I have begun building my next kayak with plans from Redfish (silver). I have also added Rob M and Nicks books, both books are packed full of great information. I have added their information to the stack of literature and plans I have already collected and believe me, these are both in the top 3 reference manuals I have found.

I am going to use a design reminiscent of the wood runabouts everyone is so familiar with. I plan on using dark cedar of two tones on the hull with bass wood pin stripes along the sheer line and on the deck. I am probably going to use a mahogany on the deck with the pin stripes and I will match the color of the mahogany with the lighter color of cedar on the hull. I love working with and the color of mahogany.

I am going staple less and hand beveling the strips. I am using all sorts of ideas including taping strips which works great and a hot glue gun from Rob's book is a great idea that works perfectly. I do not really see the need to go staple less but I will go ahead and do this boat and see if it is worth the time.

Beveling strips instead of bead and cove is the way to build! I had so much trouble with B and C, not really knowing if the joint was tight was a real problem for me. I also think the Silver from Redfish is a little easier to strip than my other kayaks and canoes. I am really looking forward to this boat.
I am amazed at the finish and outfitting of Joe Greenley's boats. The design of the Silver combined with the building techniques that Rob and Nick provide in their books, I plan on building a real work of art!

I have added a link to my blog so others can benefit from my experience and mistakes. The biggest thing I have learned in the boat building world is to fix the mistake when they happen, (and they will) before you rush on through the build. The Disko bay is next! or maybe Ill add the lights and make it a Disco Bay!

http://wp.me/p2h2HB-3Q

Robert L Visionary