: Hi Pete, Kent and I both took the standard Guillemot station forms and spaced
: them farther apart. I don't know if he used the spacing formula in the
: back of Nick's book, or if he stretched them in a linear manner like I
: did. I simply mounted the forms at 12 3/4" on an 18' strongback. I
: used the standard end forms and inner stems. I also added 1" in
: height around the cockpit for more foot room forward and more gear room
: aft. I left the ends normal to keep unnecessary windage out there to a
: minimum. I made a super-recessed cockpit recess to compensate for the
: higher deck aft of the cockpit so I wouldn't sabotage the boat's awesome
: rolling ability.

: Wow--you're moving! I'm excited to hear how you like the Merganser.

: By the way...you still need some grab toggles, don't you? I've got 4 or 6
: pieces of cut-off paddle shaft, none are shaped, but I'll give them to you
: for the cost of shipping if you'd like.

: Shawn

Shawn:

Could you comment on exactly how you added the 1" near the cockpit? Did you modify a number of forms? Which forms? Did you just add 1" near the cockpit and 3/4" at the next forward from, 1/2" to the next, etc?? more details please as I may consider this rather than the Exp. Single. What advantages do you see with this as opposed to Nicks larger Guillimot 18 or the Exp. Single? I am psyched to have you get a chance to compare yours and the shorter version in terms of tracking, etc at some point. perhaps at the west coast kayak fest.

I had my CLC 18 in the water last weekend. Its sits a bit high with my 130 lb SO. She can't wait for the Merganser 16 to be finished. I dont think I can actually fit in it though. I will have to paddle with my legs hanging out of the cockpit. Maybe I should put a bulkhead hatch in it so that my legs can stretch though to the front storage area. :) progress is going well and moving fast. only limited in my afterwork time due to the cycling season starting as well as normal things like wanting to paddle my on yak as well as brew occassionally.

my yak cradles (like Ross's) worked well on their first trip this wkend. I did find the plastic toggles nuts to crack though when tightened against my thule and have to replace with all metal ones now. the cradles held it very secure even though we had some strong cross highway gusts. i still tie down the nose and tail though.

a definite yes for the grab handles!! How about shipping plus a bottle or two of homebrew? I still havent finished the second graphite blade for that wood shaft. perhaps in the next few weeks as the epoxy with be used big time then with glassing the merganser.

I plan on one more S&G (probably the squeedunk 16 or 18) for my father. thats the design that grant posted for free on his website. i will then have built 2 boats for others which is plenty and then its my turn to get a stripper going.

regards, Pete czerpak albany, NY