On April 14, I made the first cut on this latest project. Exactly four weeks later, on May 12, the Black Pearl came out of drydock, i.e., the attic and back into the light of day!
The most notable changes to the "updated" Black Pearl are a standard keyhole cockpit, a retractable skeg and a new, low luster paint job! Other, smaller, changes/additions include a revisited pump location and bow/stern grab loops. For all other intents and purposes, the Pearl is still the same craft!!
The plan is to take the Pearl to the pool tomorrow night for a test run and then, if all works out, we're off to the Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador Retreat this coming weekend. With the new cockpit and skeg, the Pearl will be perfectly suited for day paddles!!
And here's a few snaps to show how things turned out
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| Finally, a chance to get a nice shot of the finished product!! |
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| Finished product #2 |
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| Finished product #3. |
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| Revisiting the "behind-the-back" pump location. See this link for a previous blog entry on this setup |
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| Top view showing new cockpit layout. |
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| Profile view of coaming and skeg control box. Still haven't decided what to do with the extra Maroske deck fittings left over!! Suggestions? |
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| Stern view. |
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| New grab loops made from rope and rubber tubing. Strong and comfortable. |
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| Full view of deck!! |
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| Bottom's up!! |
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| And bottom's down!!! |
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| Skeg looking cleaner than when first installed! |
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| Just sitting pretty!! |
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| Skeg (again)! |
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| The Black is Back on the Rack!!! |
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| Back on the Rack #2 |
Well, it's been a fun-filled month but I am glad to have the project completed and the kayak back on the rack. Now, I am looking forward to some good paddling in the new and improved Black Pearl!!
Hi Sean,
ReplyDeleteNice work! I've been looking over Nick Schade's plans for a retractable skeg. Nick positions it approx. 3' from the stern. Looking at the pics, that is close to what you have done? I couldn't find any information on Bjorn's site relative to a retractable skeg and the Black Pearl. I like where you positioned the slider control. I'll probably think about this awhile before I go cutting any holes in my Spanish Pearl (Spanish cedar natural, can't really call it Black)
Larry