: Me too. I think I saw your ski pics on the net Craig. Very nice.The
: Bjorn Thomasson is also very nice. Maybe a sit in side would be
: better in the winter even here in Florida. No one has said
: anything about the mystery compared to others. The Bjorn plans
: are 100 EUR. Whats that in $ ?

Although I have been paddling my ski, I haven't formally launched it yet as am still ironing out bugs. However, there is a few images floating around. (search BoofHead65 on youtube). When I varnish it i'll post some pics.

I just googled average Florida temps and they appear to be very similar to Queensland Aus. where I live. Perfect for a surfski or at least an open cockpit boat.
There are several manufacturers producing open cockpit kayaks/super stable surfskis and I think that they are an excellent idea for warmer climates and expect that we should start to see more timber examples as many kayakers cross over. I am meeting more and more more surfskiiers coming from kayak backgrounds whereas surfskiiers traditionally came from surflifesaving backgrounds.
http://www.epickayaks.com/products/surfskikayaks/v6-tourer
http://www.stellarkayaksusa.com/usa/s18s_surfski.html
http://www.stealthpp.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=18

FWIW I discounted the Mystery as an option due top its complete lack of rocker. I have my own KF design but not the time to build it hence the quick S&G option. I really like the KF Milliue surfski currently in the kayak building forum at blueheron. I am waiting for it to be built so I can try it before committing to another boat build.

I hope you decide to go open cockpit. There are some interesting design challenges involved and the more people out there solving them the better.
cheers