olsnappa's Cape Fear

Tor · Post by **Tor** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:59 am

Olsnappa,

Aura Vale is certainly close to me and I've been for a paddle there, however I'd suggest Lysterfield Lake for a launch.

It's bigger and will allow you to get up a good head of steam, it'll give you a much better idea of what it may be like on open water and yes you will be stopped and you will be asked about it. People are fascinated by wooden boats and can't help themselves.

Great work.

Tor

olsnappa · Post by **olsnappa** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 1:10 am

SHE FLOATS ! !

The big day finally arrived...... I got sick of waiting for a free day so headed down to local beach early this morning for a test paddle before going to work.
First impression.......

I'm by no means an experienced paddler in terms of comparing her to other craft but I felt really comfortable in her. As you can see in the photos, it was very calm conditions although further out there was a bit of small chop..... just enough to hear the slap of water against the bow as I paddled along.
I did a bit of experimental shifting of my weight side to side and never felt at risk of tipping her.
Paddling was easy with progress smooth, straight and swift. (Matt, you're a genius)
As I regain my paddling skills from years ago, I think she'll be a delight.
I had a pencil with me to mark the "sweet spot" for the seat and rod holders, etc. So the next stage in her construction is really just the final fitting out.
And you guys were right......she did draw considerable interest from early morning walkers and a couple of other kayakers.
Took the chance to take some more portrait shots.....this time in her natural environment.

Loaded up again at the end of a very satisfying first paddle.

john the pom · Post by **john the pom** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:53 am

Well! Smart looking tub ya gone an built there. A picture of the silly grin on your face whilst paddling it would'na been out of place.
Seems to have been a longish build but worth every minute. Every time I see pics of other boats I wish I'da been a bit more patient with my build, but each one I see makes me wanna do better next time.
Lovely job mate congratulations

scottrunnr · Post by **scottrunnr** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:54 am

Beautiful!!!! Well done! Can't wait to hear about your first fishing outings.

Post by **jem** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:08 am

Nice! Going to use those pics if you don't mind.

She's a versatile design.

olsnappa · Post by **olsnappa** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:54 am

john the pom, scottrnnr........Thanks
Matt...Yes mate. I'd be honoured if you did.

Oldsparkey · Post by **Oldsparkey** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:24 am

Beautiful Job and the pictures are great , they would make a good screen saver on your computer. NOPE... Bad idea , then you would be wanting to go paddling and fishing and not working on the computer.

Chuck.

craiggamesh · Post by **craiggamesh** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:09 pm

Those are beautiful photos, and the boat is beautiful as well.

hairymick · Post by **hairymick** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:02 am

G'day John,

Congratulations mate. You have done this lovely design proud.

Beautiful job mate and ya should know, your last piccies have re-kindled my desire to build my own Cape Fear.

Goona be some very jealous Hobie owners down your way I think

.

olsnappa · Post by **olsnappa** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 5:36 am

Chuck, Craig, Mick......Cheers.