Redbird launch in South Africa
Redbird launch in South Africa
The Redbird was launched last weekend and they are still trying to get the grin off my face. She is everything I thought she would be and then some.
Handling comments from someone who has no paddling experience at all.
Stability???? I’m really not sure why this is ever an issue on this particular craft. No problems, even with 70-year-old Mom on board.
Fast- seems like it
Turning- She turned just fine except when turning into the wind from the broach. A bit more experience may sort that one out.
Crowd pleaser- OH Yes
The canoe has taken about 11 months of spare-time work, which is OK considering that I have very little woodwork or boat building experience.
And yes, the fibre-glassing did intimidate me.
I must extend my thanks to all on the forum but still feel the need to mention Glen in particular for all the help and inspiration. And of course to all the other Birdmen who may have thought that the wave of Redbirds was ebbing.
Specks:
Strips and inner stems – I was told that they are Canadian Redwood, please feel free to comment.
Outer stems, mini thwarts, accent strips and outer gunnels- African Rosewood
Thwarts- Ash
Seats- Oak- epoxied- watch this space. Hand caned al la Gillpatrick.
Inner gunnels, decks and seat spacers- Origin Pine
Modifications- a more gentle rise to the ends= a bit more wind area, I guess
Seat spacers- 2 ¼ inches
Ivory epoxy- A local make, a bit viscous, not “water clear” and no options on setting times but useable none the less.
Take a look at some of the building and launch day pics.
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/G ... rd/Redbird
Handling comments from someone who has no paddling experience at all.
Stability???? I’m really not sure why this is ever an issue on this particular craft. No problems, even with 70-year-old Mom on board.
Fast- seems like it
Turning- She turned just fine except when turning into the wind from the broach. A bit more experience may sort that one out.
Crowd pleaser- OH Yes
The canoe has taken about 11 months of spare-time work, which is OK considering that I have very little woodwork or boat building experience.
And yes, the fibre-glassing did intimidate me.
I must extend my thanks to all on the forum but still feel the need to mention Glen in particular for all the help and inspiration. And of course to all the other Birdmen who may have thought that the wave of Redbirds was ebbing.
Specks:
Strips and inner stems – I was told that they are Canadian Redwood, please feel free to comment.
Outer stems, mini thwarts, accent strips and outer gunnels- African Rosewood
Thwarts- Ash
Seats- Oak- epoxied- watch this space. Hand caned al la Gillpatrick.
Inner gunnels, decks and seat spacers- Origin Pine
Modifications- a more gentle rise to the ends= a bit more wind area, I guess
Seat spacers- 2 ¼ inches
Ivory epoxy- A local make, a bit viscous, not “water clear” and no options on setting times but useable none the less.
Take a look at some of the building and launch day pics.
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/G ... rd/Redbird
Yesterday I paddled
Today I’m sore
Today I’m sore
- Erik, Belgium
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- Glen Smith
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- Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada
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Real nice looking boat, Geordie! My congratulations. I just finished my F17 a few months ago, and remember clearly how it feels to put 'er in the water for the first time!
well done!
Dave in Glenview, Il (near Chicago)
well done!
Dave in Glenview, Il (near Chicago)
"If given six hours to chop down a tree, spend the first four sharpening your ax." - Abraham Lincoln
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