Adventures in a Mill Creek 16.5

  I fitted a set of seat runners in the middle, and added a set of bolts to move the front set of foot pedals aft for solo paddling. I also repainted the hull to remove all the scratches from the bottom of the river Wye!

  A beautiful day - 22k from Ross on Wye to Symonds Yat

 

 I am hoping to make the first launch on May 11th with the help of my sister and my nephew. The planned trip will start near the Cowroast lock and go up towards Wendover.

  Well, it's done. I have now fitted all the hardware: -  Stainless steel padeyes fore and aft for attaching a line. -  Bungee stays for the toggles  - Maroske-style where the bungee goes through a plastic tube glued inside the boat. -  Stays to hold the back of the seats up. -  Bungee cords to hold the deck hatches from the inside. -  Deck hatch handles made from paracord (also through Maroske-style fittings). -  Footrests. I just need to figure out how to fit some water/beer bottle holders!! I am hoping for a first voyage sometime this month, or maybe early April (with some promised help from my Sister and Nephew).

  Well, I have finished a primer and two coats of gloss on the hull, Three coats of varnish on the deck and a primer and two coats of gloss in the cockpit.  It's not perfect (or even close) but I am pretty happy with it as it stands. The desk hatches are also varnished on the top and painted underneath. So left to do... Fit the bulkhead plugs, pad-eyes and deck hatch seals and fittings. Install the footrests. Then, with a bit of luck I maybe able to carry out the first launch in March...!