My son wanted blue, and since I was using the two-part urethane from the Skin Boat Store, I searched for a pigment to mix with the urethane and get the color my son wanted.  Below is a snapshot of what I used, and although I don't think it's exactly what he had in mind, we agree that it looks very nice.

The skin is 840 X-TRA TUFF BALLISTIC NYLON.  It's very easy to work with and tightens right up after soaking with a garden hose.  Stays tight too.  

Here she sits next to my Vardo.

First, the light weight really pays off. I can’t say enough about how nice it is to be able to easily load a kayak onto the roof of a van with one person. The easier it is, the more you’ll use your kayak.

Second, adding handles to both ends really helps with portaging. We’re able to load up and the carry them both in one trip, sometimes several hundred yards. 

Performance is really good. The speed and ability to handle waves and wind really inspires confidence. 

Finally, people always stop and ask about them so be prepared to answer questions. 
 

Here’s some kayak porn from Elevenmile Reservoir State Park in Colorado.

All the best

Eduardo

The video from Jeff takes care of the first frame that has easy access but mine are the second and third aft of the coaming. They are NOT totally delaminated and only the external layer has separated. I am thinking about pouring liquid cyano and let it soak inside the layers orporing  epoxy placing some plastic film on bottom skin to soak the excess.. 

i have even thought avout  cutting a couple thin frames  a tad smaller than the originals and sandwhich  the delaminated /separated frames in them..

any ideas? 

thanks

I want to repair my VARDO from some rot damage and build a new one too.  All the best

eduardo 

Ejvind Jensen. Nyborg Denmark.

1/2" marine-grade fir plywood
yellow cedar stringers
laminated oak cockpit coaming
9 oz nylon with 2-part urethane from the Skin Boat Store

Yellow cedar is around 30% heavier than red cedar but also 30% stronger. I decided to use it for the extra strength, foregoing some lightness.

I coated the plywood ribs with West System 105 epoxy to waterproof it.

I am really pleased with the kayak. It handles great and is a joy to paddle. The primary stability is lower than the plastic kayaks I paddled previously, but it only took 2 outings to get used to it. It edges well with good secondary stability, and it is easy to perform self re-entry. I'm still working on learning to roll. I am 6'1" and 210 lbs and appreciate the large cockpit opening. I've recently switch to a Greenland paddle and think it is a nice aesthetic fit with the skin-on-frame.

In sitting in the kayak on land before launching I broke the right side coaming support as shown in the last photo.  Checking other recent launch posts I noticed that this side support piece is missing so am wondering if I should just remove the supports instead of trying to replace them.  After cracking the support I realized that I needed to brace on the back deck instead of the coaming when entering and exiting the kayak!  

Since I want to roll the kayak when I get a backband, seat, skirt, and deck riggings installed, I'm wondering what others have done about making and attaching thigh supports/hooks and side hip padding?  

The kayak frames are okoume marine plywood left over from another boat-building project and the stringers are Western red cedar scarved together from the clearest boards I could find at a local lumberyard.  Fabric is dacron which is covered with 3 layers of Hunter green Rust-oleum paint.  Since Steve has already carved a beautiful Greenland paddle, I hope to start work on my own paddle in the near future.  

I know some were interested in how she did with the 3/8 plywood.  I honestly think she is going to do fine.  I couldn’t notice any potential issues when I had her out.  I guess the real test is after a season or two is under the belt.

Here are some pictures!

Jeff mentioned in one of his videos that he recommends going with the laminated coaming instead of the plywood.  If I do another one, I'll laminate for sure.  Once in use, the plywood wasn't as rigid as it seemed like it would be during assembly.

Finished weight is right at 30 pounds.  

10oz polyester from George Dyson

Western red cedar stringers

Baltic birch plywood frames and coaming

Artificial sinew bindings (waxed polyester)

Rustoleum enamel paint on the fabric

Helmsman's spar urethane on the wood

I definitely need to add rub strips so I don't have to be so sensitive about the concrete boat ramps.  I also need to replace the rear thwart with something curved and comfortable to lean against.  

I put Coast Guard stripes on the front in honor of my grandfather, Lt. Commander John S. MacCormack who served in the USCG in the '40s and '50s.  When he retired, he built ship models and took a position as curator of models at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.  The Museum has a boat shop, and a small modelers shop named after my grandfather.

I named the boat "Damfino" after a boat of the same name in a Buster Keaton film.  I'm hoping this boat fares better

Thanks Jeff for the great design.  I learned a lot and will put a post add a post on my experience on the other thread.

 I plan on building another SOF boat this fall so that I can go out on the lake with my wife.

John Price

Cary, NC

paddles straight.

I recently completed the FreeB and was surprised at how much less stable the Ravenswood is in comparison.

She dumped me the first time I tried to get onboard, even using my paddle for balance.

Now that I have learned to get in without going for a swim, I LOVE IT.  Nice and fast, easy paddling.  I think my cushion may be too thick, which puts me a little above the waterline, and makes it less stable.  Reminds me of riding a bike with no hands.  

I have one picture of the Ravenswood hanging in my garage, and another from the cockpit, behind my wife in the FreeB.  

This has been a great way to spend the "Covid lockdown" and I now have friends asking me to build a kayak for them.

Far from perfect and I made more than a few mistakes, and I am okay with that for my first attempt.  I think I need some work too.

But stay patient: Another brand new Vardo is waiting for spring sun: