So, does anyone care enough about weight in a kayak,

: Thanks,
: Bill

Oh, and yes, I care very much about weight in a kayak.

That's why I started building with 3/16" strips 25 years ago
when everyone else used 1/4".

That's why I don't use internal/external stems or a shear clamp.

That's why I've used 4oz S-glass for ten years.

And why I'm working on a new 15-1/2' baidarka design that will weigh
under 30 pounds.

I carried a heavy canoe for many years on wilderness trips in northern Ontario
portaging from lake to lake. I have strong memories of slippery rock hopping in the rain
with black flies biting everywhere. That sure planted the seed for dreams of owning a light-weight
canoe.

But most of all I remember the time a friend let me borrow his light-weight glass whitewater
canoe. I was used to paddling the ubiquitous heavy ABS canoes used for whitewater.

I could not believe how easy it was to paddle that boat. I could paddle upstream hopping from eddy
to eddy. I felt like I could fly in the boat. And ever since I've been obsessed with keeping my canoes
and kayaks as light-weight and strong as possible.

A light-weight kayak is so easy to paddle and maneuver. It's my top priority.

That's probably why I've never felt the need for a skeg.

Rob

I take myself lightly.