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> So there I was at the table yesterday, stuffed from too much turkey and
> pie, thankful for all I have (especially the kayaks)and got to wondering.
> The day before I was looking at the leftover strips (?) I will have from
> the current project,and it occured to me that other addicts might have the
> same situation in their shop. What to do with the strips? A myrid of
> solutions comes to mind, (more kayaks), but at the table another thought
> occured. What would be the logistical nightmares involved in maybe some of
> the builders donating some of the leftovers to a builder, who would then
> construct a kayak to donate to a charity? I was thinking maybe the builder
> would gather it up, build it, donate it to say Make a wish to auction or
> raffel, and have photos of the finished product and new owner to post.The
> only cost to the others would be the shipping, and to the builder would be
> the glass and epoxy, and maybe they could get that donated by a local shop
> as well. Each year a new builder would take the project and chose the
> charity. What else should be considered? Is this a feasable idea? How
> about some input. TomP
The boatbuilding classes and demonstrations that occur produce many boats that are class efforts. It is common for these classes to have a raffle or lottery to determine which of the class participants takes the boat home with them. Why not work off of this model?
There are symposia, rendezvous, paddle ins, get togethers and so on which provide meeting places for paddlers and builders. Why not use these as opportunities for builders to gather for a `master class' The 'tuition' for such a class would be excess boat building materials and/or the use of tools: precut forms, strongback, strips, glass, resin, gloves, staples, staple guns, etc. The class would be led by an experienced builder, who would hopefully donate his or her time, or be paid by a sponsor. The materials would be transported to the site by those who are donating them. A list of needed materials could be posted online before hand (kind of like a wedding gift registry) so the right stuff, and enough of it, is provided.
The finished boat or boats would be donated to a charity, or raffled off with the proceeds going to a charity.
As I see it, this would be an excellent promotional activity for several of the larger suppliers of materials. Their cost would be just in providing a location, and perhaps an instructor. Depending on local lottery/raffle laws they maight even deduct the instructor fees and donate the remainder to the charity, so their sponsorship costs are basically for advertising. In exchange, they get a prime audience of builders converging on their site. This then becomes an incredibly cost efficient way to show their wares to an extremely interested audience. I can't think of a better advertising tool.
There are lumber companies on the west and east coast who could do these things without worrying about robbing from the other's market. Face it, if you live east, you generally buy from eastern suppliers. You can find suppliers in Florida and Canada, too, so there is no reason why several of these types of events could not be held.
Since these would probably be done over weekends, the extra hands might be useful in completing the boat in three days. (Anyone have any fast-setting glue to donate?)
Personally, I could almost envision a competition between Pygmy and Chesapeake Lt. Craft. ( NO, WAIT -- That could get bloody ) Seriously, though, the owners of those companies would be top-notch candidates for seminars like these. I'd like to hear from them both. For that matter, I'd like to be able to travel to the heartland and see a demo by George Roberts. Or go east and see one by Nick, Gil Gilpatrick, or George Putz.
If anyone wants to take this idea to a possible sponsor maybe it can be sone this summer.
Just a few thoughts here.
Paul G. Jacobson
This is an archived message from The Kayak Building Bulletin Board.
Guillemot Kayak - High
Performance Wooden Sea Kayak Designs
