: I am about to start a skin on frame venture. I have read "The Aleutian
: Kayak"
: by Wolfgang Brinck, 30 times and I feel I have it figured out. Has any one
: built this one or have paddled this model? I would like some feedback. I
: am 6 ' and 250lbs. (no jokes please) and am questioning whether to modify
: it a bit.
: I have also come across a plan in the Sea*Kayaker Mag from April 1996 Vol 13
: NO.1. Basicly a simmilar Baidarka style kayak "The Alutiiq Kayak of
: Kodiak Island" by Joe Kelly. Looks do-able, has anyone tryed to build
: this one?
: Thanks for any imput,
: Dave M

Dave- I've built both types. Make the boat fit you . In your case the beam on an Aleut style boat should be about 23" - 24" with depth to sheer about 9.5".

The Kodiak kayak will be okay beam wise but I would lengthen the boat by a foot.

Keep in mind that Aleut replicas are not suited for beginners. The Kodiak style boats are much better suited for modern recreational use , with the usual beam of around 25" they are quite stable with predictable handling qualities.

Don't forget the Canadian Eastern Arctic kayak replicas which are very well suited for todays paddlers of all sizes, in my opinion !