: Wha-da-ya do with a scale model of the design? Other than checking fairness
: and perhaps how it sets in the water ... it seems rather useless unless
: you have some way to preform other tests in the "scale" realm
: ... whose results are translateable to the full size design. So ... what
: other uses do scale models have?
: Thanks!
: Ken Blanton

Hi Ken,
I'll take a stab at this one. Scale models of kayaks are very cool, even if it's just a decoration. If you need a purpose for building one, call it experience. Build a model because you have a passion to build boats (even at smaller sizes), chalk it up to building experience and display it proudly on your fireplace mantel. They also make incredible Birthday or Christmas gifts. If you still feel that the model has to actually do something, then build it large enough for a sponson and/or a tote along trailer. You could also try different techniques that you may not want to attempt on a real boat. Screwing up badly on a scale model won't damage your spirits or get you down like it would on the real deal. I have been playing around with kayak designs for several years now using AutoCAD and must confess that the S&G panels are more difficult to draw than they seem. But spending a couple hours to assemble a small hull that you've designed and have it not work will give you a real good idea of what went wrong and exactly how you can fix the design. Another valuable purpose is to just give it to the kids for them to put their little Lego people in while playing in the bathtub.

Anybody that builds a model of a kayak won't regret it, even if it doesn't do anything. You will learn something from the time spent and you will be proud to say that you built it with your own hands. Oh, and they travel well also. I think everyone should have a model project going at all times, because it gives you a break from the big projects and allows you to use up excess materials like epoxy and scraps of glass. And it's fun. I'm sure there's more, but it's time to go. Good luck to you Ken and be sure to post pics when you get it done.
Scott