: after years of paddling the pools surrounding the bay of plenty, auckland and
: waikato, and smashing 2 kayaks, and one leg i have decided to try and make
: one of these things. can anyone direct me to the right place for
: information.
: 1 what gear will i need around the house?

Initially, you'll need to have (or rent or borrow) a tablesaw and jigsaw. The jigsaw is for cutting the forms out of plywood, and the tablesaw will be used for building the strongback and ripping strips out of your favorite local softwood.

: 2 knowing what my woodwork skills are like is it really worth it - are the
: plans overed easy to read?

I don't know what your woodwork skills are like! Yes, without a doubt, it's worth it, though. There are very good plans out there, though.

: 3 what designs do you think will suit a 100kg sea paddler...

Whatever you're comfortable in.

: who wants to paddle cape rienga to cape kidnappers...

A lot of us are from N. America and Europe, so we're not that familiar with your area. Maybe Pete Notman can help us out here. How far (km) is this? Open ocean? You're in the "Roaring Forties", so you'll want a pretty nimble, seaworthy design.

More important than the boat design, the paddler must be ready for it. If you've been paddling in pools and bays, you might want to seek out some more experienced paddlers to learn from. However, if you've already been paddling the rough stuff (smashed 2 kayaks), then I recommend some extra fiberglass in your boat!

Here are some popular "nimble" designs

Guillemot Expedition Single, Night Heron, and Guillemot by Nick Schade
Laughing Loon Panache and North Star by Rob Macks
Redfish King by Joe Greenley (plans available soon, we hope!)
Shearwater Atlantic and Merganser (stitch & glue) by Eric Schade
Outer Island by Jay Babina
Sea Spirit by Bobby Curtis (stitch & glue)

I can't really tell you what design you'll like. What are some commercial kayaks you like? What are their dimensions? What are their hull shapes? Hull profiles? Soft or Hard-chined? Swedeform or fishform? Lots of rocker (maneuverable) or not much (tracks like a train)? Expedition capacity with high decks, or a day-boat with low decks (easier rolling and less windage)?

: by the end of 2003?

Absolutely. That gives you one full winter, which is what it takes most of us to build a boat-provided you're somewhat dedicated to the project. You can do it in 4-5 months with an hour of work most nights, and a few weekends.

: well thats enough for now...can you help.

We're full of help!!!

Shawn