Also, if you'd like a higher front deck for a more knees up position, try the Capella (p&h) series. Phil

Les- Welcome to NSPN. I think you'll find some very helpful and friendly people here. In my opinion the answer is yes, no and maybe. Yes: you'll always benefit from having access to NOAA weather radio. Yes, on the chesapeake, the VHF marine radio will be an excellent safety tool should you need assistance from other boaters, the coast guard, etc in a way that a cell phone just couldn't. No: the VHF would be of little use on creeks and rivers not readily travelled by other, usually bigger, boats; and it is illegal to use marine VHF on land. Maybe: well even if it's illegal to use marine VHF where you were, but you were in trouble and someone was listening I'd choose to suffer the consequences of illegal use AFTER I was rescued. And if you're planning on getting one, Amazon has a Standard Horizon waterproof handheld for ~65$. Get a waterproof bag for it as well. As many here will testify, older SH "waterproof" radios have not lived up to that claim. Phil

Les- I'm interested, but you should specify your definition of slow! ;-) Phil

After saying I could make it in the other thread, I was reminded of a conflict. Have fun without me folks. Phil

Thanks Brian- Bad news is I have to work outdoors. Good news is that we're looking at an extended warm spell. Phil

K- I can't make the early paddle, but traffic willing could make the practice session. Hope to see you then. Phil

Hi Folks- Just noticed that I chipped a quarter size piece of gel coat off of my skeg box last weekend. As the temp keeps going up and down, I was wondering if anybody knew the minimal temperature for gel coat (small repair tube version) to cure at? Or at least to cure within ~12-24 hours. Thanks. Phil