Hooray!

I ordered the plans for the Merganser in June and was able to launch over the weekend.

Here is a picture of the finished boat pending development of the launch photo's (I was reluctant to take works digital camera anywhere near water).

The details are as follows.
• 4oz glass on hull, 6oz in cockpit and on deck..
• Arched wooden deck fittings and bungie closed hatches.
• Wooden foot braces as per Eric's instruction booklet.
• Carved minicel seat as per Eric's instruction booklet
• Stripped cockpit coaming as per Eric's instruction booklet.
• Bote Cote Epoxy and marine grade 4mm gaboon ply used throughout construction.
• Not one single fastener in the whole boat!

It was a brief launch, with electrical storms in the vacinity I wasn't keen to stay the highest point on the water for any amount of time.

First impressions are that this is a lovely boat, very natural and easy to paddle. It requires less efort to paddle than my WR162 and is much more nimble but cannot match it for sheer carying capacity.

I look forward to a summer of evening paddles on the Murray River.

Many thanks to all on this bulletin board who made this kayak much less stressful than the first which I did solo.

Regards,

Nicholas Sheahan
Mildura Australia