Hello all.
My name is Mike,I live in northern lower Michigan, and I am aspiring to build a stonefly. I've built a few boats before, but let's just say everything about them was wrong... So I bought Mr kudzu's book because the first time I saw the stonefly I knew that it was what I wanted. I've looked around and just keep coming back to it, I think it's time to set forth and start building.
OK so that's my introduction, here's the questions. I have two little kids (3 & 4 yr old) my last sot Tupperware they sat in my lap, I'm assuming that they could do the same with the stonefly. But I'm not really sure when to start transitioning them into their own boat... At this point I will already be building two (one for me one for the wife), if I need a third I'll probably have to look at getting some type of trailer. Are there any good plans for cheap trailering options?
I've found some places for local wood, mostly fir pine some birch and oak but wasn't to impressed with the quality. I can get cedar from the local box store, and wonder if I could use that or should I order something else that I can get delivered (I see WRC mentioned a bit) . Trying to keep costs down where possible without sacrificing the quality. I don't have a lot of tools so getting it as close to finished size is also a priority.
I want to put on some rub strips, since we have some shallow lakes and rivers that I plan on traveling with the craft. How much do you cover with the strips? I suppose that I could always do a composite strip if necessary but trying to stay away from chemicals as much as possible.
Float bags, are they needed in the stonefly? I think I saw a post or two about them. If so what is the purpose and where do you put them?
Lastly, registration. I see about a 50/50 split on canoes with registration #s up here, does anyone know at what point they have to be registered in Michigan? I've never registered any of my old Tupperware... Never thought to ask about it.
OK, I know that's a lot so I think I'll start there. Thank you in advance for your help. And thank you Mr kudzu for the beautiful designs and sharing your knowledge.