: Hey all,

: I live in Chicago in a condo near the beach, but I don't have sufficient
: storage space for a hard shell boat (which is a drag, since the wood ones
: I see here are drool-worthy). I can have a boat stored in one of the
: nearby kayak shops or rental places, but my access would be pretty
: limited, so it seems like a folder may be a good solution.

: I'd like something I can walk down with, set up quickly, and get on the
: water. Tom Yost's Sonnet seems like it's the perfect solution for this.

: I'd have to say the project looks a little intimidating, however. I know with
: an S&G or stripper there are tons of guys here who can answer noob
: questions, but it doesn't look like there are a lot of Sonnet builders out
: there. Anybody know if this is a good project for a 1st time builder?

I haven't built one, but I have worked a lot with vinyl for skinning other kayaks. You will have no problems at all building one of those. They are pretty straightforward, fast and easy - esp. if you use sponsons from Folbot, as Tom recommends. Don't be intimidated!
The only downside to this is excessive, dangerous fumes from the HH-66 vinyl cement and the MEK. Wear nitrile gloves and an organic vapor respirator and still make sure there's plenty of ventilation. Eye protection wouldn't be a bad idea either - a glob of this glue in your eye wouldn't be good.

I think you've come up with the right boat for your situation. Good luck and keep us informed!

Dave Gentry