K53 - Maverick #1
The first dual line build that I started. I started and finished the previous build (90 Nine) while building this kite.
This was done as a part of the On The Line build long (plan information here).
Since I hadn’t built a dual line yet, I thought this would be a nice opportunity to get some tips before a proper build.
This kite came out a bit sloppy. I rushed through the appliqué to keep up with Josh Mitcheson during the live stream, so the seems are a bit tight with the edge of the double sided tape sticking out. It seems that my pockets for the upper spreader were off, so I added a slit to the leading edge further up to accommodate the correct fitting position. When framing the kite, I followed the leading edge and spreader measurements, then did everything else based on what fit right (spine, standoffs, and upper spreader fitting the sail properly).
I learned a lot from this build.
I liked Josh’s method for sewing the nose, and I may just slightly adjust how far down I close off the nose pocket, but other than that, I expect I’ll maintain the same process.
The trailing edge was interesting, using spinnaker tape for trim. On my 90Nine build, I did an extra fold on the spinnaker tape to hide the raw edge, and also used some Dacron on part of the trailing edge which were both some small improvements on the processes shown in the build.
I wasn’t a big fan of the cut outs for the upper and lower spreader connections, I felt that this left some ugly edges poking around the rod. On my 90 Nine build, I ended up cutting out two circles instead, and pulling the leading edge rod out of the pocket for the fitting, then back in. I feel that this turned out much cleaner.
I added in some yoyo stoppers at a point that looked about right, which wasn’t covered in the build along, but may get covered later.
All in all, this is a learning build for me, and it gives me a kite that I can have available as a beater kite for new folks to play with, which is a valuable thing to have in the bag.
