I'm hoping that there is someone who has built the Alaska Recovery Kayak in the October 98 Sea Kayaker. I contacted the author and he replied with a short message that he was quite busy right now and would try to get back with some answers soon but it has been two weeks already and I was hopeful that someone here might provide some assistance.My questions are ;

1)gunwale length is listed at 10 feet but in the article there is reference to a "centre mark" at 54 inches from the bow... Does that mean 54" along the length of the 3x1, or along the 'keel line' once the gunwales have been 'bowed'? Is the 10 footer cut to a length of 9 feet or left at 10? What is the overall length of the completed kayak, as built per the article?

2)Once the overall length is determined, how much longer will the keelson and hull stringers be than the bow to stern length? I was planning on ripping the gunwales, keelson, and stringers from a single plank, and so I want to ensure that I get a plank that will be long enough! The article lists a 12 foot length for the keelson/stringers - seems rather long...

3)What is the reason for the 3/4" spacer in front of the backrest/deckbeam?

4)on page 42 it says 'position the last deck beam between the masik and footbrace...', yet there is no mention,nor photo, of this last deck beam. Is it needed, or is it a 'phantom' deckbeam??

5)the 'depth to sheer' is listed at around six inches, but in the photos it appears to be much greater...

Many thanks for any and all help, Kelly