Anson,

Did you get my email I sent to your hotmail account? I sent some suggestions, etc. and would be happy to help. I am a friend of Donovan's with the Merganser 18'x22"--but I'm pretty sure you'd fit better in Don's 17'x22". In any case, check your email if you haven't lately.

--Brad Shook, Holland, MI

: Donovan,

: Help would be great. I go back and forth between plans and kit. I think my
: first project would be a learning experience and I'd like to keep the cost
: of my mistakes to a minimum. I priced out the bill of materials for the
: Merganser using the Jamestown Distributors catalog and Okoume pricing from
: Johnson lumber on Burton Street. I came up with almost $700 and the
: Shearwater kit has surplus built in, higher quality resin than I priced,
: precut and drilled wood and is only $900.

: I was hoping to start with a $500 budget so I guess I need to shop harder.
: Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

: Oh, by the way. I'm just off Pine Island and 6 mile north of 5/3 Ball Park.
: As the crows fly about 1/2 mile from the Grand and a couple miles from the
: Rogue. And I'd definitely like a chance to paddle your Merganser. Possibly
: on Reeds Lake or a flat stretch of the Thornapple. I enjoy current plenty
: but this project will be for a flat(but bumpy)water boat.

: Thanks,

: Anson