: Hi Greg: I am new to the building of kayaks, so I cannot really respond
: regarding the building of these boats. You will find many, very
: experienced builders and paddlers on this site who will help you more than
: I could dream of. I am sure you will get many helpful responses.
: BTW...check out Ross Leidy's site ( http://ross.secant.com/ ), as he
: built Jay Babina's Outer Island and offers great insights and pics
: regarding the building of the boat and much more.

: However...here is my 2 cents....
: I found the Outer Island to be a wonderful and beautiful boat to paddle. (I
: don't know anything about the Artic Hawk.) I paddled the OI and found it
: to track beautifuly and to be very responsive in handling. Jay designed a
: beautiful boat. I decided not to build it because of the low front
: deck....which was unfortunately limiting due to a knee problem that I
: have. I found it tough to enter and exit in shallow water. I decided not
: to enlarge the design as it would defeat the beauty/handling of its shape.
: Of course in deep water, it was easy to exit!

: Given your size, you might also want to consider the Redfish Silver, or
: consider the new Redfish King that will be available in January
: (www.redfishkayak.com)...designed by Joe Greenley. Joe builds exquisite
: boats with superb handling (I am told). One priority for me was to build a
: boat that needs no rudder...such is the case with both Joe Greenley's
: boats, as well as Jay Babina's Outer Island.

: Being new to the building of these boats....I have had a blast choosing one
: to build....took me about a year. I am building my first boat....the
: Redfish Silver for my son, and will build the Redfish King for myself. Joe
: Greenley has been fantastic in responding immediately to my email
: questions, and his plans/directions are great!

: Enjoy...I sure am!
: Bob

Hi Bob, Thanks for sharing your experience.
I agree about Ross Leidy’s site. I have garnered both practical information and inspiration from Ross. In fact, Ross talked me through the creation of deck fittings he used on his Outer Island for the CLC LT17 I built earlier this year. Ross tells me that Joe Greenly designed those web fittings originally. I’ve had a number of folks stop to admire the deck fittings in addition to the normal: “wow, you BUILT that boat!?”.

I’m with you on the desire for no rudder. I have seen the Redfish Kayak Web site although I’ve never heard of “The King”. Where can I find more information?

Thanks again.
Greg