Madero

You guys are great! Thank you for the input. I have talked to a couple of local suppliers who would be willing to offer a bulk discount, as well as a scout discount on BB plywood, so that may help significantly. We have also thought of tandems. The problem is who gets to keep them... We are trying to decide if we should build them as a legacy for the troop or build them for the boys to keep themselves for several years. It may influence their enthusiasm whether they get to keep them after. Or maybe we could build them for the troop and they can use them whenever they want. That's a possibility. Tandems might actually work because we will have some 15 year olds who are taller and bigger and some brand 14 year olds who will be smaller. We could pair them up and have them practice before the high adventure. Just thinking out loud. Thanks for the input! Very, very helpful! Dave (I've also received some input on the woodenboats forum. Some helpful. Some not so much ;-). )

One other question... Skins: Polyester, Nylon, or PVC. I talked to George Dyson, and he indicated that Jeff is leaning heavily toward Polyester these days. What about PVC, like Coverne. My dad built a Folbot about 30 years ago, and the skin was a vinyl or naugahide of some sort. We were always panicked about scratching the hull or poking a hole in the stuff. Thoughts?

Thanks for the great comments and suggestions. We have much to think about on our end, but it is great to make these connections. We'll be in touch. Thanks again. Dave

Kudzu, that cost breakdown is very helpful. I did some calling around and found a source for 1/2" Baltic Birch with waterproof glue, 4x8 sheet, for $52. I read somewhere yesterday (can't remember where, now, maybe yostwerks) that we can probably get 2.5 sets of cross-sections from one 4x8 sheet. That would put that cost around $20/boat. Do we need to build a new strongback for each boat, or can we use the same one for all the boats? Finally, would you recommend that we build one boat at a time, to completion, or try to do several at the same time, keeping them on the same track (so we are all doing the same things on each boat). One of the challenges will be to make sure there is something for each young man to do in the process, while maintaining adequate adult supervision and quality control... Thanks for the input!

I am the scout leader for a group of older scouts. There are about 15 of them. They really want to build kayaks and them use them on a week-long trip in Lake Powell (Utah) next summer. I have never built a kayak before (except about 35 years ago, my dad and I built a Folbot that he had up until about 2 months ago…). We are thinking of a touring/sea type kayak, probably in the 15 to 17 foot range, with space for gear. We have three goals: (a) Keep it under $200 per boat; b. have a sturdy and reliable craft for the unpredictable waters of Powell; and c. have a finished product the boys will be proud of and will last for at least several more years. Am I up in the night on the $200 figure? Are there construction elements where we can reduce costs and save money? Including the boats for the adults, we will probably make close to 20 boats. Are you aware of any places that might provide a bulk discount or a "scout" discount? What are some options for skins and relative price of each? The boats on the Kudzu craft forum look great, particularly the Vardo. 'Just trying to figure out how to make all our hopes and dreams come true, without having to break the bank. Any help you can provide on this issues will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.