Kudzu/Yost Sea Flea 11 build pictures

[dbirkmei]

Here is the Yostwerks Sea Flea 11 that I am building for my 8yr old son.

I used 8oz polyester from the Kudzu Craft store and have 3 coats of Pettit Flagship Z-Spar 2015 varnish on it. It turned out pretty good. I think I should have thinned the first coat of varnish to get better fabric penetration. I guess I will try that on the next one. The redwood was reclaimed on a work weekend from the facias on Toledo Ski Club Lodge in Wallon Lake Michgan (20 ft clear and might I say free). http://www.toledoskiclub.net/

I would like to thank Jeff and his Kudzu Craft Site for all the great information about building boats.

Next items are to add a seat, deck hardware and get it wet. Should be on the water next week.

Dave Birkmeier

Michigan

[bentg]

Very nice! I'm thinking about putting together a few of these for my kids, too. How does he like it so far?

[dbirkmei]

It paddles better than I ever expected. Nice tracking. It's initial stability is medium but has great secondary stability. I can see that he is getting used to it and is not worried that it will tip over. It is a joy to carry from the car top to water being around 25lbs.

I started with the Sea Flea 11 plans and added 2 inches to the cockpit and increased the height of the second frame to allow easy entry and a little more foot room.

I bought an adult Pelican adult paddle at Dicks Sporting Goods for $30 and shortened it 14 inches by cutting about 7 inches off each end of the 2 piece handle where the blade is attached. After cutting the tubes off the blades I re-epoxied them on the shortened handle.

I custom made the backrest and roof rack. The seat is cut up garden kneeling pad found at most big box stores.

I will post some more pictures of it on the water.

[Lombard]

Where are those pictures Dbirkmei? Been looking forward to them.

[P Doug (WA)]

beautiful build.