Recent content by Gamma1214

All's well that ends well. We can beat ourselves up over mistakes that we've made but we cannot change the past. Sounds like a good learning experience and you're better prepared to help others now (practice is good but it's never the same as real-life). Glad losses were minimal.

Mostly, I work. Seems like that's about all I'm doing these days with the day job, the horseshoeing side gig, repairs to my house, my rental, my oldest daughter's and now my youngest daughter just told me she looked at a house that "has a leak in the roof but just in one place" UGH! (I suppose...

@memaquay, please send pictures of a campfire-roasted goat or last year's moose or we'll have to assume that your account has been pirated by ai or that you're being held captive by some double-blade wielding city dweller (blink twice if you need help) I DO enjoy playing with the obvious ones...

I'm in mem's camp. Staple holes and bead & cove allow me to work quickly and usually by the time I get my stem taper cut, scarf the strip & glue / clamp it in place, I can move to the other side & do it again so, working around the hull, I'd estimate that adding one strip to both sides takes 20...

That bracket works much better now as I've replaced the clamps (which hold the trim router) with countersunk screws. Now the whole contraption can clear everything & there is no need for hand trimming. I showed it in my Raven build & it worked awesome. The seat was also expanded for my Raven...

Phoenix, That one looks like it'll do. No pfd required but bit might make border crossings interesting.

Welcome. A trip to Maine is probably 7-10 years away for me so I'll look forward to another possibility of seeing it through posts.

I'll certainly have to try that on some test panels before my next build. I'm not sure I understand the mechanics of it, though... How would the glass be completely buried? Does it float away from the hull during the wet-out? I mean, I suppose it would but I never would have thought it was...

I pack a Deuce of Spades (2 of them in fact; I keep one in the ditch kit too). I bought it mostly because I appreciated what I thought was a clever play on words but I've now used it for quite a few years & I'm pleased with it. (also works well to insulate the tent floor when burning mosquito coil)

I'm not sure where you're saving the weight Jim. Is it on the inside of the stripper? I only use a wet-out coat (no fill coats) on the inside because I like the texture & extra grip. On the exterior, I'd think you'd want to bury the weave. I've only had one scratch get into the weave so far...

I had originally intended to bevel each strip and I think I even bought the Robo Bevel from Guillemot Kayaks (though I have no idea where it might be now). About that time, I ran across a great deal on a used shaper so I switched to B&C instead. I have no complaints and may, someday, try one...

From the viewpoint of someone who has not always made good choices, I must say: This one seems solid.

Looks like a great paddle & thanks for taking the time to share.

Just a thought on the extra layers: I like s-glass on the exterior but you'd save cash (and a tiny bit of weight) by using 30" wide, 4 oz e-glass on the inside football. (I haven't found 4 oz s-glass yet but I'm still looking.) The e-glass isn't a stiff as the s-glass but with a double layer...

Welcome John. I'll agree that that's a nice looking ride that you've got. I'm looking forward to retirement myself but I think I'm about 5 years behind you. Post trip reports as you can & I'll live vicariously for a bit. -Steve