Hi! My name is David and I'm a fly fisherman from Connecticut. Over the last month or so I have been researching a boat to build. I've gone from a drift boat, to a bass boat, flats boat, and finally after weighing all the pros and cons and what I want from the boat I've settled on a Kayak. I plan on using this as primarily transport to coastal surf fishing spots. No so much fishing from the kayak. I wanted something simple and relatively quick to build. During my research I ran across the Cape Falcon F1. That's the kayak I want!

I spent a whild studying Brian's web sight and the survey. After forumulating a plan I'm on my way. First, I needed a way to rip some lumber. Not wanting to spend money on a table saw I built a decent one from my old circular saw and a nice sheet of 3/4" plywood. I'm not new to table saws or woodworking so this wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. Mount the saw. Plunge the blade. Set up an adjustable fence. Add a miter slot for a cross cut miter and I'm in business.

I bought some nice pine from local lumber yard and went back to the survey to make sure I have grasp on what size boards I need. I noticed that Brian has a note on how to size some lumber for people up to 250 pounds. Well, I'm 6'4" and 275 pounds. I shot Brian a quick email to ask him what changes I needed to make for my size. He suggested 15 foot gunwales, 26 inches wide and fuller in the deck profile, and beefier chine's and keel. I don't have the exact demensions with me atm. Now I can rip some lumber.

I have a bunch of old red oak from an bed frame that has just been sitting in the yard. What better way to get rid of it than rip it up into 1/4" x 1 1/4" ribs!

Seems I have spent more time studying the survey and figuring out spacing for the ribs and beams than actually working with wood at this point. Yesterday I got a chance to start the mortises for the ribs. I layed out everything and used my dremel plunge router base to cut the mortises. If I build another kayak I will definately invest in an actual plunge router. The dremel base just has too much flex in it. I have completed the mortises on one gunwale. My wife has been pretty sick lately and couldn't stand the noise of the dremel anymore and asked me to stop for the night.

And that's where I'm at so far.

I'm pretty clear on the whole build except for the curved deck beams. I understand the process for making the laminated deck beams. But what's driving me nuts is how to get that nice curve that Brian has on his. I am probably completely over thinking this part. Some guidance in this area would be helpful.

I'll add some pictures when I get home tonight.

Thanks!

David