It is an interesting paradigm. And, we are thinking in terms of only the wood. I wonder if there would be alternatives to cloth and epoxy? I remember as a kid, my dad and I built a kayak-like thing (with free plans from the lumberyard ) that used muslim cloth over strips. I couldnt say what the coating was, but it held up pretty well.

Those scraps of 3mm and 4mm plywood make great paddle blades. Also good scrollsaw fodder. I even made a blast gate with some.

I'm a dumpster-diver in a past life :)

> Hi Don,

> Your post made me wonder: What would be the most earth friendly way to
> build a strip kayak (outside of mass production)? Probably a method where
> the clamping materials are durable and re-usable and ... ?

> Artistic expression and green. This is interesting. Consumables or
> disposables would be minimized without compromising safety. Building
> materials would include recycled wood as you have used. S & G uses
> plywood which appears efficient. George Roberts has mentioned he uses
> strips of plywood. This at least for me is fascinating. I need to examine
> my work methods from the 'green paradigm'.

> I'm new to kayak building. I've never built a stripper but I am in the
> middle of a project that involves the building of 10 CLC 17' and 18' Cape
> Charles from plans with a group of young men. Costs has taught me some
> efficiency. Your response encourages me to be thoughtful at each step.
> I've already studiously laid out the cutting schedule and recently I
> looked at some scraps and thought maybe these pieces could build a few
> 15.5' boats. Thanks for your very respectful response. Cliff