Would there be any interest in this as a Millbrook Boat?

[Mikey B]

After the Turkey Bash, and so many folks telling me I needed to pursue producing my design, I inquired with Kaz about potentially building the boat. Thing is, I don't know if there would really be enough interest to pursue it? I know I love the boat, and a few others seem to like it as well, and I know that a plastic version probably would be preferred by most. Thing is, the composite boat offers a lot in my mind. It is light so it accelerates very quickly. It is much faster than one would expect from such a short boat. Light is always good and Kaz's boats have proven to be very durable. I believe he can build them heavier for an upcharge if one thought they might be more abusive with theirs. And it is just so darn fun to paddle in composite...very lively yet friendly to paddle!
So would there be any interest in a Millbrook version of the StinkEye (of course it'd need a new name)? If so I will gladly give John the design.
Thanks

[Wiggins]

I say leave the name as is. It has a certain appeal.

Kyle

[bruce]

The boat paddles GREAT and I love the name. I started in glass &composites in '72 and have always been willing to handle occasional
repairs in exchange for lightness & superior handling. sign me up.

[Smurfwarrior]

Need more pics! Like honest to goodness, detail showing profile and top bottom shots.. inside and out plus video of it on the water. From the limited pics I've seen, it looks very nice.

[sbroam]

Only if it comes with the Golden Monkey graphics. and full of Golden Monkey.

[Mikey B]

Scott...I'm afraid Big Al is the only Monkey Eye man! Rather Apropos for him I'd say
Although I am starting Al's improved Monkey Eye soon...was bumming that the epoxy clouded over the monkey (Not quite fully cured before paddling)

Smurf...not sure there's much in the way of action shots/video.
I'll see what I can dig up for profile shots.

I know I'm a nobody in the paddling world, and I'm not a great paddler, but the boat seemed to turn out amazingly well and I just don't want to waste John's time if people wouldn't really want one.
I know a lot of todays paddlers don't remember or haven't much experience in composite boats so might be leery as well.
I think it would be great in plastic, but there are two great boats out there already so I am thinking this could be a great alternative?
Hopefully maybe?

[kaz]

If this project does happen, I expect this STINKEYE (great name) to sell for approx $1200, unoutfitted. This would be my standard lay-up but obviously more Kevlar can be added. I'll guess the weight will be approx 21lbs, unoutfitted.

Jkaz
www.millbrookboats.com

[clarion]

I think I'd have to try to get one. A lot of my fears about paddling a composite with my modest repair skills would be mitigated by the short length ... less likely to get pinned.

[markzak]

The Bottom:



The side:



The front:



Sorry I don't think I have video, but I'll check my video archive at home.

[Wendy]

I want a short composite boat. I had asked Jeremy about a composite OPtion. He is too busy to build them.
Kaz - a little extra Kevlar in the stern for SE boating?

[Shep]

Question is... how much extra would the eye on the bottom cost?

[arhdc]

I think the name is fairly well set in stone at this point. STINKEYE is distinctive, memorable, slightly self deprecating and a lot of fun. I know that Mike has wanted a cooler name for the design but there are tones of designs out there with cool names and it is hard to keep all of them straight, STINKEYE is very memorable and is not easily confusable with anything else.

I will look for or take more pics but here are the Facebook photos from my build. Mine is stretched 6" in the center and the ends are a bit blunter so the carving rails don't extend quite to so far forward and back. Also, mine has more of the v2.0 features that are in Al's Monkey Eye, the relaxed tumble home to make it easier to roll and just a tad less stern rocker to improve surfing. The final specs are 9'6.5" long, 15.5" deep in the center, max width 29", waterline width ~27".

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 36a&type=1

If anyone is coming up for the Dog Days Slalom in Bellefonte this weekend I can run my boat down Saturday afternoon for anyone that can fit into it to try. I am not sure if I'll be down for Sunday or not at this point, it is possible. I live 10 miles from Bellefonte so it is easy to do if I'm home.

I can tell you all, making one from scratch is fun but for ~$1200 a months worth of sleep starts sounding really good too. Hopefully there is enough interest, everyone that has paddled mine has been pleasantly surprised.

Aaron

[chriscanoe]

Mikey,
Do you have line drawings for the stinkeye? You might consider just selling those. I am looking to build a playboat, but there are no designs I can find out there. Let me know if you have plans and i will buy some from you.

[Theallaroundpaddler]

I would definitely buy one! let me know when you start production!
just out of curiosity, how long is the boat? and how much extra would the eye on the bottom be?

[Mikey B]

The boat is roughly 8'-9" long and 28 1/2" wide.
The X version would be 1' longer and 29" wide (Aaron's ends were blunter than mine are).

I do have plans but am not going to be giving them out anymore as I don't want to infringe on Kaz's chances of selling boats. I know it will be a very small niche group that would be interested in the boats so I don't feel right about selling the plans while he will be trying to sell the boats.

Mike