> 1. George may be hard to deal with, but, he is entirely correct in his
> engineering assements. If anyone believes that slapping together cedar
> stips or plywood with epoxy in your garage is the most efficient way to
> build a kayak then you are mistaken. I'm not so sure I would trust my boat
> in a true wilderness expedition.

I didn't know we were looking for the most efficient way to build a kayak. If this had of been the criteria when I started, I would simply have used my commercial kayak as a plug to make a mold from which I would mass produce identical boats. Or, even more efficiently, I could buy the boats from Necky who already have the efficiency mastered! The idea of wood stripping is to build a one off or limited production kayak in your leisure time, for your own satisfaction.

Why would you build something you didn't trust? (Are you sure that is an engineering degree??) Would you live in a house that had major structural flaws? Would you drive a car that had a rusted out frame? If your life is riding on it shouldn't you trust it?

> 2. However, Darrell is also correct (in my judgement) in that as long as
> the boat is reasonably safe, used responsibly, and you are enjoying the
> experience then have fun!

I guess that the original kayaks built by the Innuit would not be nearly as structurally sound as the boats built by the people on this board, youself included! They seemed to have no problems on wilderness adventures! I imagine reasonable safety has a different definition when your family is starving!

> When I built my Arctic Tern I definately overbuilt the boat. I know that
> it is not the 38 lbs. that Pygmy says is possible, but, at least I think
> (hope) it is safe for its intended use. I know that my glassing is not up
> to standard. Basically, I understand that I sacrificed weight for
> strength. Not a problem -- just a better work out anyway.

If you agree with George you will know then, that weight does not equal strength.

> Strip building seems to me to be more of an art than an exersice in
> efficient engineering.

It is definitely an art.

> If you build using the popular methods don't think that you have the most
> advanced boat on the water. If you're an engineer don't think that
> everbody cares.

This method of building a boat has been around for quite awhile. I don't think anyone thinks they have the most advanced boat on the water. But the people at the boat launch seem to think that there is something special about these kayaks!

> p.s. I promise never to comment on this subject again.

As you are an engineer, maybe you will fill us in on what George seems to be unable to. (He says it is because we won't send him money, and he is right, we won't!) What is wrong with the test data? What is wrong with every one elses kayak? WHAT IS WRONG WITH GEORGE? If you can answer the last question I will send you the $50,000.00 that George wants to write the definative book!

I think that the old saying, "Those who can, do and those who can't, teach." is incorrect. It should be "Those who can, do and those who can't, critisize."

Remember, opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one. Including me.

Ian {:o)