: So I had a pretty productive weekend - glassed the inside of both
: the deck and hull; 'fixed' the 'blisters' I managed to get ( I
: thought glassing the innards was supposed to get easier...).
: Boat seems pretty light! I'm guessing... 30 pounds, but I could
: be off. Hope runs eternal, ya know.

: I have a few decisions to make. 1) I don't like the oval hatches
: recommended for this boat; I prefer one that 'echoes' the lines
: of the kayak - in other words, a 'wedge' shape. I know - 'draw
: the ones' ya like'. But I'm thinking there must be some rhyme or
: reason to this. Any thoughts?

: 2) I bought metal Yakima braces, intending to place them with
: McMaster Carr SS bolts. But this boat is so light.... I'm
: vascillating - thinking maybe just placing a bulkhead, maybe
: even a 3" closed foam bulkhead, using that as a foot brace.

: 3) My intent has been.... a Redfish 'fancy pants' seat. $$$. Any
: thoughts? I've got the 'basic' in my first yak - very comfy. But
: I'm dutch, so.....

: 4) Paddle choices. In spite of good intentions, I've yet to make a
: Greenland. I currently have a Bending Branches Touring. Nice,
: but rather heavy. Would love a CF wing or touring.... but again,
: $$$$! A gold paddle might be less!

: I'm mostly just yakkin' here.... but it's nice to get some
: feedback.

: BTW, it's a Storm LT.

: 4)

Hi George,

1) pretty much any shape you like for the hatches, rounder is easier to seal, otherwise doesn't make alot of difference.

2) The Yak's are bullet proof also are heavy, I've got them in the Disko Bay and they'll work forever. I'm not sure I'd add that much weight if I were to do it again so I certainly understand what you're thinking. There are several plastic foot brace brands like Sea Dogs that seem to work fine and are much lighter.

3) I like my own carved minicell seat, though the Redfish one is very nice, pricy though.

4) Paddles, I like my modified greenland paddle don't use much of anything else except on rocky shallow streams, but most use euro paddles, each to their own.

Bill H.