> Can any one help identify an appropriate kayak design and source for plans
> which could be built by youngsters (boys ages 12 to 17) with adult
> supervision? I'm involved with a scout troop interested in making several
> (many) personal sized kayaks to be used during summer camp on calm inland
> waters. Looking for a design stable enough for a beginning paddler and
> small enough to permit easy transportation (and storage at his own home).
> This boat could be strip built or stitch and glue. I've built a couple
> strippers a few years ago but have been away from building long enough to
> loose touch with what's happening. S & G built boats would probably
> work best as I could get the plywood donated to the troop in order to
> limit the cost and the panels would be easy to duplicate for each of the
> interested boys in the troop.

Well, I gotta vote with the guy that suggests a skin-covered frame design. I built a 'Seguin' from blueprints by Rob Bryan- stitch&glue- wonderful boat, but BIG job! HOWEVER, if you want something REALLY quick and dirty, there's a gentleman near me (Glendale, CA) that has been building boats with Scouts for a few years, now, I believe. They build 'em, load 'em up, and head down to the Sea of Cortez. They're incredibly crude, but apparently work pretty well. Basically, picture this: Cut 4 rectangles of 1/8" luaun, maybe 18" x 12'(?), lay down 2 together- (=3'x12'), cover them with the other 2, round off the corners of this rectangle, duct-tape all edges together, duct-tape the center seams, cut an oval thru the top layer, reach in and open it up, put in spacer-frames, go paddling. Okay, they do NOT use duct-tape, and I've simplified it to a ridiculous degree, but I think this gives you the gist of the idea. They're extremely stable, move pretty easily, and stack FLAT. It's been a couple of years since I went over and saw what he was doing, so all of this is pulled from a hazy memory. If anyone actually wants to consider this design, I'll go see if I can get more realistic info from him. I imagine he'd be willing to share his design, but who knows? See? I just KNEW I could impress everyone with the level of quality and sophistication we strive for in Southern California! I enjoy the board, keep up the good work.