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Other: pre-launch testing
By:KenC
Date: 8/26/2003, 1:04 am

Although I haven't had my official "everything is finished" launch, I have been out conducting seaworthiness tests with my Endeavour four or five times over the past few weeks. On Sunday morning, I took it out for a flat water paddle (er - make that "test") in Lake Ontario. Not the most scenic waters, but very close to home. Got into a patch where the fish were jumping all around me, and not one of them less then about 24". Several jumped clear of the water within 10 or 15' off to my side. I don't know whether they were salmon or trout, but I found myself thinking of that yak-fishing thread about a week ago. Not that I'd eat a fish from that particular spot, but it might be fun to nab one & persuade it to pose for a picture.

Got in a bit of wake-riding when a container ship passed by. I found I was outrunning the wake almost without effort. Needed to drag my paddle a couple times to brake & let the wake catch up to me.

The carved foam seat is very comfortable (no NBS yet), but could still use a few more adjustments.

She tracks straight & turns OK. I don't have a spray-skirt yet (planning to make one), so I haven't really been pushing the envelope with edging a turn. The weather lately's been far too nice to spend on dry land, so the "testing" will continue, at least into the fall. Then I can finish up the last few details, & finally launch this sucker. ;)

Ken