C-Forum

Well I finished my first conversion this spring--a Prijon Delirious. I know a lot of other people paddle and/or have converted a Deli, but I thought I'd share it anyhow...

Here are some pics:

http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=58l0jfh.4u ... 0&y=-jvcs0

(Tommy T--you can kind of see what my ankle blocks look like in one of the pics)

I spent a good deal of time planning the outfitting and checking out other peoples' handiwork on Cboats.net and other message boards. I used a bulkhead/thighstrap set up on an aluminum framework similar to one posted at Cboater.com (thanks!).

One innovation (as far as I know...) is that I used a stainless steel snap shackle (sailboat hardware) as a quick-release mechanism for my thigh straps--works like a charm! Releases under lots of pressure, and you can rig a lanyard to it for easy access. I also can get out using the plastic buckles on the Northwater thigh straps.

I've only had a chance to try it out on some local Class I-III, but it was great--really comfy with no circulation problems or cramping. Can't wait to get out again!
-Kevin

Looks pretty good, how did you solve the thigh brace problem? Did you just cut them off? And what is the pvc in the center of the seat for?

Thanks for posting the photos, always neat to see different ideas.

Alex

Very nice! It looks like you took your time and planned it out! I like the layout - looks clean! Keep us posted on how it performs!

Yeah, I just took a saw to the thigh braces, and followed up with a disc sander to smooth things out.

The PVC is part of a "temporary" system for attaching the seat. I wasn't quite sure about how the boat would trim out, so I wanted something that would allow me to adjust the seat on the river. So, I ran a cam strap through the PVC in the seat down and around the aluminum tube on the bottom. I combined this with adhesive-backed velcro to keep the seat from sliding around and it seems work pretty well. Within the first hour of paddling I felt I was a little stern heavy so I just loosened the cam strap and moved the seat forward a bit. Easy!

-K

Good looking set up. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Oh, to be so spritely through the legs! I assume the central cavity in your bulkhead is to accomodate an inflateable love sheep. Check out www.theblurr.com and www.localpaddler.com for video and instruction in all things ariel, though their coverage of animal husbandry is lacking.

Next time show us the sand fins!

L