A visit to the the kayakshop in Tranås
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 10 comments
![kayaks galore kayaks galore](/file/img/10/news100303-11.jpg)
The last couple of days I spent at the kayak shop in Tranås to see how the new line of S&G Black Pearls is developing. Petrus Johansson is running a "pre-production" class with two participants, building two their BPs – Claes from Finland who has initiated a similar shop in Southwestern Finland (starting up in a few months), Magnus from Tranås with plans for a BP since a paddling class this summer in lake Sommen – and Petrus himself planning, helping, teaching and constantly seeking efficient shortcuts, imprevements to make the project as easy and fulfiiling as possible for the coming participants.
The concept and the kayaks looks really impressive. Petrus has developed a concept where builders have access to the shop, a strongback, professional tools, station molds, precut plywood panels, prefabricated carbon cockpit rim, seat and and hatch trays, coffee and lunch – and not the least professional help when needed and can build a profeesional quality S&G Black Pearl in eight days. A BP that is lighter, stiffer and with a better fit than anything commercially available.
![plywood for the foredeck](/file/img/10/news100303-1.jpg)
Prebent plywood panel for the foredeck
![Kayaks everywhere](/file/img/10/news100303-2.jpg)
Kajyaks everywhere – plus a couple of sailboats and dingies...
![Cutting the cockpit hole](/file/img/10/news100303-3.jpg)
Cutting the cockpit hole
![Prepairing for the fore deck hatch](/file/img/10/news100303-5.jpg)
Adjusting for the carbone fore deck hatch tray
![Prefabricated rims in carbon/epoxy](/file/img/10/news100303-6.jpg)
Prefabricated cockpit rims waiting for builders
![A little help with the fit](/file/img/10/news100303-8.jpg)
A little help with the fit...
![The deck joint](/file/img/10/news100303-7.jpg)
...and the deck jopint can be stitched in preparation for epoxy and fiberglass
![Waiting for the deck plate](/file/img/10/news100303-9.jpg)
Waiting for the deck hatch
![Deck hardware](/file/img/10/news100303-4.jpg)
Deck hardware...
![Time to join the hull and the deck](/file/img/10/news100303-10.jpg)
Ready to glue and glass the hull-deck joint
What a vacation week this can be for a builder!
(For more info, contact petruskajak.se)