: I am interested in making the Putz SOF Walrus or a custom Morris design. I
: found a reference in Putz's book that the Walrus 17 weighs about 70 lbs.
: How accurate is this? How much does a 17' Morris SOF weigh? I was hoping
: to stay under 40 lbs with a SOF kayak. I like the Walrus because it has a
: "known" shape and leaves less decisions for me to make and it
: has a "frame" to build on. Any suggestions on how to keep the
: weight down? I am planning on doing quiet water paddling, no open ocean,
: no rushing rivers.

: Also, does anyone have a source for Nylon skin near Boston? Does anyone still
: use canvas? I can easily get canvas and like the idea of using the old
: style skin. If I store the canvas kayak indoors is it still a pain to
: maintain? Reliability is my main goal, I don't want to be paddling
: somewhere and have the skin leak on me.

: Thanks for all of your help.

Tom,

Where are you in Boston? I live right in the city.

Anyway, I think you asked the question about skin before. Really doesn't take long to just order from Dyson's (or from Tacoma Tent and Awning which I did) and get it shipped. When you about ready to skin, just pick the phone and call. It'll save you time running around Boston looking for skinning material, though there is a couple places to go and pick up canvas. The material will be delivered right to your home or workplace. Simple.

I have Putz books as well as those by Morris, Starr and Cunningham. I looked through all of them and I found Putz's approach the least attractive for two reasons: One, the boat is not fitted to the builder (unless you happen to be just in the size range of the original designer). The Walrus uses up a lot of wood (for forms) and ends up being significantly heavy because of the truss like layout.

Anyway, I went mostly with Morris with a sprinkling of Cunningham and Starr in my boat. I just launched it this weekend. It was pure joy to have a boat that fits well and paddles well. My boat is 17'x18"(beam)x 5.5" (depth). According to my scale, it weighs in at just 25 lbs. My scale could be off but the SOF is definitely lighter than my 16'x22" fiberglass Montauk that comes in at around 48 lbs.

Unless you're significantly big and warrant a really big boat, eg. plus 19' OAL and beam of 20" plus, your SOF would likely come in at 40 lbs and under.

sing