Leaderboard

I finished my Ravenswood Low Volume a few months back. Just took it for a paddle today for the first time; taking advantage of 70-degree weather in November. The boat is for my son who is about 5'7" and 145 lbs. I think it will be perfect for him. I'm closer to 5'10" and 170, and it felt like I was probably pushing the limits. Felt like I was riding very low in the water. Otherwise, she paddled very nicely. My son wanted blue, and since I was using the two-part urethane from the Skin Boat Store, I searched for a pigment to mix with the urethane and get the color my son wanted. Below is a snapshot of what I used, and although I don't think it's exactly what he had in mind, we agree that it looks very nice. The skin is 840 X-TRA TUFF BALLISTIC NYLON. It's very easy to work with and tightens right up after soaking with a garden hose. Stays tight too. Here she sits next to my Vardo.

Here's another idea. During the build I was looking on the inside of the anchor locker and noticed the cover didn't seat on the inside. The arrow below is the lip that the cover seals on. I measured and realized I had enough room to make a disk/screen and pop it in there without affecting the sealing. It's a snug fit that can just be pushed out from the locker side for any reason. I leave it right there when I put the cover on. Oyster is right. The Messabout is costing me money! I already ordered some cleats that Amos had on Larissa. I also realized a table in the cabin would be a nice add so I'm working on a plan for that. My bug screen for the forward cabin hatch needs improvement. Some of the trailers had walking planks, the list goes on.

The Messabout can also be bad on your wallet when you get in the group of idle handed wood addicts these days, a slightly dusty shop with stacks of full sheet plywood, an active computer screen with boat drawings and one leader with "special suggestions". There is are always room for improvements , no matter what your fully built hulls may be waiting for your next trip. Good to catch up with some of your guys on this thread and forum again. Someone was promising follow up reports of the week and weekend. [hint, hint] Nick, good to see your re-creation in action.