This isn't truly a launching but more of a final test of seaworthiness for my Night Heron stripper.

I completed it last fall with the exception of the bulkheads and the hatch lid retention. Paddled it in protected calm water only.

The bulkheads are cedar strip affixed with thickened epoxy fillets, no cloth.

The hatch lids are retained using Jay Babina's knob & crossbar system. I ended up making three sets of knobs before I got what I wanted in terms of appearance and function. I am now a knob maker extraordinaire! Even glassed the damned things as I ended up using WRC.

Today was the time to put it out on the big lake with 25-35 mph winds and plenty of good chop. Took a lot of spray and deck crash overs while I played with my Beale GP (just love that wooden stick in the wind!).

Put out for a bit to check the hatches and no leaks from the spray and wave overs. Now it was time to roll the boat a few times and see how the lids worked.

Still no leaks

Now to play with the boat in the water upside down and drag her around a bit, rodeo her upside down, pogo her back and forth, and.... still no leaks.

Floated her back out and started pouring water in both compartments. Slosh her around, tilt her port and starboard and.... still.... no.... leaks!!

I was so pleased I did a little jig around the beach - and trust me, I can't dance. Musta looked pretty funny to spectators.... some fool in a yellow and blue suit, blue gloves, yellow vest and hood, dancin' around the sand with a funny little skirt thing floppin' around!

And that, my friends, is how I spent my day

Pleasant waters to ya.

Holmes