I haven't built a "cool" kayak in a while, so I thought it was high time to get back into it. Quite a fast and easy build compared to all the finicky details on a pulling boat!

Anyway, this is my version of KNK 1550x18, aka KOG 71 - a kayak in the Greenland national museum. She's 17'6" x 21" and weighs around 30lbs. Like I often do, I converted this traditional, historic design to non-traditional construction - a few plywood frames, rather than many steam bent and mortised ribs. The frame took 3 days to complete, a couple of days to skin and a couple of days to coat - plus there was another day in there fiddling with various bits. So, 8 days of actual building - spread out over about 3 weeks.
My other modifications to the design were to give it a standard sized cockpit, and to raise the masik a bit for more leg room. She's quite roomy and comfy (for me).

I skinned her with 12oz nylon, from George Dyson, and coated her with tinted Zar polyurethane. The paint scheme was quite a trial, as I first opted for white, then tan, then said "Screw it, I'm painting her bright yellow!" The next day, I was none too keen on yellow, after all, and went for the dark brown. The speed stripe (or spermatazoa?) is my concession to something artsy.The option remains to paint over it if it gets to be too much.

I'll take her out tomorrow to see if she floats.