: Think it would be a toughie, then to write an article well enough to make the
: process happen?

Seems to me that if the project is to build a S&G qajariaq, and the builder stays within certain parameters, success is likely. Maybe those parameters could be researched and published? (like the G. paddle database)For example, guess how I chose my flare angle? I noticed that in the various SOF books, The gun'l is twisted to 17 degrees. I also noticed that on some boats, you see the bottom corner of the gun'l pressed into the skin, and in other boats, you cannot. So while there is a wide range of choices being made out there, most fall into a certain range. I don't remember what flare angle I chose, but it's between 15 and 20!

: The only CAD-less option I can think of would be to build using a keelson and
: chine log. (as Mike H. did with his S&G Walrii)

I'm not really familiar with the process here. Measure heights at stations to create an offset table? Then triangulate to correct the curve at the edge? Kind of what a sailmaker would call 'broadseaming'?

: There are less-than-optimum S&g plans commercially available.

Can I get an "Amen" here?

:Folks buy
: commercial plastic and composite kayaks all the time with absolutely no
: option of a single change!

That's true, but they at least have the opportunity to test paddle before they commit time and resources.

Dave