> Several years ago I built a Putz Walrus (18') and I found that the
> footroom was only adequate if in bare feet and inadequate with running
> shoes on, my shoe size is 11. I also opted to have a large radius for the
> deck curvature (creates a shallow boat for less windage) and regret doing
> so. It is very tight getting in. I'm in my mid 50's and going in straight
> legged isn't my favorite way of getting in. I haven't used it much as the
> are to many other things to do. I also erred in my canvas choice, I
> suspect I got 10 oz canvas instead of #10. I wasn't connected to the
> internet at the time so this BBS wasn't available for advice thus I think
> I didn't tighten the skin enough. The painted surface eggshell fractures
> very easily (thin canvas, not tight enough or wrong paint? Don't know).
> It's an easy boat to paddle, goes staight well but have never tried
> turning it by dropping a chine. It's a reasonbly easy boat to build, it
> isn't very heavy and it shouldn't cost more than $150.00 for materials.
> Hard to go wrong for a first kayak.

> Happy building

> Bram

I raised the deck substantially around the cockpit, and made the cockpit opening the same length and width as my pygmy. I plan on carving a foam seat and eliminating the sole (floor slats) to maximize foot room. I will put a thin piece of foam under my feet to protect the skin (mine and the kayak's). I also did not make the floor beams flat across the top, but made the parallel to the bottom 7/8" deep. The original design does not allow for much foot room, but if you fit it as you go, it gives enough. The secret to building this kayak is to fit the cockpit as you go, George Putz does not give exact measurements in the cockpit area for this very reason. Make it your boat, not George Putz's. The hull is a wonderful design and a customized deck and cockpit (within reason) should only improve fit and performance.

Yes, you should use #10 14 oz. canvas or a similar synthetic. The guy at the tent and awning store recomended against 10 oz., he said you might put you foot through it.

I don't know about the eggshelling, I used very thin coats of elast-o-seal and snow-roof instead of oil paint and keep it in my cool, dry basement.

My Pygmy was easier to build but this was more fun.

If you haven't seen the picture that Joe Greenley posted of it, check out the link.

http://www.redfishkayak.com/images/hanks-walrus2.jpg

Mike