Jim Snyder

Cautions appreciated Brian. I do have pool sessions available not too far away and was planning on that. Also prior to a real trip I have to design and build the barge I'm going to have to tow to carry all the stuff that doesn't fit in this boat.

Thanks for the input on deck lines. I spent a lot of time trying to sort out the different diameters and strengths available. I ordered some 550 but if I don't like it I'll find another use for it and order something else. I don't really care about reflectivity from the deck lines.

I am less than enthusiastic about the finish I achieved with the two part polyurethane although I think it was more a result of inexperience than the material, which is amazing. It's claimed to be 100% solids with no vehicle and is absolutely odorless. Probably would have come out better if I had talked my wife into applying it. 

Seat, backband, and maybe foam heel rest are next if anyone has suggestions. I plan to drive the boat up to http://www.topkayaker.net/index.html to try some things out. Too bad Lake Ossipee is frozen...

Hull coated with the Skinboat Store's two part polyurethane http://shop.skinboats.com/2-Part-Urethane-Coating-for-Kayak-Skin-goop1.htm :

Deck coated:

Not sure if I'll mix up one more coat or if I'm ready for outfitting. Ready to order some deck lines but can't decide on color. I'm thinking maybe these:

https://www.paracordplanet.com/red-750-type-iv-w-double-reflective-tracers/ . There's bungee available in the same color without the reflective tracer.

Deck seams complete:

The stems needed to be trimmed and cross stitched:

Cockpit staged up for stitching:

Ready to iron:

There seemed to be various opinions as to whether the fabric can be stretched to accommodate the rise at stem and stern but I decided to sew a "sock" in each end. The cross stitch finish of this seam later will also add protection in these areas. Setting the stern sock 3" short allows pulling the fabric to stretch that 3" before starting to sew the center seam:

I decided to use the welting cord method from the Skin Boat School (https://www.skinboats.org/weltingcord to sew the center seam

Bow finished:

Mark's report is that the launch is clear of ice but the parking lot is 4 wheel drive only. 

Meet at 9:30, low tide 1:13 pm. 2.5' swell predicted, winds light but possible strong gusts. Water temperature around 40.

Route to be determined.

Mark is checking launch points today to make sure ice is not a problem. If you email me your float plan information I will print plans for everyone. saltcreek at aoldotcom.

Hi Mark,

Looks like we're on for 9:30 at Odiorne. If you can join us, that's great. My phone is 603 783 9226.

I had about given up here and decided to go to Salem with others. I could do morning at Odiorne. Let's pm or talk on the phone. 

Conditions looking favorable for a trip out of Odiorne this Thursday. Anyone interested?

Back to the kayak. Nylon arrived from https://www.skinboats.org/store but I have been working on finishing up what I can't reach after the skin is on.

Test fitting footpegs:

Installing blocking for these http://topkayaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_133&products_id=1034 deck line fittings:

Footpegs installed:

Trying not to obsess about the added weight of everything I do...

Hi Todd and welcome! I'm in Canterbury NH and often looking for paddling partners, often out of Odiorne or Hampton. To cold to be paddling solo for awhile. 

Hey this is my thread! Just kidding, I'd enjoy the story too. I found a cedar 2 X 4 that had been leaning against the barn for 10 years at least. Still sound. I'm drying it out to start a storm paddle.

Thanks Brian, Looks like storm paddle on the foredeck is the most common solution there. It'll give me a project while I'm snowed in.

I'm anticipating my fabric arriving soon and am trying to make sure I've done everything that will be impossible to do later. I intend to install perimeter deck lines as a compromise to safety over tradition and am trying to source fittings that will install securely in the gunwales after sewing. I also want to make sure I have a way to secure either a euro paddle or a greenland as a spare and can't figure out a way to do the greenland. It would be easier if I made a storm paddle but if things went badly enough to need the spare I might be happier with a full paddle. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks for your input Brian. I have installed stainless steel clevises at each stem but I'm not sure yet they will work as well as I hoped. I might try the dowel. Seems like you have to think everything through and be committed before you sew it up. The frames are already at about 1 1/2" and I have been wondering if they're strong enough as it is. I don't think it would be practical to alter them without removing them one at a time. I think the best thing is to keep from flooding the boat in the first place, hopefully it will be an easy roll!

Frame is complete and I'm test fitting flotation. The frames make it difficult and I think I will add some solid flotation also. I'm trying to decide whether to install footpegs or try some foam blocks on the frame in front of my feet. Also trying to decide whether to remove most of the stainless steel screws at the lashed joints. Any input on any of these topics is welcome. Total weight at this point is 27 pounds.

Started lashing. I thought I was going to hate this part but I find it strangely enjoyable.

First test fitting. So far so good.

Frame released from it's sawhorses. Right now all joints are screwed but I intend to lash them when my sinew arrives. I need to make some adjustments to the keel but I'm pretty happy with how it's coming along. Weight of frame so far is just over 22 lbs.

I'm a possible...

I'm laminating two pieces of 3/4 X 7/8 stock to glue the bend into the gunwales.

I had a momentary panic thinking about the route necessary to get the boat out of the basement but I think I'm okay.

Starting to look like a boat.

Long range forecasts are for quiet ocean conditions, one foot swells with light off shore winds. The temperatures are predicted to be 22 at 10 am rising to a high around 30. 

I was wrong about finding a piece of spruce good enough so I went to a specialty supplier in Manchester NH. I settled on using old growth Western Hemlock. It's clear, straight grained, and only slightly heavier than cedar, and substantially stronger.

Figuring out how to rip and plane 18' lumber in my basement was a bit of a trick but the long pieces are all made.