I think the Outer Island has some of the nicest lines of any kayak I've seen,
but I felt that I liked a boat with a little more rocker...it just gives a little
more maneuverability.
Is there any "easy" way to take measurements of a kayak to be able to
create your own forms? For example...if I had an Imprex Force 4 kayak
to take measurements from, is there an easy way to build your own forms
from this? It seems like the easiest way would be to cut the kayak up but
obviously that is not a possibility....

: They are all very different designs, but here's another thought.
: Most of the handling of the boat is in the hull design, but much
: of the comfort and control is in the design of the deck and the
: kind of outfitting one uses (as well as simply the adjustments
: that occur over time in building up and stretching out muscles).
: So, if you really like the Outer Island (or any other) hull design,
: it is possible to improve fit (seat design and outfitting with
: thigh and foot bracing) to achieve greater comfort.
: It is also possible to raise the deck progressively in the cockpit
: to allow for more elevation (gaining room to accommodate more
: bend in the knees or larger feet. In my Outer Island, Jay Babina
: suggested I increase the depth of each form starting at my feet
: and ending at my thighs, 1/2" to 1", thereby gaining
: considerable room. I did so by cutting each of the station
: templates horizontally in the middle (at the sheer line), then
: mounting each half the required distance apart before cutting
: out the stations.