To all,

I tried to send an e-mail directly to Nick Shade with the below questions, but got a message back regarding too much "spam" at his e-mail address, so I am trying all of you for some answers to the same questions.

I am going to build a strip kayak after completing my "Prospector" strip canoe. Since I am new to building a kayak and kayaking generally, I have bought Kayakcraft by Ted Moores and Nick's book to evaluate the two building processes and their designs. I have skimmed both books and like Nick's process of using an internal strongback and no shear clamps. I like the look of the Guillimot because of the flow of the deck into the hull without the external shear strip covering the shear strip screws. The strip may protect the boat, however. Since I am alittle above average in size, I am also interested in the designs by OneOceankayaks because their designs seem to fit larger kayakers. I am 6'-3" tall, about 225, and have a size 12 shoe. Does the Cape Ann use Nicks construction method or Ted's or do I have to buy another book by Vaclav with his building method?? Also, I was e-mailing Nick directly to see if he thought I might fit into a Guillimot. People on this forum have suggested that I try some strip kayaks on for size, however I have no idea where in the Middle Atlantic states I can do this.

Also, I had a question for Nick regarding his paddle making chapter. He describes a tablesaw jig to cut the scarfs to connect the two shaft halfs together to accomplish a 70 degree feather of the blades. He explains that the jig needs an alignment spline that rides in the right hand miter slot in the table saw. He also says that you also need to tilt the TS blade 10 degrees toward the shaft before cutting the shaft halves. Maybe I am missing something, but I suspect Nick has a right-tilt TS. I have a left-tilt TS. Do I build a mirror image of his jig using the left slot in my TS to accomplish the same thing??? I am not sure I understand left and right hand paddles either. Is there a book that details kayak paddle making out there somewhere??? Thanks in advance for your replies!!!!!