!Jones wrote:
[...]
I think I'd opt for one of the solid foam devices on adjustable arms
such that may be raised & lowered as well as moved in and out. Maybe
something like these: http://www.castlecraft.com/stabilizers.htm That
same device is marketed under various names; I'm certain that there's
a single manufacturer.

Yeah, they're obviously not for everyone. WW crowd might sooner eat a
bug as even consider such an abomination... but for flat-water
paddlers... well, what are my trade-offs? I tend to think of safety
in terms of *gear*... I mean, left to my own tendencies. I know that
the ocean is bigger than anything I can go out and buy... didn't the
Titanic prove that? Given the type of use I describe, do you think
they'd be worth the investment?

Jones

Devices like that are sold but I think you could just as well make your
own. I don't mind the idea of outriggers and think they could make
sense for some people and weigh very little -- and never touch the
water until needed. The Ingham sponsons on the other hand are attached
with a strap under the boat, so you would not want to leave them in
place due to drag. They are a rescue device. What advantage they have
over a paddle float is questionable.

On 3 Sep 2006 14:24:04 -0700, in rec.boats.paddle
wrote:

Devices like that are sold but I think you could just as well make your
own.

I'm not sure that I could build a similar device for under $300 ...
certainly not if I considered my labor.

The Ingham sponsons on the other hand are attached
with a strap under the boat, so you would not want to leave them in
place due to drag. They are a rescue device. What advantage they have
over a paddle float is questionable.

I have tried rolling the sleeping pads and lashing them thus. I
didn't notice any huge stability gain; however, I did notice the drag!

Jones

!Jones wrote:
wrote:

Devices like that are sold but I think you could just as well make your
own.

I'm not sure that I could build a similar device for under $300 ...
certainly not if I considered my labor.

Well, I don't know what your labor rate is. Two large blocks of
styrofoam. A few lengths of aluminum channel. Some aluminum plate to
glue to the styrofoam. Fasteners. Maybe an epoxy sealant to coat the
styrofoam with. A little more aluminum and some closed cell foam to
fashion an attachment scheme.

On 3 Sep 2006 18:17:57 -0700, in rec.boats.paddle
wrote:

!Jones wrote:
wrote:

Devices like that are sold but I think you could just as well make your
own.

I'm not sure that I could build a similar device for under $300 ...
certainly not if I considered my labor.

Well, I don't know what your labor rate is. Two large blocks of
styrofoam. A few lengths of aluminum channel. Some aluminum plate to
glue to the styrofoam. Fasteners. Maybe an epoxy sealant to coat the
styrofoam with. A little more aluminum and some closed cell foam to
fashion an attachment scheme.

I'd guess that's about $150. Have you priced machine stock lately?
Then you have to have all of the parts anodized and that's about $10
per part with a $50 set-up. If I do it, then I'd cough up the $300, I
think.

We've just gotten our boat and the wife has her hand in a cast for the
next three weeks... arthritis surgery. Anyway, I want to spand a
little more time on the water before I buy any accessories. I'm
guessing that I'll order a set in the next few months... I'll let you
know what I think.

Jones

!Jones wrote:
On 3 Sep 2006 18:17:57 -0700, in rec.boats.paddle
wrote:

!Jones wrote:
wrote:

Devices like that are sold but I think you could just as well make your
own.
I'm not sure that I could build a similar device for under $300 ...
certainly not if I considered my labor.
Well, I don't know what your labor rate is. Two large blocks of
styrofoam. A few lengths of aluminum channel. Some aluminum plate to
glue to the styrofoam. Fasteners. Maybe an epoxy sealant to coat the
styrofoam with. A little more aluminum and some closed cell foam to
fashion an attachment scheme.

I'd guess that's about $150. Have you priced machine stock lately?
Then you have to have all of the parts anodized and that's about $10
per part with a $50 set-up. If I do it, then I'd cough up the $300, I
think.

We've just gotten our boat and the wife has her hand in a cast for the
next three weeks... arthritis surgery. Anyway, I want to spand a
little more time on the water before I buy any accessories. I'm
guessing that I'll order a set in the next few months... I'll let you
know what I think.

Jones
If you've just gotta go there, go he
http://www.canoegear.com/catalog/home.php

They make pretty good stuff, and at least you'll be buying from someone
fairly reputable.

MJ

On Sun, 03 Sep 2006 20:58:02 -0500, in rec.boats.paddle Marsh Jones
wrote:

!Jones wrote:
On 3 Sep 2006 18:17:57 -0700, in rec.boats.paddle
wrote:

!Jones wrote:
wrote:

Devices like that are sold but I think you could just as well make your
own.
I'm not sure that I could build a similar device for under $300 ...
certainly not if I considered my labor.
Well, I don't know what your labor rate is. Two large blocks of
styrofoam. A few lengths of aluminum channel. Some aluminum plate to
glue to the styrofoam. Fasteners. Maybe an epoxy sealant to coat the
styrofoam with. A little more aluminum and some closed cell foam to
fashion an attachment scheme.

I'd guess that's about $150. Have you priced machine stock lately?
Then you have to have all of the parts anodized and that's about $10
per part with a $50 set-up. If I do it, then I'd cough up the $300, I
think.

We've just gotten our boat and the wife has her hand in a cast for the
next three weeks... arthritis surgery. Anyway, I want to spand a
little more time on the water before I buy any accessories. I'm
guessing that I'll order a set in the next few months... I'll let you
know what I think.

Jones
If you've just gotta go there, go he
http://www.canoegear.com/catalog/home.php

They make pretty good stuff, and at least you'll be buying from someone
fairly reputable.

MJ

Thank you.

!Jones wrote:

We've just gotten our boat and the wife has her hand in a cast for the
next three weeks... arthritis surgery. Anyway, I want to spand a
little more time on the water before I buy any accessories. I'm
guessing that I'll order a set in the next few months... I'll let you
know what I think.

Jones

Well, if it's for your injured wife it would be far better to spend the
money than risk the aftermath of "your contraption" failing her.

On 4 Sep 2006 06:17:35 -0700, in rec.boats.paddle
wrote:

!Jones wrote:

We've just gotten our boat and the wife has her hand in a cast for the
next three weeks... arthritis surgery. Anyway, I want to spand a
little more time on the water before I buy any accessories. I'm
guessing that I'll order a set in the next few months... I'll let you
know what I think.

Jones

Well, if it's for your injured wife it would be far better to spend the
money than risk the aftermath of "your contraption" failing her.

Heh! Actually, I have about half a dozen projects on the fire.

Jones