[Paddlewise] Doug's latest web page and mods

Pages 1 to 3 of my Nordkapp Pages are subject to a maximum 75 dpi by the
host site, which don't show up very well. If anyone wants a clearer pic
of a particular shot, just e-mail me back channel. A thumbnail site with
picture enlargement would be better, but I don't have time for that now,
and also didn't figure there was wide enough appeal given that most of
the stuff is fairly specific to my requirements and kayak concerns.

I do know that custom outfitting one's kayak is something that should be
promoted more often. I notice that on club paddles, there are often a
few paddlers that after seeing some of my mods, go home with the idea of
playing around with their boats a bit. I hate it when paddlers think
that it is sacrilege to change or add something to their kayak.

My latest addition is at:
<http://www.geocities.com/nordkappman/p3.html>

Happy paddling to all, and happy modifying. Personally, I'm
re-outfitting three kayaks right now, and it is a bit overwhelming. I
did find a source via Ocean River Sports in Victoria, from Western
Canoeing, who supplied me with 3" minicell foam in 1 foot by 4 foot
lengths, which is a whole lot easier than gluing  the usual 12" X 12"
chunks that stores normally restrict you too.

For my Necky Gliss, I'm spraying the front end inside with mold release,
having masking taped any holes, then will fill the end with expanding
foam. When dry, this is pulled out, cut into 3" sections on the band
saw, then used to duplicate that sectional shape onto the minicell foam
(you can't just leave or use expanding foam in the end, as it slowly
absorbs water). I am filling the end of the kayak with the minicel foam
on each side of the center pillar, fit to perfection, and this will form
the footrest. I am also using the foot brace holes to bolt in an
aluminum cross brace to hold the foam in the end, then gluing foot pads
to that, permanently. The front 3" pillar will extend right back to the
seat (4 feet, stock is 3 feet), and fill in the 3" depression left for a
water bottle, so that I will then have a built in "pleasure pod", which
prevents any sliding forward of the body during wild surf. The back
pillar is straight forward, and I will build up the foam in lieu of a
back band I think. Thigh braces did not come with the kayak, and I will
be fabricating knee braces by using two part expanding foam mixed in zip
lock bags, such that I can make custom/exact fitting braces that conform
to under deck and my knees/upper thighs (thanks Kevin for the tip).

The McNulty is being completely rebuilt and modified, the same way
people affectionately fix up and hot rod old cars, but I WILL KEEP
weight down to a minimum, according to my spouse. I'm going to use the
Kajak hatches, oval at back, round large on the front, and a 4" day
hatch on the front deck, recessed in like the Nordkapp's.

My Norkapp is getting the cockpit foamed-out a bit more, and I need to
fill dead air space in the cockpit with the minicell left-overs, so as
to reduce water volume even more.

Hopefully I can get some paddling in! A westerly flow of wind and waves
usually arrive with Spring. Safe paddling to all. Remember, the waters
are still cold, even if the sun is making a serious appearence. Stay
within your skill levels too.

Doug Lloyd

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