Jay

Though I've never made a SOF, been in a SOF, and seen a grand total of two SOF, but I covertly hefted both and they seemed pretty hefty. I suppose with the lightweight materials you can knock the weight down. Now, I've overseen a SG Night Heron which when I left it as a hull and deck more then a week ago, the parts were a total of 31 pounds. (4 mm okoume. Deck outside: 3.4 oz fiberglass, deck inside 5.7 CF twill with 5.7 twill "ribs" Hull inside 5.7 oz CF twill with CF ribs, hull outside with 6 oz fiberglass.) Seems like a functional, durable 18 foot sea kayak can be made, with significant expense, under 35 pounds.

I know one thing for sure, a too-lightweight sea kayak is a risky and fragile thing, not for rough waters-like what it was a couple days ago out here.

: You're wrong with your assumption the SOF's are lighter. There's a lot of
: wood there and much of it is oak . And when you get that roll or outer
: skin material, you'll be surprised at the weight. Plus you have to coat it
: and fill the weave.

: A stitch and glue can be made the lighest and still have enough strength to
: be an actual usable kayak.