: 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

Hi Mike,

I'll never try to talk anyone out of building a boat, it's a wonderful thing you'll be doing and is extremely rewarding.

For the time frame you're looking at I'd look either at a stitch and glue, ie: plywood design or a skin on frame. You can certainly build a SOF in a month and might be able to do a S&G, though that's more more of a challenge time wise. Trying to compress a stripper into a month's work would be a real trick, can take that long to get the forms set up on the building jig without doing any work on the boat itself.

Bill H.