C-Forum

I'm looking to build a foam pedestal similar to the one some pyhranna and esquifs come with. Essentially I'd like to build one like paul mason had and or the orange aftershock that was for sale at the 2002 nationals in minden ontario. Anyone have any advice, maybe you have done this before etc. Thanks beforehand.
truly,
Sean

Craig Smerda has posted several pictures of a Spanish Fly with the standard pedistal that comes with these boats. Seeing the pictures might give you some ideas. Plan on buying a good amount of minicell foam. Kayakoutfitting.com has pretty good prices on foam.

Chuck Naill/Tennessee

Sean, I don't know where you are located, but if you're in the vacinity of a Mountain Equipment Co-op, they stock bulk minicell... they just don't really advertise the fact.

for my first C1, I ordered from kayakoutfitting.com. i was happy with the service, but coming across border, duty, etc. was a pain in the butt. If you're in Canada, MEC has 4" minicell for a very similar price, but in Cdn dollars, no duty, no shipping... and if you're lucky, they'll cut you off some extra at no charge!

waited for a month for foam to arrive from the states, and when i got my second boat, had it outfitted the next day. Way more gratifying!

happy hunting!

-allan

Use cardboard as a template for the knee spots and for the overall width, height etc. Make all of these on the large size in terms of width and height in the boat so that you have a bit of a pressure fit situation, and make the knee cuts smaller than necessary at first, as the bulkhead will settle in with use, and the knee spots will compress slightly. Always easier and quicker to remove foam than to add foam. The further back you place the bulkhead, the more support but harder to exit. And vica versa. My C1 creekboat has a bulkhead that just holds my knees, then thigh straps as well, easier to exit.

Mohawk had what they called were old school saddles in their clearance section. Two weeks ago. Basically, its the center piece, and then you only have to add the thigh retainers.

Mohawk also sells the bolt kits for installing petals.

I'm fixing to start this too. For a superfly hull. Unless you have a super long bad saw, cut the two halves before glueing them together, I made a saddle for my Blast about two weeks ago. I cut 3" from the top of the minicell with a jigsaw, then glue. I use Weldwood with a 2" or 3" foam brush. Mondo bond also works, but it doesnt go as far and cost 3x as much

I really appreciate it.

when you need to glue the pedestal in to your canoe, i have the holy grail of glues!!!!!

its found at canadian tire under the name "Stone Mason Gutter and Siding Sealant" but dont be fooled by its being found at crappy tire, its dam good stuff

its actually originally called KOP-R-LASTIC and is a thermoplastic sealant, you need to torch the boat surface first very lightly, as if waxing skiis.....this glue comes in a 300ml tube for $4 canadian, cheapest stuff in the world, i just outfitted my Skeeter with it , thigh straps, drings,saddle,knee pads, the whole lot.... it does require a long setting time, i did mine in hte garage during the winter and it took about 5 days to cure good, but now that its nice out the glue sets good in about 48hrs
email me back if you have anymore questions: backpackerjim@hotmail.com

Hi,

I have recently started using Northwater canoe saddles in my C1 boats. The saddles are made of nice soft foam that is plenty comfy enough and as they are designed for use in open canoes rather than C1's they would work well. I also have a SpanishFly which has the standard Pyranha fittings and I would have to say that the Northwater saddles, although slightly different in design, should work really well and are potentially more comfortable. Definately consider them.

Their website is http://www.northwater.com

Hope that helps,

Jamie Burbeck (UK)

Foam... good!
Foam+Glue+patience... real good!
Foam...,etc. +a good saw +glue fumes +"alone" time with the boat you love= pricless

Build what suits you, fits you and no one else. Even if it looks like sin..... comfort rules! Feeling secure in your boat will build skills and confidence. Too tight will develope a solid roll and good lines.

Craig