nub Posted April 29, 2015 Posted April 29, 2015 I took my newly completed VARDO out today on a nearby lake. It is stable, very roomy and tracks well. Turns are slow as expected in a long kayak. I stacked a 1" foam pad with a Thermarest pad for my seat, reasonably comfortable. This is a nice kayak for lake cruising. 2 Quote
nub Posted April 30, 2015 Author Posted April 30, 2015 Forgot to mention that my VARDO weighs 30 pounds---------way different from my first plastic kayak of 55 pounds. 1 Quote
Kudzu Posted May 1, 2015 Posted May 1, 2015 Is this where I say "Told you so?" You get spoiled really fast. Now a Mutli-chine boat that weights 35 lbs seems heavy to me. Quote
JReed Posted May 19, 2015 Posted May 19, 2015 Great looking boat. What did you us for the finish? Quote
nub Posted May 21, 2015 Author Posted May 21, 2015 I used two-part urethane, with a little rare earth pigment mixed in for color. I wanted the translucency from this combination, as well as a durable finish. Quote
rustyshaklfurd Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 Looks great! I hope my Vardo build turns out as good as nice as yours. Quote
Moose906 Posted May 28, 2015 Posted May 28, 2015 Great looking kayak! Maybe you guys can answer a question for me. I looking at building the Vardo for some overnighters, fishing, and crusing. I'm 6' 5" and 225lbs. Would this design be big enough for my lengthy frame plus my gear? Quote
Kudzu Posted May 29, 2015 Posted May 29, 2015 Yup! VARDO is a larger volume boat. And many of the other boats, though smaller, would work too and not be so big. Quote
nub Posted May 31, 2015 Author Posted May 31, 2015 I am 6', 185#, size 12 shoe. If anything, VARDO is a little large for me. I am considering building a Ravenwood next for a shorter, little closer fitting kayak. Quote
Kudzu Posted June 1, 2015 Posted June 1, 2015 If I am totally open, I think VARDO is to large. It is really a touring boat size and I have long wanted to lower the volume on it. But a lot of people are scared of a small kayak and think they will get trapped inside, when in fact it is hard to stay in. So I have left it alone. Quote
JReed Posted June 2, 2015 Posted June 2, 2015 Was re-reading your original post. Do you have any pics of how you did your seat? 1 Quote
nub Posted June 2, 2015 Author Posted June 2, 2015 Here is my seat, onto which I put a piece of 3/4" closed cell foam, then a Thermarest pad. It is simple and works well for me. 1 Quote
JReed Posted June 4, 2015 Posted June 4, 2015 Lol I was wanting to see how your padding was put in should have been more clear. Are you using full length sleeping mats? I do like your floor boards Quote
Kudzu Posted June 4, 2015 Posted June 4, 2015 Are you using full length sleeping mats? I would not recommend anything loose inside the boat around your feet. Anything loose can trap your feet and then you couldn't get out of the boat in an emergency. Entrapment is a serious issue! Quote
nub Posted June 4, 2015 Author Posted June 4, 2015 I appreciate Jeff's wise safety reminder. Here is a shot of my Thermarest Ridgerest pad in place, put over a piece of 3/4" foam under my seat. You can cut the Thermarest pad to fit. The footrests and floatbag are seen forward. I have used this simple system in my other SOF kayak and like it. Quote
JReed Posted June 5, 2015 Posted June 5, 2015 Now I see. More of a visual learner. Is it comfortable for long periods? Quote
nub Posted June 6, 2015 Author Posted June 6, 2015 Reasonably comfortable, somewhat depends on your back, and joints as you sit for a while. Quote
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