Excellent work! Posts like these have inspired me to build a boat.

: Well after 185 hours I finally took WREN to the lake. There are few odds and
: ends left to do but she is basically done. I have to say a BIG THANK YOU
: to all the members here that have answered my questions and kept me out of
: trouble. A special thank to Toni V. He has been a major help off the board
: with FreeShip and design input. Considering this is my first design and
: only second boat I have built I am pleased. Heck I am darn happy with the
: way it paddles.

: WREN tracks well. Not exceedingly tight but no problem keeping her in a
: straight line. I can edge a 180 degree turn in about 30-35 feet. Not as
: tight as I had hoped but well within wanted . I think I messed up wiring
: the hull and I didn't get as much rocker as I had designed. But it still
: does what I wanted. I will fix that on the next one.

: She is stable, of course it is 24" wide. Doesn't seem really fast but I
: didn't expect it to be either. It's more of rec boat than anything else.
: Secondary stability is good. She rides in the water about where I
: expected, should be able to haul 50 lbs of gear no problem either.

: The only thing I am not happy with is the deck lines. I made the deck taller
: around the feet than I should have. So the bow doesn't have that flair
: upwards I wanted. I misjudged the height needed, but I can wear shoes no
: problem. I still like the way it looks. Just not quite what I had in
: mind, so I will correct that on the next one.

: I think I would lower the deck at the front of the cockpit some on the next
: one too. I made it 11" high and I think it could be lower and still
: have plenty of room. Of course I forgot to install the foot pedals on the
: tracks so I might change my mind. I LOVE the ocean cockpit. It's a bit
: awkward getting in but time and experience will cure that.

: Short paddle today but I am well pleased. . First attempt seems to have meet
: all my goals. What more can you ask for?