Jack Williams - Freedom 17-9

Dear Ted and Joan It took much too long. About two years in the making, mostly done, but then waiting two more years on a rack awaiting final varnishing, seats and and a thwart while I started a new job in a new state. But finally, four years after beginning my Freedom 17'9", my wife and I took the finished boat out for a four-day trip to a remote island site a couple of hours away from our home in Scarborough, Maine (near Portland). We not only had a great trip, but really tested the boat in an hour of quite hefty headwinds and whitecaps. I LOVE THIS BOAT! I have done a lot of trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnnesota in my kevlar boats. This boat handled so well. Those other boats track well, but can be hard to turn when loaded with gear. My new boat both tracked and turned well at the right times. Both stable and nimble.  A great design. I have attached a few pictures of the boat. You'll see I have placed both seats a little forward to adjust for the weight difference of my wife and me (I weigh twice as much).  A new love affair with a boat has begun! I have enjoyed building your boats (my first was a Hiawatha, which I also love). I also have appreciated your care and support when I have called over the years. Jack Williams Scarborough, Maine