New plans - Laker 13 - Questions/Comments

[moon306]

I just got my Laker 13 plans in the mail and I am a little disappointed. I did not realize it was going to be just 50 plus pages printed off of a laser printer single sided. The quality and presentation could be better for the price. Most of the pictures that are not actual drawings are too distorted to be useful. Also, there are several grammatical errors in the publication.

I will of course not know the true usefulness of the instructions until I actually build, I'll post progress in builder log.

Anyway, is there a preferred plywood to use for this kayak? The bill of materials and other printed material do not list anything specific, I was hoping for details on what can be used and what is best to use.

Also, Step 33 simply states "Install a seat deck (optional)" in bold. Is there no further notes for this section or am I missing it?

Thanks!

[hairymick]

G'day Moon306 and welcome aboard mate.

I am sure Matt will be along shortly to answer your concerns directly.

Are you building the free Laker or the bought one?

I built the prototype of this boat and I found the plans and build instructions to be complete and concise. The boat itself is so good that my wife asked me to build one for her too.

I don't have the plans or instructions with me at the moment so am unable to comment on step 33, But am very happy to help you out with the seat etc. if you need it.

Mate, once you start on your build, many of the steps will become self explanatory. Please post piccies and your build - ask questions where you need to and we will help out where we can.

[jem]

I just got my Laker 13 plans in the mail and I am a little disappointed. I did not realize it was going to be just 50 plus pages printed off of a laser printer single sided. The quality and presentation could be better for the price. Most of the pictures that are not actual drawings are too distorted to be useful. Also, there are several grammatical errors in the publication.

Don't copy them and send them back. I'll refund your money minus my shipping cost of $5 and $10 restocking fee. I'm sure you'll be able to find a better value else where.

[moon306]

Oh no, I am not looking for a refund. It was just some constructive criticism, I apologize if it came off too negative, it just was not presented as I expected. I looked around quite a bit for some decent plans before I purchased these and honestly, this huge forum of information is what sold it, the information is priceless, most notably Mick's pictures and information and both of you responding so quickly is tremendous.

I am still wondering though if step 33 is missing and more info on plywood options.

and to Mick's question I am using the purchased plans not the free ones.

Thanks.

[jem]

looks like some info got omitted. good catch.

I can email you the missing info

[kengrome]

Hello moon306,

You'll have to excuse me for being so blunt and direct (and politically incorrect) in this post, but ...

WHAT ARE YOU WHINING ABOUT ???

I've never seen such an insulting post in this forum, especially from a first-timer! Please explain to me what's wrong with 50 pages of laser printed plans and building instructions? You were expecting perhaps 100 pages instead, in a hard-cover stitch-bound book that includes 4-color photographs?

Look ... you got the plans and building instructions for a boat that's been rated one of the best performing kayaks of all time for new users and experienced paddlers alike. Yet you complain about 'grammatical errors' and the fact that an optional seat deck is not detailed for you.

Not only that, but you ALSO seem to place no value on the FREE OF CHARGE support you can get from the designer (and others) whenever you might need it -- not only in this forum but also via private email!

What more do you want?

If you cannot live with a few minor issues you're not the kind of person I would ever want to sell plans to, I can tell you that! Maybe you should buy a set of plans from some other designer some day. Then maybe you'll have a little bit better perspective on the value of the plans you've received from Matt.

Sorry for being so abrasive in this post, but it seems to me that you're bitching about things that make no difference whatsoever in terms of actually building the boat. So why not just 'calm down' and try being a little bit nicer to the guy who invested all his time and effort to develop such a great design, and who is also willing to sell you the plans for such a reasonable price?

[kengrome]

Oh no, I am not looking for a refund. It was just some constructive criticism, I apologize if it came off too negative ...

Aha, so that's the problem! But it's not really a problem anyways, just a communication issue. Damned these impersonal internet-based communication systems anyways ...

moon306, I sincerely apologize for my aggressive defense of Matt in my previous post. I know he can take care of himself anyways, but it hurts to have someone complain about his work like you seemed to be doing in your first post.

Good luck with your build and I hope to see some pictures when you get started!

[jem]

All - This forum works great because all share openly and willing and we work together.

Moon has a legit complaint about the omitted info and I'm glad he spoke up about that.

There is a reason I provide the instructions like that: So builders can make a shop copy for notes, spilling epoxy, beer, corn beef, etc.

I thought about providing a bound version but it raises cost that I'd have to pass onto the builders.

Some other reasons that it fits well into my business model that I won't detail in an open forum.

So let's just focus on getting Moon's questions answered. I appreciate the loyalty and the constructive criticism. I just don't want either to turn off anyone or cause hard feelings.

Thanks.

[kengrome]

I hope none of you have any hard feelings about me either, 'cuz I know I don't have any hard feeling for anyone else here. I think that most everyone here including moon306 are a great bunch of guys -- and this includes the girls!

[hairymick]

Moon mate,

Thank you for your very kind words.

I build my boats and try to construct my build threads about them so that a first time builder might get some benefiet .

I am certain you will love your Laker and once you get your teeth into the build, will love the process itself - at least a much.

Mate, EVERYBODY who has paddled either my wife's Laker or mine has wanted them. They really are that good. Between us, my wife and I own a lot of very good kayaks, pirogues and a couple of superb canoes, but we just keep coming back to our little Lakers because they are the most fun to paddle and absolutely no fuss at all to load and unload or carry to the water.

Re ply choices, This is entirely up to you. I would recommend marine grade of around 4mm thick (if available to you)

I have built one using 3mm interior grade ply and one using 4mm Okuoume (gaboon) marine ply. I found the build a lot easier with the better quality ply and the end result was a lot prettier too.

I have found my build instructions and step 33, only relates to the seat and how to install it. It is of no concern during the hull build and I am sure these things will get to you well before you need them.