Re: [Paddlewise] Magazine out-Article by Doug L

Kevin Stevens wrote:

> Doug - how much does your Nordkapp weigh now vs when it was new?

Kes'

It was 56 when new, and is 90 now. Bear in mind that I have added a couple of
layers to the hull that were not part of my "modifications". I simply felt the
original kayak was far too flimsy in the hull (I don't know where that leaves
non-factory ordered light-layup N. American kayaks in my mind, then). Also, after
puncturing the hull a number of times, I got fed up and felt the epoxy saturated
cloth would be more impact resistant. I wish the whole boat was epoxy resin
impregnated glass (sorry Wes, iron rusts).

The actual modifications conceptualized and brought to fruition by myself over the
years and successive rebuilds, must add 20. Another 5 of the total 90 must be the
weight of the epoxy cloth to hold the modifications in place. In other words, if I
were to use my existing kayak as a mold, I could then lay the whole thing up as a
consistent whole, bringing down the weight at least by that 5, if not 10.

A side note:
I really do not expect folks on this list to understand nor endorse this type of
weight for a sea kayak. I am unusually hard on my kayak - a tsunami ranger in a
loaded, narrow touring kayak. Incidents of breaking footrests and submerging into
the cockpit happened in real-time. I know I am an oddity at best, and fit no
pre-defined categories and so suffer the consequences of schizophrenia. I'm sure
folks on this list give a wink or two when they read some of my posts, but I
really do punish my boat, body _and_ brain at times. At the end of the season, I
often have more deep gouges in the hull, running perpendicular to the keel line,
than most people have running the usual length of the hull after ten years. I'm
not proud of this fact, it's just a statement.

Well, when I'm a mile offshore this upcoming winter season, playing in a gale
force weather tide out in Juan De Fuca Strait, rest assured that the weight of my
kayak is my least concern. The integrity and functionality and back-up provisions
of my carefully thought out, highly modified kayak are what matter to me most.
This is no laughing matter to me. I take the issue rather seriously, but folks can
poke fun if they want (I'm not saying you are). I'm not an eccentric individual. I
am very "nut's and bolts" oriented, highly respected at both of my two occupations
and at my church, where I am often given challenges and problems that no one else
wants to tackle, or where the boss wants something done thoroughly with due
determination and completness. I'm not sure what kind of respect I have on this
list, but rest assured, everything I do in life stems forth from previous
experience and a desire to make a "better mouse trap", whatever the venue.

PS
I'll be sending some further pics to Gabriel, who will put them up on his web site
some time this fall.

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd

>
> KeS
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net
> > [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Wes Boyd
> > Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2000 08:57
> > To: Doug Lloyd; PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net; Whyte, David
> > Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Magazine out-Article by Doug L
> >
> >
> > At 06:49 PM 10/4/00 -0700, Doug Lloyd wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >What might be of interest however, are the accompanying pictures. You
> > >can go directly to:
> > >
> > ><http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/mag/43/seams.html>
> > >
> >
> > I read that article -- good one, and now we know what BC's most modified
> > Nordkapp looks like. I guess no one needs to send a Nordkapp to Rev. Bob's
> > Boat Test Facility, then. It could be we need to be thinking about a new
> > boat material for you two -- cast iron, perhaps?
> >
> > -- Wes

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