Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Gaviota Coast Adventure

Bart, Kyle and I just returned home from an amazing three-day surf adventure along the Gaviota Coast. Truly spectacular. We paddled in twelve miles with minimal help from the wind, camped two nights on the boat and and then sailed downwind most of the way home before the wind died. I used the small fortress anchor with success and the new Iakos and Pola supported all three tramps perfectly. I've never slept so well.

8 comments:

  1. Pretty awesome trip! I'm building the Ulua at 18' but now I kinda wish I had stretched it. I checked out your build photos. WOW! My craftsmanship doesn't even come close to the art you have created, but I'm definitely inspired to push myself for a cleaner product. I'm in Tampa Florida, and hope to have my Ulua ready for a trip to the 10,000 islands this spring. I've done it a few times via kayak. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Jon. Thanks. Would love to see some photos of your 18 footer. The 10,000 Island trip sounds cool. My Ulua has turned out to be a capable cruiser, although she;s heavy all loaded up with gear. The three of us had a tough time moving her on land. Four would have been better.

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  2. Fantastic! I threw up on my keyboard from a little vicarious sea-sickness, but it was worth it.

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  3. EPIC! Count me in as your fourth. Don't you need a trip doctor anyway?

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  4. Awesome photos ! Your clear coat puts mine to shame. what product did you use ? I used to varnish wooden boats in Dana Point many moons ago but I can't seem to get good results with the new fangled water based stuff. I also like your steering paddle, I noticed that the Kahuna also found it pleasing. Is the paddle your own design or did you replicate an existing paddle ? I need to make one for my 18' Ulua which is now finished except for the paint on the ama. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Keith. Thanks for your comment. I used a two-part poly over the glassed hull. It was a big pain to use, but it is durable and very glossy. If you saw my varnish job up close you wouldn't be that impressed! I used Waterlox over the bare wood of the gunwales, seat, etc. I love that stuff - easy to use and it looks great. I designed the steering paddle. Paddles are fun to make. I drew some inspiration from the paddles Holopuni sells - http://www.foxworxpaddle.com/outrigger_paddles.html. It would be great to see a pic of your 18 footer.

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  5. Mike, Gary posted some pics of my Ulua a while back, search Ventura Ulua and they will come up. Hope to have her in the water by next week. Guess I better start making paddles !

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    1. Looks sweet Keith. I like how you rolled the gunwales right into the manu. Have fun with your launch.

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