- Install hatches and bulkheads
- Sand, Sand, Sand and apply spar varnish for final finish
- Install deck rigging and hand toggles
But! It is entirely functional, so I could not wait to take it out and see how it would go. Would it track straight? Would it leak? Would some seam bust when under the first strain?
We put it on top of the Mini Cooper. Got to admit, that was pretty cool to me. Matthew helped, but super easy to do on my own. I figure the boat is about 40lbs. We drove over to Walsh Landing in Lake Austin, dropped off the kayak and parked.
Matthew graciously let me go first - I think it was his little payback for me doing most of the un-fun sanding work. I gingerly climbed in, worried that I might put my foot through the floor! Whoa! It's tippy! The cockpit opening is smaller than I expected too. If I was a big guy, it would be a tight fit. Then I start paddling. Whoa! This thing is fast!! That's the flip side of tippy... the boat is long and skinny, good for fast! And as I get used to it, I see it has good secondary stability. Meaning once you've leaned a little, you get a second solid support. The other side to long and skinny is that it doesn't turn very easily. For distances, it turns reasonably well, though in wide sweeps.
Paddling along was effortless, even with a slight wind in my face.
Matthew took a turn. The boat looks very cool as he paddles off. It will look even better once I get hatches and deck rigging installed. Matthew finds it very easy to paddle too, and the foot pedals have adjustable range that will fit both him and I.
Very Cool!! Very happy with the first ride. I haven't been in a "touring" kayak in a while, and I'm really looking forward to a LONG ride.
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