Hi All,

Over the course of the summer I have been working on a kayak of my own design. I wanted to get an appreciation for what was involved in developing a stitch&glue kayak and I wanted a kayak suitable for my 13 year old son to paddle. Attached are a couple of pictures (thanks Ross). The cockpit rim will be installed after the deck gets its final coats of varnish in the spring.

The specs: length: 15'10", beam: 23", weight: 42 pounds (with seat).

I don't know the total carrying capacity but @ 175 pounds, I only draw about 1-1/2 inches of draft.

One hatch in the back that can be reached while afloat and the front compartment in accessed through the bulkhead from the cockpit for storing fishing rods and stuff.

I spent a lot of time on the hull shape (this is the second prototype). I wanted the kayak to be easy to turn and still track well - I think that I got a good blend of the characteristics that I was looking for. The hull is a combination hard/soft chime. The center area has a hard chime to give good displacement, stability and a "turning edge". The bow and stern sections are softened to allow easier turning. The hull responds smartly to a lean without giving the sensation that it is about to dump you. Pleased with the turning radius - I have not been too aggressive on the turns yet - the water is a-might-chilly at this time of year and "dry" is nice ;-).

The hull, by it's shape, causes the kayak to rise about 1/2" at cruise speed - I actually had to move the seat forward a couple of inches to re-trim for change.

Modifications? I am happy with the hull as is but I plan to lower the sides amidships and increase the camber of the deck. I expect the next one to be 32-35 pounds - I got a bit extravagant with the extra deck braces and the fiberglassing.

Just thought I would share some pic's. Designing my own kayak was a good experience - highly recommended.

My thanks to all on this BBS for their willingness to share their experience.

Hank

PS - sorry about the plastic paddle - my last wooden one went with the other kayak and I will build more paddles this winter ;-)