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 Ultralight precision precut plywood kayak and canoe kits. Est. 1955. |
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Don,
I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the Lightning 14. As you may recall I wanted a maneuverable, lightweight kayak with decent cruising speed, stable enough to use for fishing. I was also interested in being able to paddle in the surf. Your recommendation of the Lightning 14 was right on target.
I finished construction just before the holidays and have had it out for several paddles since then. The boat performs wonderfully - - easy cruising, decent stability, good tracking, maneuverable, and is a reasonably dry ride in rough conditions. On a calm day recently I paddled out through the surf into the Atlantic ocean just off the local beach and was very happy with its handling. Waves rolled comfortably under the multi-chined hull, and I detected no tendency to broach in following seas. I look forward to the opportunity of playing a bit more in the surf!
I have also had the opportunity to compare the
Lightning 14 to the Pygmy Arctic Tern 14 and the CLC Chesapeake 16, and am
convinced that your design comes out on top - - especially for my needs. The
Arctic Tern 14 would probably be better suited to a smaller, lighter paddler
than me, feeling too tight and unstable for my liking. The Chesapeake was both
heavier and less maneuverable than the Lightning 14.
I also wish to thank you for all of the help you
gave me in during the construction process. In answering my numerous questions
you were able to provide me with tremendous insight into the building process,
and in so doing helped ensure the success of the endeavor. The instruction
manual was wonderful, being easy to follow and reasonably complete. It is
certainly far superior to the Pygmy manual I have seen. The pre-cut pieces fit
all together perfectly, requiring no "tweaking" to achieve proper alignment of
the hull and deck.
The end result is just simply beautiful. I am particularly pleased with the stained shear panels. It seems every time I've gone out I have been complimented on how pretty the kayak is - - often from total strangers. Once when unloading the boat from my car, someone pulled off the road and came over, telling me he stopped just because he saw the boat and wanted a closer look!
Thanks for everything. Now I will need to build more because the whole family wants to join me paddling!
Jay Warshowsky
Florida
