The design came mostly from Morris' book. The construction is based on a combination of sources, but basicly chines over frames. Size is 16' x 23". Initial stability is tippy, secondary is rock solid. Material is scrap lumber, plywood and leftover house paint. Construction time was about 4 weeks working after work and on the weekends. Now I'll admit is is not a pretty as some Ive seen, but I got me on the water for a song and let me know I want to continue in the sport.

Robert Morris' book "building skin-on-frame boats."

: Greetings: I have never given much thought to SOF yaks, but there is so much
: discussion of them here that I cannot help but think there must be a
: reason for it. Yes, a spark has been loosed in my head! So what I would
: like to know is where best to get a primer on the SOF yak for the rank
: beginner.

: Some specific questions, if'n I may: 1. I want a true sea kayak, but not very
: badly. That is to say, not enough to sink hundreds of bucks into a project
: (I build all my own toys). Are they really cheap to build? How cheap is
: cheap?

: 2. What keeps 'em from heading straight to the bottom upon first contact with
: an oyster shell?

: 3. Even though I have looked at folding boats and SOF yaks to some degree, I
: do not clearly understand how folders work, and following, the difference
: in complexity (read: expense) between them. Where might I learn more about
: folders without spending any money? Or at least, very little of it? Or
: should I ignore folders altogether, since compacting the boat isn't an
: issue at this point?

: 4. Do I have to get a sewing machine, and learn how to use it?

: Note: There are no examples of anything this board has to do with for me to
: see locally. A few plastic yaks are about it here in my part of Texas.

: Thanks again... y'all are the greatest! And thanks again Nick; the same goes
: double for you, for making all this possible.

: Cheers,
: Kurt Maurer