I know nothing about ocean surf ski's so this may be totally unsuitable, but what about a skin-on-frame one ? Would something like the Cape Falcon 'Tyak' be suitable ? Check-out the attached link.

It would certainly be cheaper than a strip boat & quicker to build, although it wouldn't look quite as cool. It would also make it possible to make shape changes to the hull for fine-tuning. If you need a sit-on-top deck then you could make a S&G drop-in deck pod & stitch the covering to that.

Just a 'wild 'n crazy' idea...

Regards,

Phil.

: I've been thinking about building a timber ocean ski for awhile now. I
: currently paddle a Red7 Surf70 ski but want to get back into a timber boat
: again. The boat would be used in open ocean with surf exit & re-entry
: and catching runners.
: Here are a couple of options that I've thought about so far and would really
: appreciate any thoughts, comments, issues , considerations.

: * buy plans for a CLC Pax 20 and modify to produce a ski. Probably easiest
: and cheapest option.

: * buy plans for a Guillemot Mystery and modify to produce a ski. Obviously
: more time & $$$ (WRC costs a bundle over here in OZ).

: Both of these boats are considerably shorter than my Red7 so I have also
: considered lengthening the plans for & aft of the cockpit but am
: unsure how this would affect performance. The Mystery's length is designed
: to conform to a Sea Kayak racing regulation so perhaps it's length is not
: optimal?? Any insights?

: Cheers, Craig