: Before you build anything you should familiarize yourself with the Laws of
: Archimedes.
: If you weigh 100kg (quite a lot for anyone living on rice)you need a boat
: that can support your weight without having water lapping at the cockpit.
: A conventional shaped kayak of 12 feet would be on the small side but it
: would be sufficient if you stay in calm waters.
: The idea of using bamboo for an SOF has come up many times here before and no
: one has yet posted anything suggesting they had done it. Bamboo is very
: fiberous and hard to work with hand tools. It doesn't take glue well or
: accept metal fasteners so you will have to lash it together just like the
: Inuits. The knobs on the bamboo are a problem. And there have been
: statements that bamboo rots if exposed to water for too long.
: So if you are successful you may be the winner of the "first to build a
: bamboo SOF" prize. Keep us posted.

: Hi all.

HI Charlie,

thanks for the reply posted.
Yes bamboo rots on long exposure to water, but can be treated to save it.
I have seen it in outdoor structures, stays alright, seen it get wet over and over again, nothing much to worry. Bamboo is cheap, and easily available, replacing a piece will not be a expensive alternative, but could take some work and time.

Only reason to choose Bamboo is because it is dead cheap I get about 15 feet poles for less than a $1. For a trial and error project, I thought it is okay to spend on bamboo, and some nylon ropes.

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My doubt now is how to proceed with the station, how to space them, how to mount the gunnels and stingers and ribs etc.

Will come up with some pictures of cane bent for ribs, so you all get an idea of cane. Instead of bending bamboo which can act brittle sometimes I can use cane instead. Cane is bit expensive but affordable for the ribs. Rest gunnels and stingers, keel I can use bamboo.

Any ideas with lashing and waxing will help.

MS