Follow up to responses:

Hull calculates the water displacement and gives a water line for the selected design load. It can also be used to easily design a scale model for test construction purposes if one desires. I have build a light cardboard (file folders for the planks and corrigated cardboard for the forms) and scotch tape 15 inch model of a 15 foot design. I imported the plank designs into CAD as dxf files created by Hull and printed them on a C size drwg. No measuring was required, only a paste and scissor cut exercise. I found the model building process worthwhile as it confirmed some flaws in the design of the keel line that created plank gap problems. I plan to use CAD to print out full size patterns for planks for the full scale construction project.

Glen

: Hi Everyone!

: Thanks to all who commented on the use of luaun plywood. In addition to
: construction methods I am also trying to design my own kayak using the
: Hulldesign program. Can anyone advise on guidelines for a target design
: water line? My research indicates that 3-4 inches appears to be a
: reasonable target. I am trying for a length of about 15-16 feet with a
: beam of 24 inches for a design load of 250 lbs (boat, paddler & gear
: total).

: Thanks Glen