Patrick Maun <patrick_at_patrickmaun.com> wrote: >Hey all,...I have the Lotus EFT backpack. >... >I have an early Lotus Rio Grande that I got before they developed their >specific sea kayaking vests and it really adds some functionality to >it. I have that same older Rio Grande and love the vest. (for fit, anyway). Like Rev. Bob, I'm breaking the law and modified my PFD. I used Aquaseal to glue retroreflective ribbon to the shoulders, and a long horizontal line of the stuff across the top of the back panel. I also stitched on webbing loops on the back and tubular fabric casings behind the pockets for a tow belt (just like their newer vests--otherwise the contents of your pockets are squished flat and inaccessible when wearing the tow belt). I didn't want to stop using a perfectly functional PFD just because it lacked the features I wanted. The downside is that I won't ever use it as a "loaner" PFD because it isn't technically legal. I will probably further modify it by adding a small, high, back pocket (as soon as I can find some matching bright-yellow Cordura) and a tiny elastic front shoulder whistle pocket like some Canadian PFD's have. I'll also add a very short strip of 3/4" webbing and a camlock buckle down low on the right side to make a quick-release for the tow belt's carabiner (like Kokatat uses). I also have a completely illegal and ultra-functional handmade PFD knockoff of my Rio Grande. I used the Ethafoam from a cheapie Stearns ski PFD, supplemented by an extra inch in the chest of Ethafoam from a sleeping pad. (18-19lbs. total) It has a back pocket, tow belt attachments, retroreflective tape everywhere, extra lash tabs, and whistle pocket. If anyone feels the need to flame me, go ahead. I've made my decision and feel I'm safer than I would be with the equivalent original or approved vest. It's my responsibility to keep myself safe; it is not the Government's job to protect me from myself (even though the law reads that way). Illegal but safe, Shawn Send FREE Valentine eCards with Yahoo! Greetings! http://greetings.yahoo.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Hello John, Jim, Rick, et al, I have uploaded photos of my PFD alterations: http://www.geocities.com/shawnkayak/pfd/ *Alter your PFD at your own risk and against the law.* Safe paddling, Shawn Send FREE Valentine eCards with Yahoo! Greetings! http://greetings.yahoo.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Shawn Baker" <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com> > I have uploaded photos of my PFD alterations: > http://www.geocities.com/shawnkayak/pfd/ > > *Alter your PFD at your own risk and against the law.* Shawn, I rather doubt anyone will challenge your PFDs. First of all, the homemade one is well done and looks from the photos like a commercially made PFD. The other modified ones also look like the "real thing". Most CG types would prefer you to wear something to nothing and while not being "legal", they are no doubt effective. I'd call it good work! Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Ok, so this question isn't really up there with safety or shark and gator attacks but I just have to ask... I have this Necky Pinta, its an incredible boat and I just love the thing. However, it is white on white with black trim. Those big expanses of white beg my artistic side for some decoration. I am still trying to decide what would look good, some sort of Celtic or Scandinavian design would be great. Has anyone done this sort of work on their boat before? Can you recommend any particular kind of paint that will adhere well to the gel-coat and would be lightfast? Any tips? All thoughts and ideas are welcome! Thanks! ~~ Pat Vancouver, WA USA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
How about an Orca pattern to scare off the sharks? ;) Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Hartley" <pat_at_hearthfyre.com> To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 8:39 PM Subject: [Paddlewise] Art and Kayaks > Ok, so this question isn't really up there with safety or shark and gator > attacks but I just have to ask... > > I have this Necky Pinta, its an incredible boat and I just love the thing. > > However, it is white on white with black trim. Those big expanses of white > beg my artistic side for some decoration. snip *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Pat Hartley" <pat_at_hearthfyre.com> > Has anyone done this sort of work on their boat before? Can you recommend > any particular kind of paint that will adhere well to the gel-coat and would > be lightfast? Any tips? I met a gent at a symposium last spring who had put a design, based on a Bill Reid work, onto his kayak. There's a photo of it in a magazine somewhere, Adventure Kayak I think , but I can't find the article. Anyway, what he did was create the design on the computer and then transferred the file to disk. I can't remember whether he used Autocad or Photoshop or whatever - it was a well-known, graphics capable package. He took this to a company that made automobile decals. It cost him a bit to have the transfer done to their computer system ($50?) but they were then able to make two copies that were mirror images and "print" them as decals. Thus he had one for either side of the kayak. This isn't guaranteed to last forever, but since they are designed for the outside of cars and trucks, they do last in the weather for some time. And since they are now in the company's format, he can get more copies without incurring another set-up charge. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Myself, I have been saying for years that I'd like to put an image of every marine ammal I've paddled with on my kayak. I just can't bring myself to change the looks of the boat, because I like it as is. Maybe I need to get a second boat, and do it on that one........... Wayne -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Wayne Smith wsmith16_at_snet.net Check out my sea kayaking & homebrewing page: http://pages.cthome.net/wsmith16/home.html ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Hartley" <pat_at_hearthfyre.com> To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 8:39 PM Subject: [Paddlewise] Art and Kayaks > Ok, so this question isn't really up there with safety or shark and gator > attacks but I just have to ask... > > I have this Necky Pinta, its an incredible boat and I just love the thing. > > However, it is white on white with black trim. Those big expanses of white > beg my artistic side for some decoration. I am still trying to decide what > would look good, some sort of Celtic or Scandinavian design would be great. > > Has anyone done this sort of work on their boat before? Can you recommend > any particular kind of paint that will adhere well to the gel-coat and would > be lightfast? Any tips? > > All thoughts and ideas are welcome! > > Thanks! > > ~~ Pat > > Vancouver, WA USA > ************************************************************************** * > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed > here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire > responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. > Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net > Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > ************************************************************************** * > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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