: Howdy all,

: i'm building a Seatour 15 EXP. Studied all i can find and layed it
: out, but I've got 2 questions that i just cant figger out.

Hey Dave,

I finished one this past spring, but it was my first. Don't take my words for gospel. New to kayaking, too, so I'm double handicapped *grin*.

: 1. keel...using 1' x .75" lumber. Is it flush with the frame
: bottom or raised .25"? The multi chine design dosent have
: the additional side offsets either, correct?

Each chine: I placed a corner of the stringer on the "point" of the offset. The chine was not offset from the... err... offset. In other words, a corner of the stringer making up the chine was placed directly on the offset in the former template, instead of relocating it like the keel.

As for the keel... well... I remember a discussion about that a while back. Should still be around, if you search for it hard enough. I believe the answer was "Ask Tom". I never got around to it, and just built it with the keel extending 1/4" from each of the formers. It's hard for me to say whether it's hurt or not, due to my lack of paddling skills. So I'd suggest contacting Tom, too. If he doesn't catch your question on here, try emailing him directly. Hit the "Folding" section of his site, then the either of the "Contacts" pages. His email's at the bottom.

: 2, stems...mebbe when all the chines and gunwales are in this
: becomes obvious, but it aint to me as yet. What is the
: relationship I am trying to achieve with these angles? Not that
: i wouldnt appreciate actual dimensions, but i'd rather
: understand the whys. Tom's directions are very clear, but i dont
: have any boat building experience to say "what looks
: right".

The way I've read it, it'll depend a bit on how the stringers bend, what effects you're going for, and what your personal preferences are. The first was easy for me; the latter two, not so much. I ended up putting a plumb bow and stern on, just for giggles. The wife liked it, too. Worst case scenario, I can always cut it out and put redesigned stems in later. Or just build another kayak. *grin*. My next, I'll try a stem that's less plumb and more raked.

: This is my first boat, and wont be my last (gotta make at least one
: more , for my son!) but i'd like to get it as right as possible
: from the jump.

: thanks
: dave

I'm not all that sure there is a "right" or "wrong", without a set goal in mind of what you want the kayak to do. My first boat? I wanted it to float. Being able to paddle from point A to point B was a plus, too. Mine didn't sink, and I can get from A to B. Mission accomplished, so I'd call that "right".

Lemme get some paddling experience, figure out what I want and what I like, then I'm willing to expand my definition of "wrong and right".

Oh, and if it'll help, here's a bunch of pics on my build: https://picasaweb.google.com/104146683416628136158/KayakBuild