gorn

Hi Guys

Im wondering what float bags you guys are using in your own kayaks?

Ive been waiting ages for Skinboats.com to get new stock of their Greenland bags, but am still waiting.

Id rather install them before skinning the kayak, so I can check the fit properly, and make any anchor points I may want.

 

Ive been looking at the NRS Hydrolock bag, which is float and storage, but am not really sure it will sui the shape of "Shad".

Will this bag work for me?  (bear in mind I will have 8" hatches above the bags)

http://www.rutabaga....yak-stow-float#

 

Im also considering the NRS Seat pad  http://www.rutabaga.com/nrs-seat-pad

Opinions?

Whats the best seat for skin on frame?

 

Thanks

Hi Guys

Just wanted to post a progress report on my Shad build

 

Im using a clam shell style strongback, as listed in the Kudzu book.

All frames have been cut, and strongback mounts attached.

 

Today I cut my first scarf joints with a basic jig on my table saw.

 

The Paulownia wood is very light, and cuts easily, though the knots in it drive me insane.

Ive actually had to buy Western Red Cedar for the Gunwales, as I would be short on Paulownia due to the amount of knots present.

Very annoying, but seeing as the wood is provided to order, I cant just go along to a lumber yard and sort through shelf stock.

Next time I will state that I wont accept c graded wood (Im guessing here on grade, but thats my opinion on what I was supplied)

When I picked it up, the 10 lengths were strapped together, with the best boards on the outside  grrrrrr.

A bit like buying a punnet of strawberries, only to find inedible ones in the bottom.

 

One other thing that has me a bit miffed, the strongback frames for either end of the kayak will have the bow and stern plywood forms sitting in them, which is all fine, except on the paper plans I cut out, the slots are larger to suit the actual keel sized wood which is larger by 3mm.

So now I will have to fill those gaps somehow, so that it doesnt just wobble around by itself.

Annoying yes, but Im not posting this to tell Jeff off, rather to bring it to his attention for future reference.

 

Im hoping by the end of the week to have the frames fitted to the keel and gunwales at the least.

Im moving a bit slow at the moment, as I nearly broke my ankle this week, and am hobbling around like an idiot now lol

 

So far its been quite the challenge  (though enjoyable) for me, being my first build, and also my first time really working with wood.

 

For the most part, the plans and the instructions, coupled with the first book, has been very good.

 

The only other thing I really was not sure on, and could not find anywhere, that wasnt covered in the manual, is the orientation of the scarf joints.

What I mean is, as an example, looking at the side of the keel stringer, is the scarf meant to be cut across the side or the top of the stringer.

Looking from the side I am looking at the scarf joint. If I did it the other way, I would only see the join if looking from the top.

 

Im not sure if it matters or not, and hope Im going the right way

 

Some pics of my scarf jig, my garage/man cave, and the strongback.

 

 

Cheers

Aaron

Hi Guys

Im hoping I can get some more good advice here.

 

Im having big issues getting the recommended timber and ply for my Shad build.

 

Western red cedar seems to be very expensive here, Baltic Birch is like rocking horse poo and chickens teeth here....RARE!!

 

Naturally I want the kayak to be light and strong, at least as strong as the original design was intended.

But I dont want a boat anchor weight either.

 

How much difference in weight and strenght would there be if I used regular pine for the stringers, and AA grade marine ply for the frames?

 

To give you an example of pricing here, 1 sheet of 1/2" AA grade Marine ply is $79 , I asked what type of wood it was, and got the answer of "dont know, its marine ply..."

 

Need some help here!!

 

Thanks

Aaron

 

Hi Guys and Girls

I have decided that Shad is the boat for me to build, I love the lines, and like the better tracking of longer kayaks.
Having said all this, I havent kayaked since I was a child, so Im long overdue.

SOF is art into transportation for me, I like looking at the frames more than the finished boat! ha!

Anyway, onto Shad.

Im 39, weigh 194lb, and am a huge 5'6" tall

1: Will I bee flippin and flopping around in the boat being a smaller person?

2: How well does Shad handle ocean going day travel in rougher waters?
Im not keen on rough water myself, but conditions can change fast.
Having said that, Im keen to learn rough water skills at a later date.

3:Being Im a newbie, will Shad be too unstable for me?
I have very good reflexes, and a good general balance for things.
Im thinking to hell with it, get building

4: Judjing from most comments, its only Polyester that takes paint right?
Whats the heavieast useable gaugh for SoF? and is it really MUCH harder to sew on than Nylon?

5: Im still leaning construction styles here, but what are the advantages of cocpit style construction vs kayaks made by many steamed ribs?
Is it weight related, cost related, or just a stronger design?

6: Is there a paint stencal to put the Kudzu Kayaks logo on the boat?

Im getting ready for my first order soon, which will be plans, sinnew, book 1, and skin.

I have a LOT of depressive and anxiety issues, and have long held the thaught that being in a kayak on the water may help me stay calm and relaxed like nothing else.
It also allows the explorer in me to be free.

Thanks for your time, look forward to some good answers

Aaron

Lastly, the green and black on thre Kudzu website.....oh how Ive been daydreaming my days away on that bad boy.
Beatiful colours.