Kayak Building

Hi Everyone, 

Intending to build an Aleutian type - I'd like the kayak for expedition use, but would also like it for day fun at the beach.  I'm too skinny (~5'10'', 135lbs) - would that be a contraindication for unloaded use of an Aleutian type for me? If so, any suggestions on building modifications or other suggestions, or not necessary? 

Thank you! 

Things have changed since I was last in the neighborhood. Figured I'd best get my profile er-established, expecting to proffer advice once I get back to work refurbishing the old red fibreglass canoe and, as instructed by my wonderful partner, whose ordered me to build a wooden S&G canoe to replace Old Red, get started on the build. Greetings all, I'll be in for a while.

Robert N(ever too far away) Pruden

Hi everyone,

I'm intending to build my first folder (SOF), probably an Aleutian type for expedition use. The Aleutian kayak on page 17 from David Zimmerly's book "Qayaq - kayaks from Alaska and Siberia" looks very nice. This is my first time attempting to build a kayak from plans, and I don't understand how to interpret the offsets to "stations" - in other words, the offsets seem somewhat random (every 50cm) and not where the main stations are. Especially important is that the offsets seem not to be in sync with the cockpit. Any advice?

I am currently carving my first Greenland paddle following the popular instructions written by Chuck Holst. I must confess I am not enjoying the process. The carving down to measured lines using spokeshave and other planes does not appear to be my forte. I find it tedious and far from exact in my hands. It is entirely possible I'm doing something wrong.

I guess I did something wrong on the first time around, so I'll try posting again.

OK, this is not exactly a boat but I've been intrigued with making a plane for some time, and I finally made one for another project I am making.

I would imagine that this is old hat to some folks here, but it is the first time I've tried to make a plane. I can see where making planes could get addicting!

http://openwoodshop.com/shop/rebateplane.php 

I have long been a subscriber to his YouTube channel, but if you’ve not been there I encourage you to take a peak at this genius level artist .  Not knowing how to forward the link to this forum in such a way as he gets credit for the “share,” I’ll simply provide two episode titles for you to type in directly:

1) Mirock Vacuum Pusher 1

and this gets improved on with

2)  Mirock Vacuum Pusher 2

In the second, there’s also a neat fence setup at about 2:40 into it.

Way off topic, but, I have considered various designs for a 5' lighthouse for the front yard.  My wife wants one to cover an ugly sewer pump.  It just occurred to me the other day that using conventional strip-building techniques for such a project should be straightforward.  In fact, I would think that such a project would be a good start for beginner strip-builders.

Has anyone tried something like this?  How far afield from conventional kayaks has strip-building taken you?

I am building a SUP, Planking on bottom skin & top skin. The rails are cove & bead. Now that I am shaping the rails I am having some cracks open up. Is there a way to fill these that will look better than seeing dark glue lines under the epoxy. It has been 20 years since I built my kayak. I remember the dark ugly glue lines. I would like to fix it now before glassing.

Got the last strip in and the deck is rough sanded.  Long ways to go but getting closer.