: What I'm worried about is comeing up with something similar to the big
: designers and having a problem with them. ?? I mean, there's only so many
: different ideas on shape and then you start stepping on others toes. How
: many designs are there left out there that haven't been tried. ???
: The only thing I can figure is to show all documentation, ( the why's, when's
: and wherefore's ), pictures of progress and finished product.

Canoe and kayak design is an evolutionary process. Nobody works in a complete vacuum. I would venture to guess that designers keep tabs on each other for ideas. Plans are copyrighted, but I have never seen a patent on a canoe/kayak design. It would have to be pretty revolutionary to be patentable.

It's mostly an ethical thing if you base your design on an existing design. Nick talks a little bit about that in his book. As I recall, it is common courtisy to give credit to the original design.

It sounds like your starting from scratch, but borrowing ideas from existing designs. I don't see a problem, especially if your just building it for yourself. If your going to market your plans, I'd talk to a lawyer first.