Ryan,

Thank you for your service.  There are not enough kayaks in the world to reward you for what you are doing.  Good luck, be safe, and enjoy the build when you get home.

Paul

  More thanks for your service and wishes for a safe return. Here's to some well deserved R&R in your new yak.

 Bob

I cant think of a better way to unwind after a deployment.  Enjoy it and Thank You for all that you sacrifice to serve this country.

I would suggest camo, but that's too obvious.

God bless and thank you.  Enjoy the build - it's well worth the effort.  

God bless you RyanFranks. Stay safe!

Ryan

Sweet gift to youself.  Thanks for the years of service and bravery.  Have fun with the build.  And keep us all informed of your progress.

 Lance

Rico,

After this tour, the last thing I want to see is camo, especially on my boat. I would rather paint it blaze orange wit lime green pinstripes and big pink hearts than see my recreation ticket done up in camo...

I built the same boat. You will enjoy building it and finishing it out. When I got to finishing the boat, I simply couldn't bring my self to apply paint to that beautiful gleaming wood, so mine is bright. I may eventually put paint on it but so far, three years later, I am still liking the gleaming mahogany. Plus, wood grain hides a multitude of finishing sins.

Thank you for your service to our country. May God bless and protect you.

PS - You will absolutely love the way this boat handles after paddling plastic boats!

So the boat arrives tomorrow...Just two days after I did. I have just enough time to clear out garage space for the job. I went to Harbor Freight Tools today and to my surprise, they were having a big presidents day sale, picked up a random orbital sander, a pair of spokeshaves and a plane for less than 50 bucks total. I need to go back and pick up some spring clamps that I forgot but thats no biggie. Can't wait to start the build!

Check Home Depot they have  spring clams for one dollar each. 

"spring clams"

Yummy, chowder! ;)

.

good luck with your build. The one dollar spring clamps at home depot are fantastic. I started my boat three weeks ago and i am ready to start the fiberglass on the deck and hall. you will have a blast.

Dave