: If Maroske is what you have on your boat, that is what I plan on going with.

If you have the time and inclination to do it (and hit the right point in your building schedule), I don't think there's anything better.

: I am planning on turning some beads out of walnut or purple heart.

Sweet!!! You saw the plastic ones I put on the Avocet--ugly, but tough and functional. They fit a plastic boat, though. I'm thinking of antler beads for the Cormorant, and the Guillemot after I remodel it.

: probably go with 5/16 or 3/8 -- appreciate the comment on 1/4 -- it seemed
: small.

Larger is definitely more comfortable....

The limitation on the Maroske fittings is that it's difficult to form a small bend in tubing larger than 3/8" OD without crushing the tubing (and making a narrower fitting...even if you do stuff pretty big rope inside. Where I will needto pass more than 2 lines through a 3/8" dia fitting, I plan to put two tubes into 4 holes and make a double fitting.

:I was figuring I would get the kermantle at army navy in Whitefish
: -- is the feed store cheaper?

If I remember correctly, it was $8.99 for 100' of 1/4". I'll check Army Navy to see what their cost is.

:Also, does Jesco usually carry small amounts of West Systems

Just called 'em. They do. Pints and quarts.

: I put in a roller's recess so will likely have it so the paddle and float can
: go behind the cockpit -- the foredeck on the King is quite high and round
: so I think the lines would have to be too loose to plan on using that for
: self rescue.

After getting proficient with that rescue, I don't find myself using the lines at all. You can simply grip the paddle shaft against the coaming and use that as your "connection".

: Finally tried the RAKA and quite like it. It seems as thin as West Systems
: and a bit faster than System 3 (shop was at 80 degrees and I was working
: alone -- very quickly). Penetrates well and I had virtually no outgassing
: (I think because of the speed). Thanks again.

Great news!!!! I did the glassing on my Cormorant in 75*F August daytime temperatures, and it was just barely enough time to get everything squeegeed before things got tacky. Good for you!! I've thinned it slightly with 5-10% acetone for a penetrating resin for paddle shafts, and plan to try thinning with Xylene once I can do it outdoors this summer.

: I shall send you a cheque directly -- let me know what you want for the
: flares as well. If anyone wants to do something nice for Shawn for
: arranging all the nylon -- he likes Canadian chocolate and, maybe a wee
: dram of Canadian whiskey.

I forgot to check on the flares, but will tonight. I sent you an email with the nylon cost--of course, you won't have any shipping costs from here to there.

BTW, The Big Mountain is so low on business that some of the hotels are offering lodging and lifts for Canadian at-par. Snow isn't spectacular, but there is good coverage, even down low.

I need to try passing myself off as a Canuck!!

Shawn