: I'm building a stripper but would like to see you all argue about what is the
: lightest reasonable kayak possible using stitch and glue or skin on frame
: technology. It wouldn't need to be really durable or strong, but it would
: need to be a rather large design, I'm 6'3", 220. I know that sof yaks
: are usually lighter, but I'd like to see how light both designs could be
: made, a fun next project for me. Let the war begin.

Chuck,

I've built a couple of SOF non-traditional aluminum frame,wood cross section
(lashed / epoxy), nylon skin non-folders ( whew!!) that I consider, from
my own experience, to be very strong and durable boats.

16ft Baidarka ( single-chine)- 26 lbs
17.5ft Baidarka( single chine) - 28 lbs.

In addition, I've built several SOF folders using aluminum frame, heavier HDPE
cross sections and coamings that come in at about 32 lbs. These boats use PVC
skins which weigh only about 7 lbs each. I've built lighter folders of under
30 lbs, but these boats use thinner walled tubing and fewer cross sections.

I've got a 17.5' woodstrip Baidarka that's probably about 35 lbs.

My two S&G's, glass seams only, were very light, possibly 30 lbs
or less. They were fairly small boats. After 20 years one is
still going strong.

Steve Phillips just completed 4 wood frame non-traditional) designs
that weight about 23 lbs. They are only about 15ft LOA so don't qualify
as full sized. Light weight and strength aren't mutually exclusive.

On the other hand, many of you may paddle in more difficult conditions than
me. I personally don't worry much about the weight of kayaks. Anything
under 40 pounds is fine. After that, they get harder to load on my truck.
As I get older, the lighter the better. Ha!

I won't express an opinion on which is the best combination of strength
and weight, as I like them all.

Tom