I started my Outer Island last October and just finished it today (there was a building lull in Jan and Feb.) It weighs in at 43.5# all fitted out -- not bad for an 18' kayak, right, George? ;-) I finished it just in time for the first kayak symposium of the season on Memorial weekend. Last year there were a half-dozen stitch-n-glues, including my Tern, but no strippers, so I hope to show off a bit. I have to get out and paddle it tomorrow, to get myself a bit experience before I go make a fool of myself in some rolling sessions. I'll have to be careful, because the 2-part poly clearcoat is only a couple days old. It's supposed to take 72-96 hours to get to the 'limited service' stage, then 14-21 days until 100% cure. (Yes, I'm still breathing, not hooked up to an IV drip with a nurse wiping the drool off my chin. Sorry, Ian, you don't get my kayak ;-)

Thanks to everyone on the BBS for all the tips -- and the entertainment, too. Now that the kayak is done, I hope to be paddling more and posting less. Until the Newfound Rendezvous in September, where I'll probably get the urge to start kayak #3...

Dean