Re: [Paddlewise] Everglades Paddling Horror Story

Craig Wrote;

>In addition to secured flotation, is there some sort of spraydeck for
canoes
>that might provide a greater margin of safety for open-water paddling?  Or
is
>a canoe covered by a spraydeck called a kayak? <g>


Back in 1990 I had a spraydeck made for my Mad River Tempest Canoe at a
furniture upholstery shop.
I can not remember what the material is but it's like the vinyl type
banners.  Two separate pieces one for the bow and one for the stern.  The
stern cover was about 3 inches from my back when in the sitting position and
of course went all the way to the stern.  The bow cover went from bow to
about mid way of my shins.  I guess I had about four feet of the 17 foot
canoe not covered by this custom spray deck.

The spray deck is attached with stainless steel button snaps spaced about 3
inches apart.  I had the tailor leave about 1 inch of the material hang
below the snaps which I applied 3/4 inch wide Velcro around the entire
perimeter of the spray deck on both bow and stern sections.   I paddled in
extreme chop and waves many many times the spray deck never did detach.  I
guess I should mention that I also carved large foam blocks to fill the same
area that the spray deck covered.  Also had a Rule 500 electric bilge pump
 the real life saver) rigged in the vessel.  I won't go into how many times
I capsized in bad seas but I was always able to either reenter or float with
the vessel back to shore.
Arthur Hebert


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