I am actively seeking a small shop or home wood strip kayak builder to build the first of a new high performance open water kayak design. I along with the help of some similar minded paddling friends are defining the major design parameters and renown science-based kayak designer John Winters has agreed to complete the design as only he can do. Major design goals are: Meet the current USCA Touring Kayak Rules; Design displacement of 260LBS (40 LB hull, 210 LB paddler, 10lbs water & stuff); 5.5 knot cruising with typical sprints over 7 knots; Open water conditions with typical 1 - 3 ft waves; A little extra emphasis on downwind/wave performance where huge gains and fun can be had; An assumption that the paddler already has good paddling and balance skills. This is not a boat designed to appeal to the masses of beginners, but rather for someone whose paddling skills, goals, and style of paddling demands a more rewarding boat without entering into the Open Class of kayaks. Actually, I believe as does John Winters that this boat will be faster and more efficient than many of the much longer Open Class boats.

I have a long-term pie-in-the-sky goal that this design could become a One-Design kayak. I have a marketing plan that just could make this happen. This strategy has been used in other fields to great success, but has not yet been applied for kayaks. There is a lot to do yet and the help and faith of other like-minded paddlers will be necessary to make this project a success.

Anyway, I seek someone with wood strip experience who is reasonably priced to make the first prototype for me. I can provide computer cut forms that should help out. I am leaning toward a simple utilitarian build to save time and money, but I do need accuracy and precision. After testing, the stripper may be used as a plug to create composite molds. There could be some filling, fairing and other processes common to this technique that may have some impact on cosmetics. I would hate to do that to intricate inlays and such, but I suppose it could be recovered with sanding and refinishing. I just want to be honest about its purpose. If you decide to work with me on this project, you will see that I am a very fair honest person about everything.

I don't know too much about strip building, but I am aware that materials will cost about $1000. I also know that there is lot of labor involved. While paying for the materials is not an issue, I am hoping to find a builder who has the time and love of building kayaks to be financially under compensated for his labor. I would hope that being the first builder of a new John Winters design that has possibilities of having a large impact on the kayak community would be some compensation. The forms will also become your property that you could use to make another kayak for personal use. Some future commercial advantages are also likely for those on the initial project team. If nothing else, credit will be given to all involved on websites, magazine articles, and word of mouth publicity. I have already been given a lead from a performance-paddling magazine that could be interested in this story.

Bottom line: I was hoping to have the stripper built for $1500-2000. I would also prefer the builder to be within a few hundred miles of Connecticut but that is not as important with today's communication tools. Also, I would appreciate someone who does not mind documenting the build with photographs. I will provide a digital camera if necessary. Is this reasonable?

Please email me if you have any interest in this project. I can be flexible on the terms and am willing to do whatever is necessary to pull this off. I know I have rose-colored glasses on right now, but all the best things in this world had to start somewhere. Having good people on the team will help ensure the project's success. Please contact me if you have some interest or you know someone else who might. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, email me and I will endeavor to address them in more detail.

Thanks for your consideration,

Jonathan Smith
envyabull@yahoo.com
860-577-7182 weekdays
860-444-0239 eves & weekends