I'm planning on launching my "Walrus-like" skin on frame kayak tomorrow. I'l be launching it in Poulsbo WA at the boat launch at about 2:00. Anyone in the area that wants to show up is welcome.

I'm very curious how this one will handle. I'm hoping for a fast easy to paddle stong tracking kayak that carves sharp crisp turns. If all goes as planned it may ouperform my Arctic Tern in all these areas, and have less windage. I'll find out how successful I was in my design efforts. Construction was the same as a Walrus, but this one has totally different dimensions. A brief summary of the changes to this one:
Lengthened 8"
narrowed 2"
increased deadrise
increased flare
raised bow 7"
raised stern 4"
lowered rear deck amidships 4"
it has a flat deck except at the coaming

I haven't weighed it yet, but I'm guessing it weighs about 30 pounds, not bad for 17'8" kayak.

I'll try to get some pics of the finished kayak. The pic below shows my Arctic Tern on the left, then the frame of this one, next to it is my first Walrus, with the plywood Walrus next to that. Thanks go to Bill Price for this picture. A similar pic from a different angle is available on Ted Heny's site at http://www.metakrome.com/kayak/Graphics/large/boats5.jpg

Mike