A New Build

 I had been thinking, for a long time, of building a kayak intended for sale only. Instead, I built the SLT. Now I finally have the two kayaks I want to use: The Big One, for more "serious" conditions, and The Small, "grab & go" one for short trips, groups, etc. 

Kayak Foundry. My intention was to design a flatwater-cruising boat, with a long waterline and low rocker. I'm still somewhat "locked into" the KF "rules", but I'm trying to be slightly more intuitive. 

I posted a message on Facebook's Kayak Building page, asking the simple question of  "How much should I ask for a new, hand-built kayak?" I got the usual string of Message Board Responses, with many putting their own interpretation on the question, and a few helpful responses. Some seemed to read the question as "how to I make a fortune selling kayaks?", "how do I make a living selling kayaks?", or "is it worth it for me to sell a kayak?". Nick linked to an article on his website which is seemingly designed to discourage anyone else from trying to sell kayaks, and in about the next  breath encouraged another guy to try raising his prices! I don't know as if anyone actually gave me a plausible $.

The wooden kayaks on EBay are priced around $4000. I'm watching the listings to see if they actually sell. 

I'm going to build it. I's going to be a little stressful, having to pay much attention to detail.

11-14

I also asked the folks on Kayak Foundry what they thought, and got very technical answers, including a very thorough article by N. Schade about Stability. It answered my question of what creates the "catch" of Secondary Stability. I guess it depends on who you ask-Jay Babina (artist): "Anything goes! Have fun!" Rob Macks (craftsman): "Kayak Foundry is a program adapted from a program designed for larger boats! You can't use those numbers on kayaks!" Nick Schade (engineer): Two page article with charts and math.

In the end, I decide on something and do it, both in building and and trying to sell it.

Flat Hammock Island

I have been looking at a paddle to Fisher's Island for a long time.  I always chickened out because of wind, waves, boat activity, etc. Today, I decided to compromise & go for Flat Hammock, then on to Fisher's if I felt like it.

Mostly cloudy, 60-degree morning. Set out at 7:30, before the wind came up, on the incoming tide. Mostly glassy-smooth, with the "swell" I've heard tell of, up to Seaflower Reef, where I met some "confused waters on an agenda"-nothing to lose control over, but that's what put me off the last time. It occurs to me that the waters were "confused" because it is a reef.

North Dumpling Island. This photo was actually taken on the way back, but I did slow down to check it out on the way in. Interesting up close, neatly maintained, model of Stonehenge, grove of groomed conifers, "Off Limits" signs.

So, here we are on the Flat Hammock. Not exactly as I envisioned it from the map-smaller, and the beach is pebble, not sand. I was a bit worried by the presence of birds, but they were non-aggressive.

 A cable, of unknown function and destination.

Concrete Thing. It had a window on the other side.

Having set out from Bayberry Lane, my GPS showed almost four miles. It would definitely have been shorter to depart from Esker Point. Although Fishers looked close enough to hit with an arrow, I didn't want to push myself too much, so I headed back.

South Dumpling. This is supposed to be the Island Of Angry Birds, so I let it be.

It must be "off the grid" with the windmill and all those solar panels. More buildings than I thought. I Think the gray house is where people actually live. There was also a sizeable power boat moored a few yards offshore.

My strategy of an early start did help me avoid the winds on the way out, but predictably, I faced a headwind on the way back. Oddly, I made better time with the headwind than without? Maybe the tide was helping.

Interesting Sky. I'm glad I made it back before the weather got too "interesting" 😏
Maybe next time I'll leave from Esker Point, when the weather is actually warm.