Wyo George Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Greetings, I figured I would introduce myself briefly before my question. I've built seven boats now, mostly Stitch & glue with one cedar strip canoe, one ply on frame and a SOF kayak from another designer. I've been following Jeff for years now between WBF and Facebook (plus having both books) and it's time to get started on some Kudzu boats. This winter I'll be building a couple of Cast-Aways along with three yaks for the kiddos. My kiddos are small though, the twin girls are almost 8 and yet they are skinny and only weigh 42lbs each. The boy is 4 and he weighs 41 lbs so basically let's say that by springtime I'll need three boats for 50lb kids. The tadpole looks to be a tad large for their light weight, is that a fair assumption? I'd prefer to stick with Kudzu boats, but if it's a poor fit I can build them from another designer and then when they grow a bit they get new kudzu boats then. Thoughts? Thanks, G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 I try to let other answers but there haven't been a lot of Tadpoles built as far as I know. I don't have kids so I really hope someone chimes in but I think they are really just a little to small and lightweight for it. May not sink it enough to even track. But, they will quickly grow into it. You might build one as a test, if they don't fit they will in a year or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 I agree with Kudzu about building one as a tester. A: you can try them in it for size. B: you can see if your kids even like paddling a kayak. Kids are so variable in size and ability, there's no pat answer. My kids are all huge compared to normal humans, and my two oldest love to paddle, but won't hold any cotton with kayaks. They have had a few canoes, and currently terrorize the world in a pirogue of their own device, but neither want to be IN the boat. The youngest kid we have doesn't mind the kayaks, but he also doesn't like paddling. He wants to sail! Incidentally, my wife also don't like the kayaks, but never was born a better bow paddler for a canoe. Kids are also very adaptable, so even if the boat is a little big, they'll be fine, usually. Build them a balance bench, so they can get their balance game up, and see what happens. If you end up building two more, those almost 8 year olds can help with a lot of the work on these type of boats... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyo George Posted November 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Thanks for the input, I too am worried that they are too light. They do very much love being o. The water and paddling in the canoes and pirogue with my wife and/or I. I'll give it more thought, I have some other ideas brewing too... As soon as I can get started on my Cast-Aways I'll start a build thread. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 It wouldn't be hard at all to add an outrigger using lobster floats or pool noodles in stability was an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyo George Posted November 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 It wouldn't be hard at all to add an outrigger using lobster floats or pool noodles in stability was an issue. That's one of the ideas I have brewing. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Tiger Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Yup. A pair of parallel deck lines with toggles fore and aft of the cockpit would allow you to quickly attach outriggers, or paddles, for a semi-permanent paddle brace... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted November 25, 2015 Report Share Posted November 25, 2015 It was designed with this in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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