Nick,
I’d like to thank you for your part in the home built boat industry. Your contributions far outweigh any profit you’ve obtained from your vocational venture. As a patron of yours (a wonderful book, and an excellent set of plans) I feel obligated to express just what impact you’ve had on me.
First, your Book: “The Strip-Built Sea Kayak: Three Rugged, Beautiful Boats You Can Build”, was my original inspiration to build boats. I have read it many times and constantly refer to it. Your descriptions are both concise and precise while being highly understandable and uplifting. The book is also well illustrated with clean and clear diagrams.
Second, your designs and plans: The Guillemot style is very recognizable. Anywhere its seen, people say, isn’t that a Guillemot? It’s not the easiest boat to make, nor do I feel it was designed to be. But it is achievable (and buildable from just the book). I decided to also order a set of your plans and was glad with what I received in the mail. Sheet after sheet of forms and profiles plus more helpful notes and building hints were so well put together that I laminated 2 of the full size sheets to hang on the wall.
Third, your website: Not only do you cover the building style used in your kayaks (Cedar Strip), but you also have pages dedicated to other styles as well (S&G and SOF). Your website is helpful to anyone interested in home kayak building, whether they are novices just looking into the sport or seasoned builders/trippers, there is something to interest all tastes. And not one negative word on the site.
Fourth, The Kayak Forum: Hands down this is the best Bulletin board on the web. When I had epoxy problems while building my first stripper I borrowed a digital camera, took some photos and posted them on the forum. As a result of my posting, I received a flood of positive help and support. I was sold and became an active participant. I have not regretted my participation at all. The wealth of knowledge and support from the forum is outstanding. I have created many new friends, and found a unique positive society that I became a part of. I’m also blown away at your openness to allow other kayak designers to post on your board. Now that’s an open forum.
Most of all, I’d like to thank you for being the class act gentleman that you are. I can’t think of a time I’ve heard you brag about your boats or put down someone else’s design. No question on the BBS was ever attacked by you and, to the best of my recollection, ever put down another poster. When attacked by the narrow-minded extreme end of the kayak building society (and I mean extreme) you kept your cool and were more than cordial.
My hat is off to you and I’ll continue to support your business and will do my best to assist in making your website a place where people feel welcome and where positive posts and actions abound.
Gratefully,
Roger Nuffer
Messages In This Thread
- Thank you Nick for being a class act
Roger Nuffer -- 4/6/2001, 1:46 am- Thanks to Nick from Louisiana!
David Hanson -- 4/9/2001, 10:30 am- Re: Thank you
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 4/6/2001, 9:56 am- Well said Roger *NM*
Elliott -- 4/6/2001, 7:27 am- Re: Thank you Nick for being a class act
Dave Seales -- 4/6/2001, 7:03 am- Re: Thank you Nick for being a class act
Dick Gamble -- 4/6/2001, 5:19 am- Re: Thank you Nick for being a class act
Alex Warren -- 4/6/2001, 8:35 am- Re: ditto
Lee Gardner -- 4/6/2001, 9:57 am
- Re: ditto
- I heartily second that !! *NM*
Ed Walshe - Dublin -- 4/6/2001, 4:40 am- Re: I heartily third that !!
John Monfoe -- 4/6/2001, 7:33 am- Me four! *NM*
Pete Rudie -- 4/6/2001, 10:13 am
- Me four! *NM*
- Re: Thank you
- Thanks to Nick from Louisiana!