Update on my Play's sea trials: surfing. Took the Wave Weasel out to Napatree Point, RI to try some point break surfing yesterday. I liked it. The image depicts a take off on a smallish inside swell. Outside, in steeper waves, I really liked the way I did not have to strenuously fight the bow burying. Also, it is easier to control the boat on the shoulder of the wave. I note that when a forward chine engages the surface, coming down the front wall, it feels different than in a Brit boat - like it wants to skid on this surface. With time, I'll better anticipate that and see how I might work it in to options for controlling the ride. In any case, great fun on a mildish sunny day in late winter.
The little permanent "skeglet" I affixed with 5200 is holding up well and continues to do its job, resisting weathercocking. A fellow Play builder has also finished up, and his boat weighs in at 43 pounds. The five or so pound difference is mostly his skeg box and the standard recessed hatches and Kajaksport covers.
Carl