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CH 18 Launched

Submitted by Bob_in_Aus - Sat, 8/6/11 » 5:06 AM

Well after a long build, the CH 18 finally got wet today.

Overall, I am very pleased with how it looks and how it handles from the small paddle that I did.

I still have some finishing touches to do, such as deck rigging, but wow, I'm impressed!

Pictures - http://gallery.shrinkpictures.com/v/CH18Build/Launch+Day/

A few short videos on the water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw2fZtJkOcg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tguFkEMumuU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH4WjJwzwbA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtIqoJG5vUc

I had my GPS with me today and in pretty flat, but 15knt wind, I was moving along at a respectable 7-10km/h which is not too bad considering I have not paddled for about 6 months.

5 replies:

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RE: CH 18 Launched

» Submitted by Laszlo - Sat, 8/6/11 » 4:30 PM

Well done, Bob! And you even had a nice sand beach to launch from so you didn't have to worry about the boat's bottom.

I was a little curious as to why you had the complete outfit on since it looked to be such a nice day, then I realized that it's the dead of winter where you are, so you're probably not boiling in those clothes. (It's 35 C here as I write).

Congratulations and have fun with your new boat,

Laszlo

RE: CH 18 Launched

» Submitted by Bob_in_Aus - Sat, 8/6/11 » 9:10 PM

Thanks for the comments... Yes, It was a very nice winters day - but with water temp around 8 C and it was only 14 C with a 15+ kn wind all the thermals were needed to keep warm!

Now, just find the nice days and get a few hours up and learn the characteristics of this boat.

RE: CH 18 Launched

» Submitted by loube - Sun, 8/7/11 » 12:46 PM

Great looking kayak Bob !!!

I paddled a CH 17 once and loved it.

Looks like you have some great places to use your new kayak. Have a blast.

Will you build another kayak to go with this one ?

Lou

RE: CH 18 Launched

» Submitted by kayak4water - Thu, 8/11/11 » 2:47 AM

beautiful boat. nice paint scheme. you look good paddling--it appears you've graduated to the deep end. :)

RE: CH 18 Launched

» Submitted by Bob_in_Aus - Thu, 8/11/11 » 5:42 AM

Lou - I am not sure if/when I will build another one....

I am pretty big, and lets face it, there are hardly any Fast boats for the big paddler - the CH18 is basically as good as it gets. If anyone knows of a faster boat in the ~18ft size that will carry me (300+lb) would love to check it out!

K4W - I am pretty happy so far, just need to get a few hours of water time.