Re: [Paddlewise] Building a wooden boat

I'd never go for an SOF for a kayak I want to beat on. Yeah, they will take
substantial abuse in torqued surf but I'm not convinced about wearability,
let alone functionality for longer excursions. Yes, I know what Brian has
done. Environmentally, SOF are winners hands down.

Doug Lloyd
*****************************
The one thing that concerns me with the SOF is
the lack of floatation, as well as the difficulty in assisted rescue. We had a
demo at the spring rough water recovery workshop off Berkeley sponsored by
BASK. If the SOF has to bail, returning to the boat is very difficult,
requiring that both parties are rehearsed, it also appeared that injury was a
real risk as they tried to refloat the SOF. If no skilled assistant is
available, reentry and roll seems to be the only viable option, leaving the
problem of pumping an unstable boat.

Durability is answered to my
satisfaction believing that the covering will be replaced every few years,
where being stove in with a stitch and glue appears to be, at least in some
situations, structurally non repairable in full strength. Shaman Kayaks,
ventura has an excellent video of their durability on youtube.

I know about
the sock that fits in any boat w/o floatation, but it is one more bit of
complication, seems to me if you are having to bail, then the sock could come
out as well, leaving you in a bad position. I wouldn't go out w/o it, but the
idea isn't attractive.

I wish my skills were up to one of the strip built
boats. But i don't know where I'd use it, probably only on boat show days.
With large feet and long legs, I've yet to find a factory made boat that isn't
an expedition boat that i can fit in with my sea boots on. Home built does
seem to be the answer.

Mike
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************