: I have been to the library and found a copy of Skip Snaith's "Canoe and
: Kayaks for the backyard builder. Thought this might be a simple enough
: kayak that even i could manage it. I suppose i could just buy a boat, but
: i like sawdust and can't resist a challenge. Question: has anyone built
: this other than the author and how did it go! What do you think of its
: performance considering its a simple design? Comments Please!- Thanks in
: advance.

Richardd,

I've read through the book and was tempted to build his kayak. Instead I have used some of his techniques to modify George Putz's Walrus to use plywood construction. The kayak is very high volume for being as short (15' if I remember correctly) as it is. It is about 25" wide if I recall and very deep. The deep "V" bottom will probably make it feel tippy, when upright, but more stable when leaned. I would expect it o be fast for a 15' kayak, with it's plumb bow and stern. It looks an awful lot like the shorter kayaks from the Aleutian Islands, not the skinny fast Baidarkas. I haven't paddled anything like it, so all of this is just guessing it's performance by looking at its lines.

What are you looking for in a kayak? How much experience do you have, I'm guessing you are new to the sport (1st boat)? How big are you, and your feet? That kayak can handle a big person, a smaller person might have some problems with it.

If I were you, I'd look at some other plans. If free is what you are looking for, Nick has his Guillemot S&G posted on the internet. I have also been looking at the Greenland S&G published in Sea Kayaker Magazine. Also check out "The New Kayak Shop", it has plans for three kayaks in it. For skin on frame kayaks, there is George Putz's "Wood and Canvas Kayak Building" or Robert Morris's "Building Skin on Frame Boats".

You could also buy a set of very good plans, or even a kit. It is hard to go wrong with the kits, they are very easy to put together.

I'm not saying don't build it, but if you do let us know what it is like. I might be tempted to build it with cheap luan plywood just to see how it handles. Whatever you decide to build, keep us posted. The people on this board can help you over any hurdles you may encounter. Just remember, it is an adictive hobbie. I started 3.5 years ago, and have built 4 kayaks and have 2 more under construction, plus at least 4 more that I want to build.

Mike Hanks