: Did you mention this to them? What was the response? garland

I didn't ask any direct questions about that boat. One of their guys, after seeing my Outer Island, asked if I was going to build another kayak, because they also will custom-design a kayak for you for $150. I did test them a bit by saying that I liked the Outer Island overall, but missed the chines, and asked how would they design something similar -- would I have to give them some points off the O.I. forms for starters? They said this would be illegal. I found that amusing, given the Guillemot sitting there... (Jay, don't worry -- I won't give/sell your plans away...)

I'm not sure of this guy's designing abilities. Looking at Eric Schade's Oystercatcher design compared to my Outer Island, I kind of liked the hollowed bow on the Oystercatcher. I was thinking that the Outer Island's bow was a bit too full, which sets up an early bow wave for higher top speed and provides more bouyancy, but wouldn't be as efficient cruising as a narrower bowed boat. I'm not as concerned with high top speed; I'd take even more efficient cruising, though. I thought that an 'S'-shaped waterline (as seen from above) was most efficient, because it parted the water more smoothly at the bow. This guy insisted that the ideal waterline was linear from the bow. He judged a good desing by sighting along the "4-inch waterline" from the bow or stern. If the hull seemed linear 4" up from the keel, as viewed from the end, it was good. He also said I should go with a 17" or 18" waterline beam.

Dean