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 Ultralight precision precut plywood kayak and canoe kits. Est. 1955. |
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Dear Don,
I wanted to let you know how everything is going with the Lightning 14 recently purchased for my 15 yr old son.
After the kit arrived and was unpacked, I was pleased with the care and time taken in assembling all of the components of the kit. Everything was broken down into individual zip lock bags with an inventory sheet of the contents, making it easy to find. The schematic showing all of the numbered pieces made the inventory check a snap.
I have built several stitch and glue boats from both Pygmy and San Javier. While they have nice products, the Lightning 14 is the most complete kit that I have built so far. All of the extras that came with your kit are appreciated.
I was very pleased with the quality of the manual, the precision of the cuts and the logical progression of construction. Your manual is by far the best builder’s guide I have ever had the pleasure to follow. Whoever compiled the manual should get a raise!
All throughout the building process, I was amazed at how well and easily everything came together. The puzzle joints of the panels allow perfect joins and easy alignment of the hull panels. The temporary stations forms and puzzle joints ensured a hull that was fair and straight without the alignment problems experienced with other kits.
Overall, I am completely impressed with every aspect of your designs, helpful staff, ease of construction and value for my dollar. I look forward to building more of your designs in the future.
John Minor
Don,
I wanted to let you
know my impressions of paddling the Lightning 14 that I built for my son
recently.
I was somewhat
concerned about just how well my more than ample girth would fit into the
cockpit, especially while wearing gumboots.
I was pleasantly surprised that despite the snug fit, the position and
posture encouraged by the seat was secure and comfortable!
The initial stability
is excellent; novice paddlers will feel confident and secure.
After a few brisk stokes, I was surprised at how beautifully this boat
glides! The handling is great; the
hull responds very well to leaned corrections.
At 14 feet, this boat turns effortlessly with very few strokes required
(unlike most of my bigger boats).
This boat is FAST!
It slides through the water with barely a whisper and is very easy to
maintain an expedition pace without much effort.
I can’t help comparing it to the Golden eye 13 that my son had
paddled (until he outgrew it). While
both are comparable in stability, the Lightning 14 is much faster.
The seat is also very easy on the backside. When paddling in heavy wind,
the boat tracks true and handles wind waves with aplomb.
Overall, the
Lightning 14 is a real winner! My
son loves the fact that he can easily keep pace with me, and that the boat does
exactly what it is supposed to without any surprises.
Thank you for your
good work!
John Minor
