> While the recovery kayak described in the 10/98 Sea Kayaker is a great
> design for its purpose, I would think that the 25" beam is too wide
> for a child. In addition to awkward paddling with hands hitting the deck,
> the boat would probably be unstable in a cross-sea - the child would have
> a hard time leaning the kayak into the oncoming wave which could push the
> boat over.

Hi Bob,

There are three main reasons for this choice here. First it is easy, quick and cheap to build. Next, it is very strong and light esp. for this application. And finally and maybe most interesting is it is made to modify.

My reaction to the recovery article is that it is as much about process as it is about product (ie a specific design). The whole point of using this process would be to vary it to suit your child and anticipated conditions etc. If the dimensions in the article are to suit an adult, simple changes are as easy as pie and while the use of the model can be as a toy for your child, it mainly can be to ascertain that your approach is ok. You gotta like the easy way to figure out each rib size.

About actual size, I would think that 8 feet would be about as small as you would want to go, and my first try would be to actually make it quite beamy - say no less than 22" min., min., min. A few scraped fingers would be a good trade off. A small child of 60# prob needs lots of primary stabilty at first, so I would make a flattish bottom for the rib profile.

Any way my two cents, and its going to be too small in a coupla yrs so why knock yourself out?

-mike