rustyshaklfurd

No problem. Thanks for quick response and getting them up so quickly.

Hey Jeff, I was checking out the site and saw the spray skirts. When I clicked the link for one I got a 404 error page. Do you have any left in stock? If so I am very interested in ordering one for my Vardo with the plywood coaming.

Looks really good!

Nice looking boat.

That is a great looking boat. Congratulations on the launch.

Jeff, Good to know the cheaper bicycle type work even with a few caveats. Your advice is very consistent with a lot of the reviews I have read which state to get better rope. I like the idea of adding the nylon webbing. Woodman that is a serious rig. I might have to switch to one of those after build number two. This boat building thing is pretty addicting.

Rich, Thanks for the info. I think I will give one of those systems a try.

Has anyone had any luck with pulley lift systems in their garage? Is there anything to be take into consideration with SOF design?

Glad to know I am on the mark.

Looks great! Nice work. What type of oil are you going to use on the frame?

Thanks! Can't wait to see the build.

Awesome! Action thank you for the plans! Thank you Pilotlon! I look forward to seeing your build. That is a beautiful area, perfect for a launch.

Thanks Action!!! bwhip - That is great idea about the retainer straps and the bungee cord.

I totally need a red one to be sure. Might be a curlew or shad. The third one can be yellow or green, maybe a mix of both. Got the back band on today. I was totally over thinking the bungee cord. After learning sewing is not that difficult, at least my hackwork kind of sewing, I hand stitched together a cockpit cover for the winter months. There are lots of good directions online. The best part is it only cost me about 12 bucks, ten for fabric and two for the cord stops. It is just a bit large which I guess is better than small. I would not trust it on the freeway but might give it a try on the side streets. The good news is I have enough fabric left over to make another. Forgot to add the I weighed the boat using the bathroom scale, might not be the most accurate but it comes in at 33.2 pounds. Action, I saw in another post on spray skirts I read you had directions on how to make your own. If you still have them I would be interested.

That is true and it has happened with a number of non-kayak related items over the years. Winters are pretty harsh here so outside is a no go past September (some years). I think I am really going to have to put some effort into getting creative with the space in the garage. Giving them is a very interesting idea and I might consider it. Testing would certainly be the key, could not live down possible endangering someone due to poor craftsmanship.

Planning on hanging the Vardo from the rafters in the garage. I will have to really get creative with the next one. I like how you make use of the in-laws lumber rack. I might have to take a similar approach.

Thanks! It is a sweet experience and I'm sure you will get to it sooner than you think. For the next one I am torn between the Curlew and the Shad. I'm leaning toward the Curlew due to storage considerations in my garage, but I really like the look of the Shad. I measured before starting the Vardo build and it fits but the garage keeps shrinking in terms of overhead space and unobstructed wall space.

Thanks so much! Nice little local lake in the next suburb over. We have been lucky lately with quite a bit of rain keeping everything green. It is a great feeling to have successfully built something like this.

Well today was the day. It took nearly four months of on and off building but it happened, I successfully launched my Vardo. The build has been one of the most fun, challenging, and rewarding projects I have worked on. I have always wanted a boat. After finding Jeff's site and reading the forum I decided, I too could not just own a boat but build one. Thanks to the support of my patient and encouraging wife who helped make my Vardo a reality. A hearty thank you to Jeff and everyone on the forum. Whether you realize it or not you helped with this build. I am now officially hooked and considering a second build.

Got the additional shock cord today for the back deck and attached it. Will add the back pad tomorrow if I can figure out wrapping it around the frame and such. I'll blame today's heat and humidity for my lack of understanding on how to run the bungee. Now for the exciting news. In spite of not having the back band on I decided today was the day to launch as thunderstorms are predicted for the rest of the week. Not to double post but I'll add pics here and in the launch forum.

LOL . I am on my way there. Personally I prefer frugal over cheap. I've been watching far too many YouTube demonstrations of securing a kayak to a roof rack, both with rope, and with straps. I want to know how to do both just in case the straps break or if I ever find myself in a situation with rope only.

Thanks, I have seen other do that as well.

Not quite launch ready but made some progress today. Got the deck rigging 95% done. The perimeter line is on as is the bungee up front. I thought 8ft might not be enough and I was right. I'll have to pick up some more for behind the cockpit. Decided against toggles at least for now. Also touched up the few scuff marks from the test float. Hopefully I can get the back band and back deck rigging on tomorrow. Hoping to launch on Thursday.

Thank you both for the advice. Fortunately the Subaru has tie down points on the frame both front and back. That being said those straps are pretty neat. I might have to make a pair. The Velcro is another neat idea and I happen to have some of those cable organizers so I'll give them a try.

What kind of knots are people using to secure and tie together their painters? Should I be using a double fisherman's knot, zepplin knot, something else? Currently I have joined the two ends with a Flemish bend (figure 8 bend). I ask because I plan on travelling to South Dakota with my kayak (4 hours on the highway) and I want something that is strong and secure for the bow and stern lines. I want to be as safe as possible. I do not want to lose my boat, but more importantly I do not want to endanger the lives of others. On a somewhat related note. For those who use J-Racks and straps what are you doing with the extra length of strap both around the bars and for the bow and stern? I have seen varying options and opinions scouring the vast information source that is the world wide web. I want to be extra safe travelling on the highways. I am more than a bit paranoid. Thanks in advance.