: Hello everyone,

: This is my first post. My father and I built a pair of Laughing
: Loon Georgian Bay kayaks when I was in college in 1993-94 (great
: design and great project - thanks Rob!!). Although he has not
: used his in a long time, mine still gets a lot of use (though, I
: took a few years off of kayaking to pursue other hobbies). I
: bought the plans and wood (Eastern White Cedar) to build a
: Redfish Return around 1998 but life got in the way and I never
: started the project. I lurked on this site years ago and am glad
: to see that it is still alive and well... I wish it was around
: when my father and I started our project!!

: The urge to build another boat has hit me. I have the wood, tools,
: experience, etc.... now I just need to figure out which boat.
: Although I would like to build the Return, I think it would make
: a lot more sense to build a boat for my wife (she is currently
: using a Perception Carolina... and it's an ugly tank!). My wife
: is relatively new to kayaking so I would like a boat with decent
: primary stability (akin to the Georgian Bay's). Light weight is
: also a big design consideration. I will use 3/16" strips
: and will do my best to keep the epoxy and glass to a minimum
: (within reason). I would like to re-use the coaming form/jig
: from the Georgian Bay project (1/16" mahogany laminated
: over the bent form). It makes an attractive coaming and the hard
: work (the jig) is already done.

: I still have all of the stations from the Georgian Bay project (2
: sets actually). Could I just shave them down a bit (say ~10%)
: and reduce the distance between the stations by the same
: percentage to get a boat that would fit my ~145 lb wife a bit
: better OR should I consider a different design? If so, is 10%
: enough do you think? If it is not a good idea, what other
: designs should I consider based on the above criteria?

: Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

: -Jon

Hey, Jon

As you know, you "wear" a kayak, and so, as in clothing, it has to fit. What size is your wife? Mine's on the smaller side, and when it was time to build her boat, the best design for her turned out to be the One Ocean Storm SLT, with a payload of just 150#, paddler and gear. The boat came in around 30#, fits her perfectly, it's pretty, and it's quick, for keeping up with longer boats. It was not a difficult build.

Good luck! You have a rewarding project ahead of you.

--Scott