: I am interested in building with aluminum. Can anyone point me in the right
: direction for plans?

: Roger

Look for anything in the archives having to do with "Baidarka" and George Dyson. You might also want to use a search engine to check these items on the internet. Dyson wrote a book which you may want to get, on "baidarkas" -- a type of kayak. He has created plans for an aluminum framed baidarka, covered with a synthetic fabric (nylon, dacron, or poly something or another) which is waterproofed with neoprene or hypalon. He also sells parts and materials from his base in Bellingham, Washington, for those who wish to make similar boats. Not all baidarkas are aluminum, by the way.

Beyond Dyson, almost any plans for a skin-on-frame kayak can be modified to use aluminum ss or plates for the frames, and aluminum tubes for the stringers or chines. many wood framed kayaks have the hull and deck covering stapled or nailed on at the gunwale. since nailing into aluminum is not such a good idea, aluminum framed kayaks tend to have skins that are sewn together, surrounding the frame.

hope this helps

Paul G. Jacobson