: So last weekend I took out my new Nikumi for a few hours. Hopefully I'll get
: a picture or two uploaded later today. Here are my first impressions: Tom
: recommends some beefy parts for his boats, which I'm sure is a good idea,
: but I don't like heavy boats. As a result I cut the size of all components
: except the "ribs" which I still used 1/2" plywood. My keel
: is 5/8" by 1" as are my gunwales and deck stringer is 5/8"
: by 3/4". All chines are 5/8" by 5/8". I was going to go
: 1/2" by 1/2" for the chines, but the wood was already
: dimensioned at 5/8 so I just ripped to match. I also removed the 8th
: cross-section as I didn't think it necessary for completing the shape of
: the boat and left the length at approximately 16 1/2 feet so I wouldn't
: have to scarf any extra length into the chines. (Helped reduce my build
: time and cost.)

: I used the 20 gauge clear vinyl, which I'll cut back to 12 or 16 next time I
: need to purchase some. The 20 gauge is quite durable, and for my needs
: much stronger (and heavier) than necessary. The clear does look very cool
: though... even though I got sunburned through the boat... something to
: consider for the future.

: The build took about 15 hours initially (plus 2 hours time to transfer
: offsets to my forms) which is much less than Tom's estimated build time. I
: used his great suggestion of a sewing hoop as my cockpit coaming and will
: fix it in place before my next outing. I made my maiden paddle with it
: "loose" so I could play with location a bit and figure out what
: I wanted as a permanent cockpit. The 18" diameter hoop is perfect and
: I will be glassing up an "outer" riser with a lip on it that
: will be sewn to the inner riser. Much easier design than other options,
: and I like a smaller coaming. Great idea, Tom!

: I think I came in a bit lighter as a result of my modifications but haven't
: weighed the boat yet. Either way, it's heavier than I expected. I have an
: S&G CLC Northbay that only weighs in at about 45 pounds versus nearly 30
: (I'm estimating) for the Nikumi. I think in future I may remove the middle
: chine if I build another, and see how that works out.

: After a test fit on Saturday, I brought the boat back into the shop for some
: modifications that took another couple of hours. I lightened up the bow
: piece with a hole similar to the stern "lightening hole" and a
: couple of other smaller drilled out holes. I wanted to cut another large
: section out of it, but couldn't get the saw in place to easily do so
: without cutting the chines back further than I wanted.

: Once I got the modifications made, I took the boat out Sunday for her maiden
: paddle along the Potomac. We paddled about 6.5 miles over about 3 hours. A
: nice leisurely pace. I really like the boat. It turns on a dime and
: paddles smoothly. The rocker helps the turning quite a bit and she really
: responds to leans. And she's fast. I did have quite a bit of
: weathercocking, which I was surprised about, but it didn't take too much
: effort to compensate with paddling.

: Overall, fun boat. Quick to build and a good paddle. My next one I'll make a
: few more modifications, but this will suffice for now, while I'm finishing
: the re-deck of my Northbay.

: As I said, pics up hopefully today.

: FrankP

What wood/plywood are you using? I've found Tom's boat to be fairly light. Heck my over-long Sea Ranger at over 19' long only weighs about 34 lbs. And that was with birch plywood frames (not light) and my double skin.

Bill H.