: Hello everyone,

: This summer, I have some time off, and am looking to build a kayak. I've
: purchased Nick's book "The Strip-Built Sea Kayak" and can't wait
: to start. Even though I live near the coast of northern Massachusetts,
: I've never taken a kayak on the ocean. I was hoping for some advice on
: choosing a kayak to build.

: There is a high chance this will be the only boat I have the opportunity to
: build for at least several more years, so I'd like a somewhat flexible and
: versatile design. This also means that though I'm inexperienced, I'd like
: to build a boat which will provide plenty of room for learning.

: My imagined uses for the kayak are general exploring with one to two day
: trips along the coast and in marshes, though I'd love the flexibility to
: take it out for some extended trips. I'm 6' 2" and 180 lbs.

: I've roughly narrowed down my search to the Guillemot, Guillemot L, and High
: Deck Night Heron. I'd like to hear your suggestions on which one to build,
: or just any thoughts in general on the various designs. I am absolutely
: open to other suggestions as well. I am precluding the Great Auk family
: because they aren't rated highly for surf - I'd like to be prepared for
: rough water and have some fun with the waves; let me know if this is poor
: reasoning.

: Also, are there any thoughts on lofting the design myself from the book's
: numbers (only possible if I go with a Guillemot or Great Auk) versus
: purchasing plans?

: Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and
: before sinking time and money into the project, I need to know I'm making
: the right decision.

: Also, do you think that it's reasonable that I can build the kayak in under
: four weeks if working from 7:30 to 19:00-22:00? I've never built a boat or
: done major fiberglass work, but am quite good with my hands.

: Are there any links to discussion or thoughts on whether or not to cove and
: bead? It seems like it would add a lot of time to the project - especially
: if artistic designs are used, and I'm not sure if I should go for it not.

: Thank you,

: Mike

Mike,

You'll need to keep in mind is that the building of a single striper is not something you can necessarily devote 100% of your time to. Much of the project will consist of 15 minutes of work followed by 2 hours (or more, in the case of epoxy) of waiting for glue to dry before proceeding. Patience is mandatory (and that was tough for me). I built two Guillemots similtaniously (sp?), starting 2 Jan 08 and launching mid-April 08. I'd guess there were maybe 15 days during that time when no work was done (travel, etc.) Some days they would receive my full attention, other days maybe just a coat of epoxy or varnish. Two boats at once actually worked out nicely. I could be dinking w/ one while waiting for glue to dry on the other. In no way is this meant to discourage you, just something you ought to know going in to it with a deadline in mind.

Can't speak on behalf of the Night Heron, but thus far we very much enjoying our Guillemots. Surprisingly stable considering the tight beam, it was quite fun having it out in some fairly heavy chop this past weekend. With water continually breaking over the bow, I remained quite dry and was never worried about staying upright. Taking us a bit of time to get the edging down for tracking straight, but we're getting better results on each outing. Easily enough cargo space for a 2 or 3-nighter.

As ET mentioned, it can and will potentially be a very fruitful experience.

Enjoy,
Todd