: I'm deep in the process of considering whether or not to build a stipper. My
: three leading candidates are boats by Nick, Rob and Jay. I have a question
: about "options" in their plans, in general.

: Do their plans generally come with instructions on how to install
: "options"? For example, suppose I wanted a recessed compass
: mount or a day hatch (both of which I do). Am I on my own to stray from
: the plans, or do the plans come with sections on how to install a varioety
: of options at the builders discretion?

: Thanks

: Rick

I like a simple design with reliable function.

Options are options. You're the builder, the sky's the limit.

I'll be happy to give advice on building or considering options.

My own feeling about the options you're considering: a recessed compass
and a day hatch are this:

Recessed compass. Hey, looks great. However, I use a Richie kayak compass mounted
on a wood base I made that has shaped minicell bottom and shock cord so I can take
it on and off easily, use it on any boat. I like it high on my deck so I can see it in low light
conditions. I want it off my boat at night when I'm camping so it won't get smashed if the boat's
blown around by a storm or if someone trips over the boat in the dark. I can stow it quickly if
I leave my kayak in a public area where someone might want a souvenir.

Day hatches. They look cool. Great feature to sell boats. I've a friend who's an outfitter and he says
they're a big hit and selling gimmick.

I have the equivalent day storage space behind my seat in my cockpit. If the conditions are good enough
for someone with a day hatch to reach behind their back, I sure can pop my skirt and reach behind my
seat more easily.

I don't have to struggle with opening a lid without dropping it in the water and leaning back and fishing
around for something, then trying to get the lid back on the day hatch,

Plus I still have a deck surface with shock cord to hold my raincoat behind the cockpit. With a day hatch you
give up this rear deck storage. Plus you really loose storage space if you use your kayak for extended trips
because the extra separate bulkheaded compartment can never be packed as well as one larger space can.

With a day hatch you loose space in my book. But that may not be important to you.

Now if I were going to make a day hatch, I'd make the cover hinged like a toilet seat cover with a gasket
and magnets, so you could lift it quickly and not have to worry about a big open hole in your deck if you
loose the hatch cover.

I know all those options are tempting. Some may even be useful.

Personally, I like a simple, tested design, that works in rough use.

You know they do have those water proof speakers....

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com