Any strip kayak builders?

[Kudzu]

Just curious if there is any strip kayak builders on here? I have my plans for the B&B CS-20 but I have about decided to start me a kayak after the holidays. I miss my kayak and I have always wanted a stripper too. Seriously looked at canoes, but I want a kayak.  Still trying to decide on which boat to build. Anyway, just curious if any of you had and used one.

[capt jake]

My first 'real' boat was a strip kayak.  Oneoceankayks.com; Expedition Sport.  fun project and very detailed instructions/plans.  I used it only a few times and decidd that kayaking wasn't my cup of tea.

check out this link to see the construction.
http://home.comcast.net/~jwentz4/kayak.htm

[Capt. Earl]

Will there be some difference in strength of the strip built kayak versus the plywood kayak, if the thickness remains the same as the plywood kayak?

[capt jake]

Will there be some difference in strength of the strip built kayak versus the plywood kayak, if the thickness remains the same as the plywood kayak?

No.  think of the shape of a kayak as that of an egg.  It's sperical shape leads to a very strong craft. You do need the forward and aft bulkheads (in front of and behind the cockpit) to enhance this strength.

I can stand on my kayak with no noticable flex or deformation.

At 17' long, my kayak only weighs in at #47; which is actually a bit on the heavy side for this design.

[Brent]

I have strip built several solo canoes to the Wee Lassie design.  These are great thin water boats.  Flyfishing from these very tender boats is exciting     At about 12 kilos they are very easy to carry to remote water.

[Capt. Earl]

I have researched some sites and have read a lot about glues being used in some of the strip planked boats  using a product called Purbond. There is a popular site that uses the product and offers up some comments on the product. Does anyone have any thoughts on this product for this method of building?

www.duckflatwoodenboats.com


This provided link offers some comments on the bead and cove strip method  of building with this glue.

http://www.boatcraft.com.au/adhesives.html

[capt jake]

Capt Earl, I suppose that would work on a light craft like a kayak or canoe, but it sounds like it may be messy to use.  It looks very good for heavier applications as described.  Most of the strip kayak sites and books I have read advise simple laphatic resin (yellow carpenters glue). As long as all parts are coated with epoxy and then varnish, there should be no problems.   Of course, one has to keep up on maintaining a craft like this.

[Bud_Wilson]

Kudzu  If I wanted any kayak info. i would post on BYYB.Org  Att: Kayakarl (Karl Nisson) Shady Side M.D.  I have seen some of his and they are show quality. He has built lots of them and they are very nice.Kudzu I live on Nickajack Lake which way to your house up river or down. (green markers on the port or stb side?) Y'ALL COME Cap'N Bud.

[mrthethird]

Will there be some difference in strength of the strip built kayak versus the plywood kayak, if the thickness remains the same as the plywood kayak?

The "wood" material is not as critical in kayak building as you would think. It really is providing a spacer between the two fiberglass skins, much like the horizontal web of a steel "I" beam. My first kayak was a plywood, stitch and glue, from 1/8" lauan ply. I didn't trust the thickness, so I way overbuilt it. It could weigh about 15 lbs lighter, and be just as indestructible. The strength of the boat is in the type and weave of the cloth, and the resin. The wood fills in the gaps, and makes it look pretty.

The expedition sport is a good design, and Jay Babina's "Outer Islander" is awesome for a sea kayak. Check out some of Nick Schade's designs. I've built three, and may build a fourth next winter. http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com

My knees and back aren't up for whitewater, but if I build 'em wider and make a bigger cockpit, I can get into some pretty cool fishin holes

[Kudzu]

Wow. surprised at the response. Should have know there would be a few though. Capt. Jake, I have seen a photo of you boat before. Quite a beautiful boat too.

Brent, I looked very serious at the Wee Lasse canoes. I was going to build one once but for I found plans for a tortured plywood kayak (in the avatar) and I fell in love with wearing a kayak around the waste    Still have a Wee Lasse in the back of my mind though. I love to fly fish. Something I don't get to do enough of either.

I have looked at a lot of boats and just can't make up my mind one what I want. But I am looking seriously at Nick Schade's, Gillemont (sp?). I have been reading good things about it. Might be a good compromise for the type of paddling I do.

[HonestKen]

Kudzu,

I built a 19' Baidarka from plans by Eric Schade(Nicks brother) at Shearwater boats, very nice to deal with.  
http://www.shearwater-boats.com/baidarka2.jpg
I've done some extensive touring with it in Manitoba and NW Ontario.  I've had some really fun paddling on Lake Winnipeg (about 425km long and 20 - 50 km wide) when the waves get crazy.

When I build my stripper it will be the King from Redfish kayaks.
http://www.redfishkayak.com/king.htm
 According to all who have built it it's a dream to paddle and it's not too hard on the eyes either.

Happy building!

Ken