: This is my first post to the forum and I first want to thank the community
: for all the good information that is present here. I finished my first
: home built boat a couple months ago, a "Christine" stitch and
: glue canoe per plans from Selway Fisher. Now I am preparing to build a
: kayak and have narrowed the options to one of Tom Yost's designs (a wood
: frame non folding type): Nikumi 17', Sea Rider single chine, or Sea Rider
: multi chine.

: I think I have ruled out the Nikumi due to higher weight, lower speed, and
: what looks like more difficult skin application due to the complicated
: bow.

: Does anyone have any advice regarding or experience with either Sea Rider?
: The multi chine looks like more work but I have read that multi chine
: hulls (all else being equal) are more efficient. I am planning on using
: nylon for the skin and also thought the increased number of stringers
: would better distribute the stress from skin expansion/contraction and
: therefore be less likely to result in a distorted frame.

: I am 150lbs and 6ft tall and plan to use the kayak mainly for day trips. I am
: relatively new to kayaking but would like to have a boat that I can take
: in the ocean (Pacific Ocean, northern California) once I gain more
: experience.

: Thanks in advance for any responses!

The hard chine Sea Rider is a great boat. Perfect for your size and just fine for the ocean. Rolls great, doesn't weathercock, accelerates fast. You won't distort the hard chine frame with nylon because there are a lot of cross sections supporting the chines and gunwales. The nylon will relax when it gets cold and wet, and won't really tighten up more than when you skinned the boat.

Polyester just stays the way skin it, btw.

Have fun! I think you'll find this boat goes together a LOT faster than your S&G did!

Dave