: Half way through stripping the hull of my Laughing Loon Panache a broken
: collar bone has forced me to switch from "building" to
: "thinking about building." So now I'm taking this chance to
: thank you all for providing an excellent forum for us beginners to listen
: in on. It's been a great help.

: Two things stand out as really helpful for me: 1) Directions: When in doubt
: follow them. The boat designer really does know what he's talking about.
: In this case that's Rob Macks. Thanks Rob. Your plans and instructions are
: great.

: 2) Duct tape: It is a very good thing. I haven't used a staple yet. I've been
: using a combination of tape, pony clamps, wedges, bags of salt, and on
: occasion one of those little U-shaped jigs.

: Without all the advice from y'all I'd wouldn't be as far along as I am.

: Now here's my advice for other northern builders: When building in St. Paul,
: Minnesota during the month on February keep at least one bag of salt
: available for de-icing the sidewalk and front steps. The heavy bags do a
: great job at holding strips down on those tough curves but next winter
: I'll use at least one to salt the walk ;^)

: So for now -- no more stripping. I am able to build the forms for the coaming
: and hatches and with a little help from my wife I'll be able to do the
: laminations and until my shoulder heals I'm open to any tips on one-armed
: building.

Andy

Sorry to hear of the ..... uh.....mishap. Now would be a good time to go over your design for the deck, lay it out on paper, and if you already have the strips cut, lay it out on the floor and get approval fromt he now, obviously, better half. Work on the seat and backrest if you are building your own. Get healed! And enjoy what ever you can.

Rehd