Finally got a start on the first of 3 Skin on Frame boats. I'm building one primarily from Mark's Book, " Building a Greenland Kayak ".

This boat will be approximately 12' long, 18" beam, and I'm going to add a set of removable sponsons across the aft deck. At this point I haven't decided whether to build a standard, round cockpit or something closer resembling an egg-shaped cockpit.

Construction stopped this evening with the apummaqs shaped in the clamps and spreader, and the deck-beams precut a tad long in preparation of marking and cutting both the Tennons and Mortises. I have just completed trimming the inside of the Starboard apummaq to get a "True" ( faired ) shape as measured down the centerline. I used a length of twine clamped between the apummaqs at the ends.

This boat is the first of 3 boats to be built this winter. The second will be a slightly longer, 13', boat for my oldest grandson and will basically encorporate the building techniques described in Robert Morris' book, " Building Skin on Frame Boats ". Although very similar looking, it uses several different techniques for ribs, attachment of joints and some unique shaping that interests me. This boat will also incorporate removable sponsons to aid in the kids learning balance and then have a slim, attractive, maneuverable boat that will last them through further, more advanced practice and skill improvements.

The third boat will be a 17' - 18' model using the techniques I find either easiest, most attractive or most useful from both design styles. This will be mine.

The lumber for all three boats is clear, molding grade Ponderosa pine. For the two smaller boats I am using G. Dyson's 8 oz. nylon cloth for covering and finish has yet to be decided upon. Also the weight and weave of cloth for my boat is still in the works. ???

It has been a long wait to get started on these boats but now that the over-time at work has slowed down I am finding the time to progress with them. I'm building both of the small frames first, and then do the rib-bending at the same time. They will be basically the same size, just different techniques for bending and shaping. Then I will skin them at the same time as well. I will wait until these are done to make the final decisions on the construction and materials for my boat.

The dynasaur in the background is my Double Wally that I built two years ago from the Putz / Skeene design. It's all but given away, but have to finish the inner cockpit rim and deliver it. There has been no rush as the recipient has neither the room or carrying capability at this time. It started out as a wishful idea, changed to a "newbie" error ( and unusable to me ) and from there, ultimately became a timely and thoughtful gift.

This is where I am for the time-being and am progressing slow, but steadily.
Building these 2/3 size boats from one designed for 16 to 17' length has required a few size variations which I have been running by the Author when I can to get ideas and/or approval.

More as it progresses...

Rehd