: I need a winter project. Having completed a strip last winter, I want to try
: a SOF. Morris's recovery kayak looks interesting, and a great SOF
: beginning project. I would like to hear from others on their building
: experience on this kayak, including how they are currently using this
: boat. Type of waters, etc.

: thanks

A few years ago while perusing David Zimmerly's book "Qajaq" it was decided that the Alaskan Retrieval kayak needed building. Have a look at the drawing over at www.arctickayaks.com . I lengthened the boat by 16 inches to just under 11 ft. the beam is about 24". It was a pleasant little fellow , I say was because someone liked it enough to buy it! Being short it was lightweight 20lbs, so it was easy to carry . It had a moderate amount of v in the hull something around 10 degrees. It was a capable boat best for fair weather paddling, as with all short boats under around 12ft. they just don't have the length to maintain speed in rougher waters, they seem to get slowed down more in wave troughs in my experience anyway.

Some builders wanting a surf play boat which would do better with a flattish bottom and bow section of good volume.