A forgotten prep

Been playing with a kayak for a few, as insinuated in my last post. While outfitting said boat, I keep coming across a missing item in my preps.

A sewing machine.

I have the ability to do quick repairs as should anyone who has had to maintain a uniform or worked around cars, farms, or, well pretty much anything outside a city. But long seams, hems and whatnot are just flat tedious by hand. I have material for making some of the gear I am interested in (cockpit cover for storage, spray skirt for foul weather, etc. ) yet lack that one tool that would make things go that much better.

And yes, I have ran a sewing machine a time or two. Home ec was a great way to meet the shy girls in HS. And I actually learned a thing or four 🙄

I’m sure a reader or two is interested in the Yak so,,,

14.5′ GP kayak. Am adding a foot controlled rudder system for those times where I need a more agressive turn. Thats about 50% complete right now. It was actually cheaper for me to order a replacement rudder to fit to my gudgeon than make the whole assembly.

(The pins are tapered pins where the cables will go. I scraped a section 1/16″ wide on the upper part of the taper where the cables will ride. Its a crude, but effective way of adjusting cable length.)

Even so, I only have $50 tied up in it (including shipping that one part) whereas a new unit to install runs $200+ (most nearer $300)

As for how I came across that boat, lets just say that sometimes you have to be in the right spot and ask just the right question.

And I am considering a sail for the thing. A small one that can stow away easily, (like this) and yet another reason why I am thinking I need a sewing machine. Joel and I have a lot in common.

I’m looking and who knows, maybe I can find an old footpowered model. I still see ’em around but till now, never paid much attention to ’em.