: That's pretty old. So some must be newer then? Couldn't their condition be
: noted by observing any collapse inside of the hulls? If one shows no
: deformation (hull collaps, etc.), that's a pretty good indication of a
: kayak holding its shape. Intact kayaks could form a good basis for
: comparative studies I'd think. Is it possible for a 300 year old kayak to
: have maintained its original form?

: With regards to the Igdlorsuit kayak, it was only surveyed some four years
: after collection, so it wasn't likely deformed at all. Furthermore, a
: frame built by the same builder the same year was sent to Texas, and was
: never covered with skin or used-- it has held its shape perfectly, and is
: consistent in form with the other Igdlorsuit (Illorsuit) that folks are
: referring to.

: Nautical archaeologists would undoubtedly disagree with that. I've seen
: plenty of wooden boats less than 100 years old that have severely
: deformed. Plans or not, it is rare that a decaying boat will have such
: plans tucked away in its hull; one must know exactly what one is looking
: at in order to track down the plans. But your point is taken-- its a
: tougher task with skinboats. As in the field of nautical archaeology,
: comparative studies can be done as well as modelling (both in scale and
: full-size.) This does not "check" for changes, but does
: contribute considerably to the understanding of original forms. It isn't a
: black and white science by any means.

: Lots of them (Arctic Kayaks) are also pretty wide. There are many historic
: kayaks over 25" wide-- likely more than ones under 16" wide.
: Harvey

Unless a traditional skin boat was measured when it was still in use and I don't think any were, though I may be wrong on that, they are covered with animal hide and used in salt water. Removing a boat from that enviorment used in those waters will almost guarentee that it changes shape as the skin shrinks around a fairly light frame.

Still you can get ideas of several boats and get the general shape, though not really specific models exact lines.

Bill H.