Jan 2, 2006...gel coat...

[Sir Adam]

Well, today was an exciting day! We sprayed gelcoat on the deck and hull, and layed up the first piece of glass on each half

Tomorrow, while I'm at work, the place that's been helping me out is going to lay up the rest of the boat (it's really easy for them, and they want the shop space back!)(they typically build 2 ultra-light one or two person canoes a day). And I have to say, compared to some other boats, it WAS easy to lay up the first piece...

With luck (eveyone keep your fingers crossed), Wednesday evening I'll head up there and release it from the mold. Then, it's seaming it (which will be the most challenging part), and forming the cockpit rim (which will take a little time, but not be that difficult), and of course outfitting it.

I'm using donated gel-coat, so this "demo" boat that I hope to be producing shortly will not be winning any beauty contests (unless you like light grey).

My current plan is to paddle it in a pool to confirm that it indeed performs as my prototype did, then build one out of more expensive materials (and with some interesting graphics perhaps) for myself. THEN I'll send a few e-mails to certain folks to see if they want to come test it out . But, I'm getting a head of myself, as first it has to actually release from the mold....

Happy New Year!

[Mike W.]

May I be the first to say YEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAA!

I guess now is the time to ask, can you or your builder make hip pads like the ones on your master cut Acrobat? Those are awesome. I was thinking about them today as I was doing cartwheels, yes on the river & turning side-ways in my boat.

[Sir Adam]

Now why am I not surprised you're the first to read/ respond .

You're enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. I'm getting rather excited myself now that the first boat halves are in progress finally....

Regarding the "beaver tails" I suspect they are doable, though I'll double check when the time comes. After boating the "demo" boat I may or may not be putting them on my hopefully Maven...we'll see how it reacts. The cockpit design is unlike anything out there in a sense...we'll see how it all works out.

Another option for the "beaver tails" is Trevor's braces...they're really sweet looking, and a little lower.

And Mike...about the saddle height...I'm guessing max should be 7.5 inches or so (I designed it with a 6-6.5 inche seat in mind). This is NOT a boat you'll want a tall saddle in..it is a bit narrower than an Acrobat remember .

I'll post images as appropriate....

Now back to working on the big CBoats.net update

[Mike W.]

You're not suprised because I check here quite often. I also plan to have a new squirt boat built this year. I'm waiting on the Maven to decide between it & a new master cut Acrobat. Then I just have to decide which colors of metalflake to put on after the alpha-jewel

I can't imagine how stoked you've got to be right about now. Get that baby done & come on down South. Water temp was 46 today

I thought it was easy to get out with the "beaver tails". They also give the support up high where I like it. Trevor's braces are sweet, but these Acrobats have pretty small cockpit openings & I'm worried about getting out of the boat.

WHAT!?! only 7.5" saddle height We'll just have to see about that. Besides, does it really matter how high you're saddle is when you're throwing ends?

[Sir Adam]

I guess it's all a matter of perspective...the top of the cockpit rim should be around 7.5", and I always keep my seats at or below the cockpit rim (mostly so my mini "back rests" that keep me from sliding back have some support). If the trim on the "official" boat works out about the same as the prototype there will be enough room behind the paddler for the foam seat to come up as a backrest and be strong enough to support you...that was the plan anyway (a la Groove...).

I'm just picking on you Mike-I'm very sincere in that I appreciate your enthusiasm . I had a blast paddlign with you on the NB this year in our Acros...and am still impressed with that little manuever of yours at Robins Nest .

We'll see how the Maven works out...it is definitely lower volume than the Acrobat, and narrower, but also a different volume distribution.....

I can't wait to find a pool and get some reactions from Kayakists

[Mike W.]

I went back & looked at the photos of the Maven plug compared to the Acrobat. I guess I'd better start stretching so I can go with a lower saddle It'll be easier on the skirt if I can manage to get below the rim too.

Pick away! I can take it. That was a cool ride I took through Robin's Nest No need to be impressed though, I was mearly along for the ride. My limited experience with squirt boats has taught me, among other things, to go with the flow. I never know what's going to happen next. That's just part of the fun

Here's a shot of my master cut Acrobat. The return sky-ward after wave-moves is awesome Here again, I'm just along for the ride.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/wh20crazy ... pg&.src=ph

[PAC]

Fingers are crossed! Keep us current with updates Adam... please!

Mike nice pic! Looks like your getting it up - how about getting it down?

[Mike W.]

Thanks PAC. That shot was taken when I re-emerged. From that wave I can get my ears wet on wave-moves. That's as far down as I've gotten it so far. The water is high now & that wave is about 12 feet under the surface I'll probably go out in the morning on a mystery hunt I'm hoping there will be a good seam.

Adam, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. Good luck popping the boat today

[Sir Adam]

The last few layers didn't get put on until the other day, so we're pulling the halves from the molds on Sunday, and hopefully working on the inside seams:) I'll bring my camera...

[Mike W.]

Thanks Adam. We hadn't heard from you. I expected an update on Wednesday night & was a little worried. This is good news & I can rest more easily now.