rustyshaklfurd

That looks like a really nice boat to paddle.

Thanks everyone for the input. I am leaning towards the J-racks but need to do some measuring to see what will fit each vehicle. Kudzu thank you for the heads up about the ratchet straps.

What is the best way to car top a SOF kayak? J racks, Foam Blocks, factory racks? I will likely be topping the kayak on a Ford Explorer or a Subaru Outback wagon.

Yup

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll place the order tonight.

Hey Kudzu, I was looking through the store and planning on ordering the 11 oz fabric. The store says you have 17 in stock which I assume means 17ft, however, you recommend buying a foot longer than your boat. Do you know when you will get more of the 11 oz in? If it will be a significant amount of time I'll plan on ordering the 8 oz instead. Thanks

It sounds like the 11 oz is the way to go. I like the idea of being able to pull the fabric tight without a lot of pull holes and that it can be shrunk with an iron. Thanks to CapecodJohn and Rich D for the replies.

Here are some FROG and FRIT photos.

So I finally got past the stringers and moved on to lashing. Everything is lashed up and it is off the strongback. This week I hope to add the footrests and to oil the frame. I also plan on ordering the fabric. Any recommendations between the 8 oz or 11 oz for a first time builder?

Thank you to everyone for the help and advice.

I have continued the build but I am currently stuck. I'm having trouble visualizing and deciding where to make the cut on the stringers and gunwales so they end up flush against the bow and stern respectively. I have read and re-read the manual on this part but I am stuck. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have included some pictures which I hope illustrate the problem. Bow Stern

Thanks! Yes this is my first one. I always wanted a kayak but could not justify spending the money on a heavy plastic boat. I found Jeff's site and caught the boat building bug.

I ordered the Vardo kit a few weeks ago and I have been slowly been working on it. Here are some photos of the build so far. I'll post more as things progress.