: . . . I'm trying to come up with a plan to build him a kayak while
: we're over there. It looks like it might just be possible if I do an SOF,
: and make the frames, cockpit coaming etc over here then assemble it over
: there. I'm looking at Tom Yost's Sea Bee:. . .

: So, a question for any Swedes out there: how easy is it to buy good, clear,
: knot-free lengths of softwood suitable for making SOF stringers from in
: Sweden?

Let me suggest you look for some good hardwood, like ash. It is flexible and stronger for it's size than most softwoods. Regardless of what species you get, assume you'll be working with normal lengths of lumber which will need to be scarfed together to make longer lengths.

As long as you are making the frames at your home, before the trip, you could rip the stock for the stringers at home, also. Cut your scarf-joint tapers on the ends of your stringer stock, and then glue up your stringers by assembling these pieces at the inlaws place. A couple tubes of quick setting epoxy glue would be all that you would need for the few joints you would have. You can buy those at most any hardware store.

: . . . And what about
: polyurathane or equivalent for treating the skin?

Again, if you can locate material used for making truck tarps near YOUR home, pack it with you and make the skin using Tom's method. The truck tarp material is allready waterproofed. Or, look at some of the wood kayaks on Tom's site which have been covered with clear vinyl. Really makes the sharp looking wood frames stand out! Check with an upholstery fabric dealer for the materials.

: (Yes, I know I could go all the way and build a folder, but I just like
: wooden frames and I know Henrik would too.)

Well, you CAN make a folder with wood frames. Klepper has been doing that for nearly a century!

Hope this helps

PGJ