All most..

Here is a shot of the QCC all most ready to go. Still need to put on the attachment points for the PAS sail. Install an under deck bag, bungies and square away the seat system.
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SandyBottom has sent me in the right direction with a foam tractor seat configuration. Which is probably how I'll go in the end. I do have a back band and pad out of the sevylors, but I think the back band will be too high and wont accommodate a spray skirt.
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I am very happy with my decision not to go with the standard seat that QCC has and the Kruger seat is a tad robust.
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With all the excitement of the new addition, I was tempted to take it out for a spin. But locally the Rock River didn't favor a paddle. Lakes around here are chocked with enough ice, there are ice shanties and trucks on the lake. We have about 18" of ice.

QCC went with an exterior bonding strip similar to the Kruger. The Azul has a fiberglass mat strip on the outside. The strip breaks up the deck and hull nicely and has a very clean look.
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Another shot of open water... I like that the snowmobile tracks lead right into it.
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Here's a shot of the bow showing off the rocker. If the weather holds (been in the 40's) it won't be long and we'll have some real open water! Mark will be here later in the week, maybe we can get out for a paddle!

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The Capt'n

Shout out to Chris!!

Kayak 4 Kidz has developed from first a simple idea, to a late night e-mail, to a full fledged fundraiser in the short span of a month, in large part due to peoples' enthusiastic responses along the way.
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The idea is simple, enter in the Missouri River 340 Kayak and Canoe Race. Paddle for 340 miles in under 88 hours, and help out a fantastic cause.
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The race itself sounds difficult...it is, but nothing that is worth doing is easy.
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This fundraiser will only be accomplished if I can both complete the race in under 88 hours, paddling from Kansas city to St. Charles, MO, and reach my goal of raising $10,000 for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago by the end of the race.
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If you are interested in joining Kayak 4 Kidz as a donor and/or sponsor go to the "Donate" page.
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If you are interesting in joining Kayak 4 Kids as a participant, and have already entered the MR 340 please contact me via e-mail.
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Thank You!
Chris
Kayak 4 Kids

Boo "M" - it's the Bomb

The Krugerized QCC "mystery craft" has arrived at Casa Weber's. Quite the drive home with this enormous box on top of the Jeep.
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I had given it so much thought over the past few months, on what to get the kids to paddle solo in, something they could handle on her own. Marissa and Emily have paddled the Sea Wind and Cruiser but made reference that it was quite a reach when paddling. Sea Wind width -28.5 " / QCC design 23" wide.
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Boats currently in the fleet didn't offer the expedition feel we were looking for. Plus I sold a couple which freed up some paddling around money in the boat account!! :-)
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Almost picked up the Verlen Kruger Kevlar Loon that was for sale down in Burlington Wisconsin. Most of the Sawyer Loons were in fiberglass, this one was made in Kevlar with over site by Verlen I am told. But it didn't solve the beam problem we were facing.
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So with numerous discussions with Mark and Steve, The Krugerized QCC Canoe was born. It must be noted that this is not a production boat so you wont find it on any websites or forums.
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Now where to go with it?
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There was really only one place I could go with the box; straight in the side door through the kitchen and dining room, right into the living room turned workshop.
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The hull lay-up and modifications were handled by Steve at QCC. The changes were a collaboration of Mark at Kruger Canoes, The kids input over the years and my quest to make it as comfortable as possible for them out on long paddles.
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With no real ability or space to build a boat, a collaboration seemed the best option.

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The hull is Kevlar and has an extra layer on the bottom with four additional layers in the bow and stern.

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I had it build with the seat and seat stays removed. This will enable the paddler to lay down inside the hull if necessary.

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The build has no bulkheads, hence the end pour flotation and and additional material for bonding. I also went with a rudder configuration. The foot pegs have toe steering. The action is smooth and crisp.
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Here's a shot of the rudder in the up position. I think it's a really nice system. I saw one review which didn't look favorable on it do to it's size and weight. If it blows apart in sea trials I can always put the tried and true Kruger rudder assembly on.

I am considering the Kruger Truss Seat System with the built in portage yolk. I need to get it out on the water to see how it feels before I make too many changes. Presently I'll use a foam seat.

Mark from Kruger will be here Wednesday to make additional recommendations and drink beer. (Mark drinks for free in Wisconsin for all he has done for our breast cancer awareness campaigns and kids paddling camps over the years.) I also want to run by him the possibility of putting in catamaran sleeves. - I think I hear a chuckle...

Invest in your children, you can't go wrong - The Capt'n

Sweet!! The video resurfaced!!

Great lead in to the up-coming Everglades Challenge!! - SUPER BOO'S EC ADVENTURE

Crazy

Kayaker Rides Down Staircase - Watch more Funny Videos

Comments anyone?

As SandyBottom pointed out to me yesterday, they do get some cold water paddling down in North Carolina. (Surly you jest my fair weather paddler) I tend to give those farther south a bit of a ribbing with the balmy conditions they set out in.

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I was directed to KiwiBird's Blog where I was treated to some great pics and a bit of skim ice. My thought was, and me without any lime vodka or a tumbler. That's not ice, swing over to Silbs for a edgamacation on ice. But I must say those kayaks do look ready for adventure, some great pics!

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So as usual I really don't have much to say, just more chatter and re-directs to sites with real content. But when I get a handful of e-mails checking in to see if I am OK cause I haven't written anything in a while; Well maybe we could chat a bit.

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Feel free to post in the comment section of this post clarifying your topic of choice.

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Here is a list of things I wont talk about: (In no particular order)

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1. Women

2. Conan Leno Fiasco

3. Women

4. Politics - unless you really want to be punished and educated on the two party system.

5. Women

6. Establishment of spermatogenesis in neonatal bovine testicular tissue

7. Women

Otherwise, lets talk or dance; what's your pleasure - The Capt'n

The Big Show!!

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Quiet Water Symposium March 6-7, 2010
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The Verlen Kruger Memorial will be represented; Mark and Dan have been work diligently to get things ready... Have you purchased your memorial brick?
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Canoecopia March 12-14, 2010
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MadCity Paddlers will have a booth. This is a fun paddle club with some really active members. The trips have getting bigger and better each year. Big water to creeks... they do it all.
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Nothing like the sun on your face and a January thaw to lift your spirits!- The Capt'n

Sending chills

This post is for Mike; kinda sends chills down your spine seeing the Golfo De Nicoya, doesn't it?
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It sure was nice not playing our version of "survivor" and eating "fish with a face" and drinking @@s water from a rusty pipe, isolated on sit on tops, a night crossing under a full moon... perfect!
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These are the days when I review past paddling trips and start to get chills about the up-coming year and all the adventure that there is to be had.
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I must say I was twitching a bit not getting out on the water in Costa Rica this past visit. But it really wasn't that type of trip. I almost (not really) thought about renting a surf board. It's only been 25 years since I surfed.
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Then I looked at the size of the sets coming in. Surf camp or not, I had a cocktail in my hand and my spine was intact. See the video: http://www.crsurfadventures.com/
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Though the beautiful surf town of Tamarindo, C.R. is lacking kayak and beach cat sailboat rentals. Hmm?
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Ambition and ability - The Capt'n

Registration is...

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It will be Boo and The Capt'n "Team Kruger Canoes" - mixed tandem in the MR340.

Registration is open and filling fast... We'll be paddling the cruiser.

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Looking at Boo's summer schedule, I'm glad I got my week on the Mighty MO with her.

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Still looking at the WaterTribe events. Gonna be a good year with the UFC taking place. Lots of cool boats signed up to compete. Might just head on down there for some R&R. (race and recreation).

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Looking to blue water, white sands and warm breezes - The Capt'n