sargentjj

Jeff, Thanks for the quick response. The Vardo got heavy because I added a few too many coats of Rustoleum. I used the recycled poly fabric and before I new it I had almost 4 quarts applied. I've built 3 strip canoes and one of Platt Montfort's Geodesic Whitehall's...you can never add too much varnish to get a glass like finish. I now see skin boats don't need that much. The new design looks just like what I'm looking for. I'll be eagerly awaiting the release of the plans.

Jeff, I finished the Vardo and love it. It’s quick, stable and spacious. The only drawback is that after adding all the extras (hatches rigging, seats, etc) the boat now weighs 45 lbs. I'm looking to start another build and have looked at the FAQ for boat recommendations. I have been out with a GPS so I know my average speed on the water is 4.5 - 5 mph. I am 6' and 185 lbs size 10 shoe. So here's the question most asked....what do you recommend next? The long shot looks like a great build but it is longer and with the extra stringers on the bottom, (to add a round hull shape) how does the weight compare to the Ravenswood? I do like the quickness of the Vardo and like the 16-17' length, also I do like the looks of the Greenland style boats. The hydrostat tables on the boats have only helped to confuse the issue and since I can’t build one of each I’m looking for a tighter fit than the Vardo and a lighter boat. If the Vardo is like a pickup truck, I’m looking for a sports car next. Recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the responses. I'm happy to hear this is normal. I really didn't want to have to cut the lashings off and start over. I didn't see similar bumps on Kudzu's boats (photos don't show the bumps) so I was worried I screwed up. Building these boats is addictive, I originally planned the Vardo as a Winter project. I'm almost done and Winter hasn't even started yet. I may have to build another for the wife.

I just draped the recycled poly fabric over my Vardo and the lashings create bumps in the skin. I created groves for the lashing on the keel to hide the lashing but not on the gunnels. Is this normal for a skin boat and I'm just being too picky? Will the bumps be hidden by the paint/finish? I only used an arms length of sinew for each lash and wrapped 5 or 6 times, was this to much? Just looking for suggestions before I cut all the lashings and start over.