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Thanks for the info I will phone them this week, but cant buy anything for another week, broke at the moment lol. Im actually leaning toward the AS2272 ply, even though its expensive. Id say I could probably make at least 2 boats from that, and considering I want to do the Stonefly canoe as well, it should be worth it Im considering making the stringers a bit wider, due to them appearing to be a weaker wood than Western Red Cedar. We will see Thanks again Aaron

Hi Guys Thanks very much for the links. I will start trawling through them today Paulownia looks interesting, I will give them a call on Monday, and have a chat about its properties compared to WRC. Thank god this ones local

Hi Jeff Im in Australia. Local stores just look at me funny when I tell them what I need I will keep trying, as I know they sell it on the East Coast, but Im on the West Coast, almost 4000km away I even tried for MDO plywood, but so far no luck.

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

Hirilonde We have a lot of remote river systems that I want to explore here. From what I can see, not much traffic away from the town areas. Mostly though, its just that majority of the time I will be solo, and have a strong exploring urge no matter the transport Im using. So at this stage, Im at no risk really, so far as needing the colour for what I have explained. But I really wouldnt want to be repainting in 6 or 12 months time. As an example, I ride offroad motorbikes, and I have yet to see another motorcycle where I ride, and I have been in that general area for over 2 years now. Maybe once every 3 months I will see a 4WD vehicle. The more remote it is, the more I like it. Its more dangerous if something bad happens, but its a calculated risk too. As far as the other safety items you mentioned, I will be at the minimum getting an Epirb once I start ocean kayaking, or getting into remote areas where people are not regularly around. Thanks for the advice on the safety gear, as I had not considered a strobe, or flares.

P Douglas made me laugh Woodman The only translucent colour I really like, is white. That orange is the nicest I have seen in that shade though. Jeff Im not so much concerned about beeing seen when Im still in the kayak (though that is important) , as much as being found when Im out of it. If the worst happens, someone may find the kayak, and it may be a guide to the area Im in (I say may, as water is always moving) Or if for whatever reason, the kayak is broken , and Im using the remains as buoyancy, it will be more visible. Anyhoo, besides all that, Ive very much come to like the colour combo, which is the most important part Im planning on a high vis orange or yellow PFD, but my paddle will be a greenland, so will be natural wood. Im going to have a crack at making my own, but if I fail I am happy to buy one My next challenge is sourcing the Birch plywood here, Im expecting it to have to be ordered in, but am hoping like crazy that it will be available before Christmas. Im wanting to be building over Christmas, so fingers crossed.

Thank you

I like it. Im planning on putting hatches on my Shad when I start building.

Had a look at the Curlew, thanks for the suggestion I would want a brighter orange, pretty well the same orange as high visibilty hunting camo. Yes there will be times that power boats are around, though not crowded as such. I did a test run with Microsoft Paint for what Im thinking will suit me. I ended up with black bottom, bright orange deck, and a silver pin stripe that runs the entire length of the boat, dividing the main colours. Looks good to me Cheers Aaron

Thanks Jeff Once my kayak is finished, I will be joining my local kayak club, and getting any/all the training I can handle. Im not planning on drowning just yet Im with you both on color now, it may still end up orange, quite like it, but would like to do a 2 tone with another colour, but havent seen anything Iiked yet. Plenty of time to decide Cheers Aaron

Ocean trecks.... in my dreams for now

Interesting to hear that about your local store. Im wondering, if the kayak is in one piece, will it naturally roll upright without a person sat in it, or will excess water hold it whichever way its been rolled by water conditions? I ask this, as if the kayak naturally rolls upright, then only the deck color is important as a safety item for me, but if not, then the whole kayak must be easily visible. The whole concern for me, being a newby, and doing it solo, is if the worst happens, and I am seperated from my kayak, then at least the kayak can be seen easily by anyone looking for me, which may give them a better idea of the area I am in. Im not planning on this happening of course, but its better safe than sorry

Ive finally ordered the Shad plans, sinew, thread, 8oz covering, and the 1st book. Im looking forward to going wood shopping soon Can anyone tell me what woods and qty I will need? Id like to make sure I have what I need when the plans arrive, as its a fairly long drive into the city for me, and its getting closer and closer to Christmas. Has anyone built a Shad, and painted it in bright colours? (besides the lime green in promo pics) Im thinking blaze orange for mine, mostly from a safety perspective, as I will be paddling alone. So if anyone needs to find me if things go bad Id just like to scout around for different schemes and color combos is all. Doesnt have to be a Shad, mostly looking for the colors. Cheers

Jeff I much prefer the idea that the boat will move "with" the wave, and not fight it and tip me out Im with you on differing levels of stability for different conditions. Been reading as much as I can take on Kayaking lol.

Thank you for all of your replies Makes deciding on some things much much easier

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.