: are there any sources of plans for a competative strip built crew scull?

: is it reasonable to just build the hull of a kayak and add a sliding seat and
: oars?

: i found a S&G recreational design, but i want one good enough to compete in
: the olympics.

Check out Glen-L boatbuilding's web site: http://www.glen-l.com for their plans for a stitch and glue rowing shell.

This one has a Vee type hull, while the "real" racing shells I've seen have tended to be round bottomed. That might make this more suitable for training than for competitive racing. (I suspect the models used for racing at an olympic level are designed for maximum speed regardless of cost -- while price might be a concern for a home-builder.)

You might try designing your own round bottom craft with one of the free kayak design programs and then build it from veneer, or wood strips.

Glen-L also has parts and plans for building a sliding seat. You could use this with their boat design, or with some other hull. The plans come this come with the skiff plans, and the hardware is sold separately. Glen-L also has plas for the oars.

Hope this helps

PGJ