Brian's Kayak Journal- Endgame

08OCT2002

You cant' see it in the picture, but there are two straps by the seat back. One adjusts seat back angle up, the other down.

Also installed the hatch straps. The front straps are a bit shorter than ideal, something I will fix next year.

hatch covers

09OCT2002

I stopped by the local motor vehicle license office. The DNR handles boat registration in MN, but this office can also do boat registration. The lady wasn't sure how to register a home made boat, She would have to call the DNR (the DNR closes the same time I usually leave work).

10OCT2002

Called the DMV lady. She mentioned something about tilting. I pointed out that kayaks do not need to be titled (I neglected to mention that it was a kayak yesterday). The DNR can assign me a Hull Identification Number (HIN). (for more info, see Home built HIN) But the DNR computers were down for some reason, so I couldn't register Thursday.

Applied the first coat of paint (Valspar Marine Polyurethane Enamel, Gloss White) to the hull. Technically designed for above water use, but I've heard this is OK as long as the boat isn't constantly in the water. Actually any paint would probably work, but I figured marine paint would hold up better. Picture will be up later.

11OCT2002

DMV lady was off today (she told me that yesterday). Applied second coat of paint.

12OCT2002

Sculpted the seat. The seat was big block of minicell foam. The bottom was cut fit the shape of the hull. My job is to shape the top to fit MY bottom. I got it roughly there, will fine tune it after use. Also did some misc. sanding of the hull, deck, etc. Here is a picture of the pained hull:

hull painted

13OCT2002

Attached bungie cord to the deck. Kayaks seem to have these, I suppose for water bottles, snacks, 1st aid kits, etc. Here is a picture with the bungies on:

bungies

15OCT2002

Registered my boat. Mostly. Stopped by the DMV office. The DMV lady spent 10-15 minutes trying to log onto the computer system ( The password was old, try to change it, too similar to the old one, tried to change it again, too short)

Finally logged in. Since I haven't registered a boat before, was worried about creating an account for me. Turns out that after entering my driver's license #, it got the address, etc info from the motor vehicle dept.

Started typing in info (length, propulsion, construction materials, etc). For HIN she typed in "NA". I said that they could assign it. The DNR person (on the phone) said they only did that for boats that are titled. I pointed out that Coast Guard regulations required a HIN. They insisted only for titled boats and the DMV lady said that hey its the DNR. I argued the Coast Guard trumped the DNR. Even the computer system complained, she had to force it to accept "NA".

So, I got my registration stickers. but no HIN. As soon as I got home I e-mailed the DNR, because I KNOW they have assigned HINs to kayaks (see link above)

So, my kit is a boat according to the state, but not the CG.

16OCT2002

My e-mail worked--The DNR has assigned me a HIN: MNZ02299J202. The MNZ means non-commercial builder in MN, the 02299 is a serial # and the J202 means October 2002. I found an engraver that can make me plates in outdoor suitable material (anodized aluminum). I also got my PFD (Lotus Rio Grande, Yellow, Large.)

17OCT2002

Picked up the HIN plates from the engraver and placed them on the boat. One is on the right near the stern, the other is hidden I plan to keep it secret, keep it safe.

18OCT2002

Got a paddle (Bending Branches Impression-a wooden paddle). Local store is having a sale, so I got it for 20% off. The DNR mailed me a new registration card with the HIN on it. I also put the front roof rack on my car.

19OCT2002

Was going to launch it today, but the WX isn't good enough. It was supposed to be mostly (or at least partly) sunny and 50--It is over cast and 45. I am hoping for a warm spell before winter strikes or even NORMAL temperatures. Normal for today is 59, more than warm enough.

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