: I am thinking about building Severn compounded-plywood S&G kayak,the one in
: Chris Kulczyki's book "The New Kayak Shop". He describes it as
: being quite tricky. Has anyone built this type of boat and can you tell me
: how tricky you found it.

I have completed the hull and deck of the kayak. I have not completed the coaming nor started to paint/varnish. I used 1/8" Meranti (about $4.80/sheet) with 6 oz. cloth on both sides of the hull and on the exterior of the deck. I didn't find it particularly difficult to build the hull. It went together fairly quickly. An assistant will be handy when you are bending the bow and stern for stitching. However, I did run into problems with the hull seam (keel area) not being fair. I didn't pay as much attention to the initial panel taping as I should have. I fixed this with the application of filler epoxy. The hull definitely needs painting now, but it is now fair.

: I have built three hard chine boats, ones similar to the chesapeakes ( they
: are Aquarius Seascapes by a Canadian Designer)so I have experience in boat
: building. I am wondering if the compound style is something I should be
: leery about?

: I am thinking of building this style because the kayak will be for my kids
: who are 10 +/- years old. I want something they can use for the next 5 to
: 10 years. This style seems like the best option based on such things as
: cost, function, weight, constructability etc. If anyone has comments on
: this aspect as well, I would like to hear them.

My wife and I have paddled the kayak despite it not being finished. I have a Wee Lassie and the kayak seems much faster. My wife liked the way it paddled. The stability surprised us. Email me if you would like any additional information.

Kurt