Re: [Paddlewise] Wooden Boat

Yeah, one of the Redfish designs and the Outer Island are two boats I'm
thinking about building (one or the other). I'm about a year away from
having my own shop on my property (as opposed to my shop at my in-laws out
of town, which is inconvenient for getting to after dinner sort of thing).
I'm sure an extra 20 - 25 pounds of cloth and epoxy to the hull (over normal
specifications) has to add a lot more strength than if an equal weight in
material was added to an all fibreglass production kayak (which also has to
account for a layer of Gelcoat, too). The Outer Island appeals to me for day
use, whereas the Redfish looks a bit more expedition capable. Knowing me,
I'll probably come up with my own design mods. How about the "Dougfish?"

I will probably lay up some cedar strips and cloth combinations, and do some
ad hoc strength tests of my own to determine the correct layers and
acceptability levels to satisfy my desires and requirements. I still laugh
at most of the adverts for modern kayaks claiming high strength and
durability. I had my British heavy almost worn out before the end of 1981,
the year I bought it. Was I disappointed after all the hype from the guy at
the kayak store. Of course, most kayaks are pretty durable for intended
purposes (and can be custom ordered in a heavier lay-up), but it brings even
more laughter to hear about modern paddlers running up the beach to throw
down their PFD's so they can place their kayaks on top.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm at a bit of a transition point in my life
right now in terms of paddling pursuits, and I'm not sure which way I'll go,
but whatever I build, it better be tough with my track record. A bit more
manoeuvrable hull design might reduce some of the nastier collisions. I
certainly prefer a heavier boat overall when paddling "tight" to the
shoreline where there are breaking seas, as I find a heavier boat - while
less lively to paddle - gets thrown around less in the really nasty near
shore stuff. Especially the front portion of the original Nordkapp which
retains some Fishform advantages with buoyancy forward of amidships but
extends to a low volume in the last 1/5th. My favourite place to paddle is
in the green frothy water along rebounding cliffs where reefs can really mix
it up. Rather than sex, drugs, and rock n' roll, I can never get enough of
that good old jobbly water.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC

Bill said:
> Go for it Doug!  I added a "stripper" to my modest fleet and enjoy
paddling
> it very much, screw-ups and all.  You can build it with a heavy lay-up on
> the hull for rock gardening.
>
> Look at Joe Greenley's design offerings at www.redfishkayaks.com .  At
very
> least you should get a copy of "The Strip Built Sea Kayak" by Nick Schade.
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