Outfitting a Fly

[adkSara]

Outfitting a Fly
by Steve Whitaker
Can anyone provide advice on:

1. Will a dagger insert work?
2. Can I just glue it to the bottom? Will it hold? The fly has no pillars.
3. Will I have to remove the bulkhead/footrest?
4. WIll I have to plastic weld the holes if I do remove the bulkhead/footrest?
5. How do I find the center point for positioning?


Posted on Nov 5, 2002, 12:24 PM

the fly
by rob w
Yes a dagger console would work. Some people glue them in but they were made to be bolted in. Hopefully the console lines up with the existing bulkhead adjustment holes. To find the balance point take the boat and a friend to the pool or a lake and paddle it with the dagger console in but not attached while your friend eyes it up and you move the console forward and backward till you have even trim. Then mark it(duct tape?).Holes can be plugged with bolts, nylock nuts, washers and a rubber washer.You can remove the bulkhead easily on the fly but I guess you wouldn't have to. But why carry the extra weight around. You'll also need to find a way to anchor the back of the console. Be creative you'll come up with something. I'm curious though...what made you decide to convert a fly to a c1? In my opinion there are alot of better boats for conversion out there. Good Luck
Rob


Posted on Nov 6, 2002, 6:23 AM

THe fly
by Steve Whitaker
What boat do you recommend that does what a fly does? It's a great all around boat. I've been paddling a Z (stable but slow) and a Forplay (great for vert but wouldn't want it in really big water). So I went back to a fly, which I paddled as a kayak. It's cheap ($300) and light and fast.

What boats do you recommend in that category?


Posted on Nov 7, 2002, 1:37 PM

if it works for you
by Scott Broam
It all depends on what you want and what you are used to - the Fly ought to be faster than the Z, though less stable. You already have an idea of how it handles since you had it as a kayak, now imagine it slower and less stable. I know what you mean about a low volume, edgy boat in big water - I'm nervous in my Score at times (with my weight probably handles similar to your Forplay).

Other general purpose conversions are the Dagger Redline and GT/GTX; the Perception Madness/Method look like they would be similar.

However, those aren't likely to be as cheap as a Fly...

Scott


Posted on Nov 8, 2002, 12:58 PM

Maybe I'm wrong
by rob w
It just seems that the narrow rounded hull would feel really unstable while kneeling but I've never paddled one so what do I know. I know several kayakers who've paddled them and liked them so maybe you're onto something. And you're right I can't think of anything quite like the Fly. Let us know how it turns out. I'm sure there's many people here including myself who'd like to hear about it.(my girlfriend has a little used Fly hanging around in the garage...hmmm)
Rob


Posted on Nov 11, 2002, 6:06 AM

Will Seeley
by Steve Whitaker
The number 2 boat on the U.S. team paddles Fly as a c-boat. I borrowed his before deciding to buy one. It's narrow and fast, but (and here's the critical point) flat just where your knees are along the mid-section of the boat. That also allows you to lean forward slightly and track in a straight line but lean back slightly, thereby exposing the flat part to the water and it pivots beautifully.

DId that make sense?


Posted on Nov 11, 2002, 7:15 AM

Thanks!
by Robw
I may have a new winter project on my hands!
rob


Posted on Nov 12, 2002, 9:02 AM