: Finally have it finished and ready to head to water. I don't have flotation
: bags yet so my plan is a short paddle just to see what I think then load
: it back on the trailer and unloading my other boat for the trip tomorrow.

Hi Jeff-

A lot of people make float bags using the Cunningham instructions, but by the time you buy the fabric and twist valves (which are available from NRS) you'll spend more money than if you buy them. I used bags from Gaia Paddlesports for my first SOF (a traditional with ribs). I measured the space I had, and ended up with a rodeo stern and a longer-don't remember how long-bow bag. I put an extension tube on the bow bag so that I can inflate it from the cockpit, and I leave them in, but deflate them so that it can dry out. I spent $11 and $19, but they were on sale, and I know prices have gone up since then. If you're buying coated heat-seal nylon (Seattle Fabrics has it) for a sea sock you might hit a break-even point on your materials, but to be honest I only use the float bags. I've totally swamped my kayak to see how it floats, and it's got enough flotation, but it took FOREVER and then another 15 minutes to pump it out. If you're not a strong roller and think you'll be wet exiting you may want the sock.

Good luck with the launch, and make sure you post photos!

m