There is a split on ideas for using bash plates. Some put them on when the boat is new, others wait until the skin is damaged and then use it as the repair. Since only one of our boats have them, you know I fall into the lazy camp. Last time I checked, they were about $50 or $75 Canadian installed.

Bull River is up just enough for a ride so we've started there. One set of footpegs, cheek plates a sand and a varnish and the King is done. Getting quite excited to see how it paddles. Thought I put the front bulkhead too far forward but now I'm not sure there is room for your legs. Fortunately, there is enough for mine.
take care
don

: Hi Don,

: Thanks for the beta. I always bought new $7 Fiskars, and then used them for
: glass afterwards.

: I really don't mind doing it....doing one canoe sucked, doing 7 or 8 at a
: time was worth the time and effort (especially when I was getting paid to
: do it!!)

: Pre-cut was rather expensive, but by the yard ended up being only a couple
: bucks per boat. Unfortunately, I don't have any left for my own
: canoe...but still deciding if I'm actually going to be that hard on a
: cedarstrip and will need kevlar plates...will definitely add a bit of
: extra glass, though.

: The Middle Fork of the Flathead is gorgeous right now, I'm sure the North
: Fork is, too....I'm ready to play on the river! I need to do some serious
: training for the Greenland trip next year, but I feel more drawn to river
: paddling this season.

: shawn