> Humor aside. You raise the question of whether there will be
> significant differences in handling between two kayaks if one is a
> `scaled' version of the other. Interestingly enough, you have already
> decided to make this smaller kayak. Hmm. I think you may be putting
> the cart before the horse.

I am considering more than one boat, as my daughters want a kayak, too, and they are about 2/3 my size. Thirteen feet was a compromise, as they thought they would like an even smaller boat, but I thought anything less than 13' would be too small for practical touring. They would like to repeat a trip they did last year in canoes in Algonquin Park. (and if I'm good, they may take the old man along too. They just aren't sure I can keep up with them. :-} )

> You have two scaling questions here, and I think they may be
> confusing you. The first is that the plans are printed 1/4th life
> size. This is merely a convenience for the publisher, who gets to
> use smaller paper, and gives you the opportunity do more work.

Understood.

> Since you are already planning to build a ``proper'' boat, what
> do you hope to gain from building one that differs by one foot in
> length? Is this supposed to be more maneuverable or lighter for a
> smaller paddler? Is the smaller displacement that valuable to you?
> See above.

> It seems to me that once you have the patterns for making one
> boat you can save a lot of time and a significant amount of money
> by making two identical boats.

> When making seats, coamings, hatches, and some other parts you
> can stack or double up your materials and cut two identical parts
> at the same time.

> If these are skin on frame, you can cut duplicate frames at the
> same time.

I plan to make card templates, for this reason, but as I haven't started cutting any wood, yet, this is probably a good time to ask how much I can diddle with the plans without upsetting the balance, shape of the universe, etc.

> These boats are going to last quite a few years, and your kids
> are going to grow.

They are 18 and 19 years old, they're not going to grow much. If messing with the scale is a really bad idea, I can probably talk them into a 14' boat, and after they've paddled it, they may decide it's OK. They both have more kayak experience than I, and I believe they both know how to roll a kayak, which they can teach me if they do.

Thanks for your comments, I do value your opinion and advice.