| Above pictures are of the various stages we go through in construction of a Foamie Kayak. 1. Cut the raw form from minicell foam or a piece of light wood 2x4. 2. Shape the raw form into the boat shape desired. Sand all edges smooth. 3 & 4. Using Minicell foam, shape the various foamie paddler parts: Head, torso, arms and paddle blades. We use round chopsticks for vertical body reinforcment and paddle shaft material because they are made of bamboo. Bamboo is far stronger than the same diameter hardwood dowel material. This is just a personal preference. I don't think Foamie Boaters paddles are as prone to breakage as the paddler's arms. Past experience shows us that the Foamie Boater's arm will be torn loose before the paddle shaft breaks. 5&6. Pre-assemble the Foamie Boater and test in the sink for trim and rollability. Metal washers or coins placed in the bottom of the hull centered underneath the torso will correct for both these problems. (Foamies made with foam hulls and bodies will almost always need extra weight added to the hull to facilitate rolling). Once trim and rollability have been confirmed or compensated for, glue the torso onto the cockpit, add the arms (I use short sections of toothpicks to position the arms and add strength to the shoulder joints). Add the head and the paddle. Allow proper drying time for the glue that you use before painting. I use a clear waterproof rubber adhesive similar to GOOP or Liquid Nails for small projects waterproof version (dries tan but takes paint well). Use a pallet knife or popsicle stick to smooth out and/or remove excess glue that leaks out of the joints. 7,8 &9. Pick your colors and paint away. I originally started out using Testors model enamel, but have found that waterproof acrylics are much easier to work with and less expensive. After the basic painting is done you can detail your Foamie Paddler as much or as little as you like. Craft stores sell decal packets for Pine Car Racer Kits that work great on Foamies. They have some great graphics (flames, names, spiders, fire-breathing dragons, etc.). If you are talented with paintbrush or paintpen, you can add your own homemade graphics and decorations. You can add hair, sunglasses, helmets, pfd's, grab loops, the only limits are your imagination.
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