I saved the most complex Petrel S&G for last and started it in January of 2015. After substantial learning while making the first two, I had fun with the Petrel, as I called upon “old world traditions” of boat-craft. I envisioned a “beak” for the bow, an “eye” for the bow carry-tie-down hole; a “Petrel bird head and wings” for hatch handles; and a “tail” at the stern. I used rare earth magnets to secure the flush hatches (thanks to Rob Macks’ instructions from LaughingLoon.com). I also designed a slat wooden seat to finish off the carbon/kelvar lined hull. I installed the skeg per the plans but I “tweaked” the control located on the outside of the hull by making the control box reflect the shape of the skeg. Lastly, when I installed the red front deck bungies, I chose “The Cross” to guide me thru those rough waters. The Petrel had over 500 hours in it, the Sea Island Sport 425 hours, and the Wood Duck 225 hours.
All three kayaks turned out very nicely as the instructions from CLCboats.com and Guillemontkayaks.com were very thorough and the additional videos on line from Nick Schade were quite extraordinary in their detail and helped immensely in explaining how to construct some of the fine details of the builds. I also purchased Rob Macks’ (LaughingLoon.com) great “Building Instruction Book” which has some wonderful information on finishing and hatch details.
All three kayaks are very different in their purpose and function very well. Our Granddaughter is really pleased with the Wood Duck and proudly paddles it with enthusiasm. The Sea Island Sport “Fishtail” is very stable and will work great as a fishing kayak. While I am certainly a novice at kayaking, I know the Petrel will need some time before I become really comfortable in it. It has such grace in its line and begs to be headed for the “big water”.
