Scaled up/down from the MAE 593-76 by David Zimmerly and re-worked by Nick (see link for offsets). Then it got scaled up by 1.33X to end up with a beam of 23". At 19'-8" it is one big boat. After a test paddle, if it's too big, it may become a kids double. Of all the kayak construction methods, in my opinion, this non-traditional SOF is the easiest, fastest and probably the cheapest. Build the frame one day and skin it the next. For the forms I used 3/8" Baltic Birch (7ply), but may be better using marine grade plywood. And because I had nothing but fir in this great length for the stringers, I used it. The fir I had was old and fairly tight grained, but somewhat heavy. Still more grinding/sanding to do, then spray paint the whole frame. This will then be saran tested in a local pond to see how she handles. If all goes well for a single, I plan to do another fiberglass layup for the deck (similar to Cuervo Fat Boy). The idea of fiberglass on 8oz Dyson nylon (or any nylon I suppose) seems to me to be an idea worth looking into. On my Fat Boy, I glassed over a hole that was burned though by the propane torch while melting some frayed edges. And she may end up getting the whole bottom glassed for durability. I've had fiberglass on this kind of nylon for a couple of months now and it seems to remain flexible and won't come off even when tugged with pliers. It rips the glass instead of delam. The drawback to this durablity is weight. So, the frame could be made lighter and the exterior all gets glassed. How much glass I don't know just yet. Has anybody tried this or what is the concensus of glass over nylon? Although I don't mind being the guinea pig (actually I love it), I sure would like to know what you all think. Too rigid...? Too heavy...? Any ideas?
Smf