C-Forum

Hey Ric, admin, SirAdam... (and others to),

I found a forplay that is virtually new (its been lake paddled like twice) but now i just have to outfit it. Do you think i could do it myself or should i get help. I know in OC-1 you have to be careful cuz the balance but anyways im taking recommendations...

OB,

Welcome the the western world. Congrat's on the forplay purchase.

I converted a Forplay a few months ago, and seem to have the trim about right. I really like the boat.

I can forward you info and ideas. Let me know what method you are thinking of (factory pedastal, fence rail, all foam, etc.) and we can hack something out.

Congratulations!!!

Send me a picture of the boat and the cockpit so I can get some notion of what to tackle first. Balance out the boat with your gear on (and in-throw rope etc.) the boat. These little hulls are highly infuenced by the smallest weight change.
Ric

Im getting the boat on the weekend of the 19th so it'll be a while. I have a hiking trip this weekend in santa cruz and school in the meanwhile so i cant get the boat until then..but soon enough...and our school has a big pool to practice in.... man im grinning super big right now. well thanx cone bone (??me no comprende the name) and space canoe, i'll write you both back on how to outfit it..

-thanx for your guys' help

-bryce
-make paddle,
not war

bryce,
you need to make sure that your boat has a beverage holder. i can't stress this enough. it's important because you WILL get thirsty out there and despite the fact that this "school" you are in might be a "high school," i still advise you to cut out a slot in your foam, insert a full can of Budizer, and then do the outfitting from there. because like space canoe said, the smallest amount of weight can throw everything off. you might even want to take into account if you are going to be carrying lite beers or not. you dont want no keystone light to be messin wit yo blunts!
later
Alden

Man, i think that was about the funniest thing i've seen all day ...but should i seriously worry about carrying water bottles (or budwizer ) and keys?? ?

You do need to think about some place to stow your drink & keys. Hydration is a big deal. Be sure to create something that will keep your prefered beverage container secure. I use a 32oz. Gatorade jug. My 1st version of the holder allowed the jug to spin during squirts. Just let 32oz take a spin between your legs one time & you'll be sure to secure that thing quickly
Mike W.

You have three GREAT ways to go here that will give you LOTS of help:
1) Space_Canoe
2) ConeBone (check out his great Fence Rail outfitting system under Outfitting (and FAQ, I think...)
3) TEAM Etc...

Have fun with that ForPlay

I have used the fence rail method on two boats now, and have this feedback:

Pro's -

It is fully adjustable. Every component, foot braces, seat and back, hip pads (not shown on website), thigh and knee straps, knee and thigh pads - they can all be moved a little or alot with nothing but bare hands and a phillips head screwdriver. The paddler can keep tweaking each component's location until it is just right. Friends can move stuff when trying out the boat, with no long term affect on the outfitting.

Want a new seat shape? No problem. Just pull two screws out and replace the seat with a new model.

The space inside the rail is wide open and big enough to carry quite a bit of gear in a secure fashion.

The whole rig stands alone, so one can move it directly to a new boat with a little adjusting. The whole thing still 'fits' the paddler after the move.

The rail offers a great reference for measuring foot position or other items compared to the seat, etc. So, a rig for a new boat can easily be built to match one that has been tweaked in a previous boat.

Cons -


Weight:

This rig is heavier than a comparable setup made of foam. Probably a few pounds heavier.

I think it is heavier than most modern kayak outfitting as well. Maybe one or two pounds.

I am not sure how it compares to the Dagger pedastal, as far as weight goes. My guess is that the Dagger pedastal is also heavier than a really light-weight outfit.


Complicated to build:

Most paddlers will probably see this system as harder to construct than a glued foam setup. I have every tool known to man, and like to use them. This shows in the rigs that I have built.

Summary:

I don't think the weight is a problem in my Forplay. It is certainly not an issue in my Redline. Each rig that I build is lighter than the last, and I will keep trying to lighten the system. But this type of rig does tend to be a bit heavy.

If you can stand the weight, have access to the tools, and want to experiment with your setup until it is super comfortable, this outfit is worth considering.