Andrewest

I'm not a fan of promotion of one brand of product over another, except in cases where there is a world of difference. And in the world of straps, NRS (Northwest River Supply) has the best straps, hands down, of the many brands I have used, over 30 plus years of tying boats (and all manner of other stuff) on cars and trucks and trailers. I tried other brands to save a buck for years and nearly lost some loads, so now I'm loyal to NRS. And I can't tell you how many of the foam gunwale pads I have picked up off the roadsides while driving and cycling, that were lost by people carrying boats without a rack of some kind on their vehicle, but it is into the dozens. A rack is a good investment, pays for itself in one use, IMO. Lacking a rack, a pair of partially inflated inner tubes is a way better bet for cartop transport, as my father proved with a family Folbot (non-folding version) for many years, back in the day... Glad your boat survived that maiden pre-voyage!

I see from the dates on your posts that you went from buying wood to sewing skin in one month. That's darn good progress. And this was part time while working on a Pygmy project as well? Can you tell me how much time in hours you think you put in on your FreeB... Ballpark guesstimate? Thanks for sharing your build, and nice work!

Thank you Jeff. Can you tell me the recommended weight ranges for the paddlers of those 2 boats, respectively?

I will be building one or more models with a group of kids aged 8-15. Reading over the Kudzu website I have narrowed the choice down to Tadpole and Free B, with Tadpole being the choice for the smaller kids and Free B for the larger, or those planning ahead. The camp/class is not yet announced so I can't ask the kids which they want to build, and I want the plans in hand well in advance to have all materials, supplies and tools ready. Any and all feedback welcomed. Thanks, AR (in AK)