marvinwus

What are other CS17 builders using for their masts? I cannot find the 2.5" x .083" tubing specified by the plans. Marvin Newberg, OR

Its time to start building again. I am looking for a source for the aluminum tubing for the masts. The specification is for 9'5"x2.5"x.083" and 6'x2.25"x.065" aluminum 6061 T6 tubing. I can find the 2.25" at onlinemetals in Seattle, but they only carry the 2.5" in .125" thickness. Any suggestions? Marvin Newberg, OR

That was a good question concerning the inwales and I had to look over the construction sequence for an answer. I will fillet and tape the hull seams and then install the inwales. I will do the forward bulkhead and transom afterwards.

The stitching is done. The next step is filleting and taping.

The yellow boat under the tarp is a Swifty 14 I built from a Shell Boats kit four years ago. The yellow boat hanging from the ceiling is a Maas Aero rowing shell and the white boat just above the Swifty is a Maas 24 rowing shell. Three of the reasons I am just starting on the CS17. Marvin Newberg, OR

I hope to start stitching the hull together this weekend. My Makita power planer with John Henry scarffing attachment is on top: The "butterfly joint" has been taped:

Its a year later than I expected, but I have started in earnest. I would like to start adding some pictures, however the "Add image to post" is not working for me. How are others attaching images? Marvin Newberg, OR

How well does this kayak track in a straight line? It seems like it would benefit from a skeg or keel due to its flat bottom.

I purchased the 6 oz biaxial tape from BoatBuilder Central and will be using it on my CS17.

I have the John Henry scarfing attachment for my power plane so cutting scarf joints is very easy. What kind of joints are most people using to join the panels on the CS17?

I am building the CS17. Would it make sense to precoat the bottom and side panels with epoxy before assembling the hull? I am using Okume BS 1088 plywood, would precoating significantly affect the stiffness of these panels?

Boat Builder Central is selling 6" 6oz biaxial tape. Would this be an appropriate substitute for the 9 oz fiberglass tape on the CS17?

Are people using 3" or 4" tape for the CS17? Boatbuilder Central lists an epoxy kit that includes 4" tape for the CS17. The materials list specifies 3". Also I see 9 oz tape available and not the 10 oz tape specified in the materials list. My plywood will be arriving by next Monday and I hope to get started Thanksgiving weekend.

I was planning on using Okoume for my CS17, but meranti is almost half as much as Okoume. $46 vs $75 and $56 vs $100. How much heavier would meranti be? I really like Okoume and have used it on several boats. What would you recommend?

I have ordered the plans for the CS17. Marvin Newberg, OR

The CS20 is way too much boat for my needs. Almost all of my sailing will be single handed. Occasionally I will have a passenger or two. I am leaning towards the CS17, since speed is important to me. I am being passed by too many boats. Most of the pictures I see of the CS17 show sails with sleeves, but the discussions mention sail tracks on the mast. How hard is it to raise the masts when sails are attached via sleeves? What about reefing these sails? How would the sails be attached on the CS15? The original question was whether the CS15 or CS17 would fit me best. Marvin Shell Boats Swifty 14 Newberg, OR

I am interested in a fast day sailor for single handed sailing. Ease of setup is very important. How difficult is it to raise the masts of the CS17? Are the sails attached when you lift the masts? I haven't seen much comment on the CS15, are there any out there yet besides the prototype? How fast is the CS15 in comparison to the CS17. I am currently sailing a Shell Boats Swifty 14 that I built from a kit. Nothing could be simpler to setup, but I would like more speed. Marvin Newberg, OR