Redbird launch in South Africa

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geordie
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 9:28 am
Location: South Africa

Redbird launch in South Africa

Post by geordie »

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
Yesterday I paddled
Today I’m sore
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Erik, Belgium
Posts: 344
Joined: Fri May 14, 2004 5:31 am
Location: Gierle, Belgium
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Post by Erik, Belgium »

It IS a wonderful feeling, that first paddle after months of work, isn't it ?
Hope you enjoy the Redbird, and who knows, you 'll start another woodstripper some day.
seems I'm unable to see the pics ? Wrong link ?

Erik, Belgium.
geordie
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 9:28 am
Location: South Africa

Post by geordie »

Sorry about that:
ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage
Yesterday I paddled
Today I’m sore
geordie
Posts: 41
Joined: Fri May 21, 2004 9:28 am
Location: South Africa

Post by geordie »

And a few more
ImageImageImage
Yesterday I paddled
Today I’m sore
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Glen Smith
Posts: 3719
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada

Post by Glen Smith »

Congratulations, you have created a beautiful masterpiece!
David James
Posts: 223
Joined: Tue May 11, 2004 9:04 pm
Location: Glenview, Illinois

Post by David James »

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! :applause

Dave in Glenview, Il (near Chicago)
"If given six hours to chop down a tree, spend the first four sharpening your ax." - Abraham Lincoln
tom in caledonia
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2004 1:13 pm
Location: Caledonia ON

Post by tom in caledonia »

Beautiful boat Geordie!!! Nicely done. Feels really good to get it in the water, doesn't it? Happy Paddling!!!

Regards,
Tom
Tom in MN
Posts: 162
Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:42 am
Location: Eagan, MN

Post by Tom in MN »

I am not sure what canadian redwood is, but it doesn't look like any kind of redwood I have seen. Either white cedar, basswood or pine would be my guess. Someone comment if canadian redwood is such a specie.
georgeandpat
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:18 pm
Location: Los Angeles

Post by georgeandpat »

Geordie, Congratulations and thanks for posting the pictures. I'll be referring to them and others during the next several months. :wink George.
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mtpocket
Posts: 562
Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2004 2:48 pm
Location: Indiana

Post by mtpocket »

:applause Beautiful Redbird :applause

Redbirds are my favorite. :tu
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