lattenkracher

Hi, purchaseing spruce without knots is the real competition :) I recommned using good quality Tungoil (Chinaöl) for impregnation, 1liters gives 2 or 3 layers. Have fun!

HI kayak_building_with_fir, i build last Winter a Vardo in Europe using spruce, Gunwales: 15x38mm Stingers: 15x25mmmm Frames: 12mm Plywood DIN BFU / AW 100 weight of the ready made boat: ~19Kg including Heavy fabric, Heavy Orbix hatches and many coating layers I Think with light fabric and without hatches the boat has had neary 15Kg (30 lbs) the Boat was used nearly 200km (120 Miles) this summer on lakes and rivers . greatings ..

Hi Brendan. i build an Vardo with hatches. (Wilderness Orbix)) - they look ugly - they made the kajak heavier - they are expensive - they made the skinnig much more worse But I would never want to do without hatches: I use them constantly, for provisions, clothes, camping gear etc. In my eyes it is worth it.

Sure It was my first SoF Project, but i found an experienced SoF Builder who was very Kind to give me many usefult hints. The fabric ist one of his hints. i have used "Novely Oxford 600D" it is waterproof so it could be used without coatig, but i never tried. Here you can see how it looks before "ironing" (You can also see that i will do an asymmetric sewing on the edge of the gunwale) It is not that flexible, so i have used "cut and glue" on stern and bow. It can easy and durable glued with "Sabacontact 70 T"

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my english is a bit rusty, I hope my explanation is understandable i have used orange fabric: applied transparent coating: applied adhesive letters: applied black coating: remove adhesive letters: The "M" is already removed, the "o" is not yet ... other side: "M" isn´t removed, "o" and "r" are already done, the "o" needs some cleaning. I have used cotton swab and paint thinner ready: finaly applied a new layer of transparent coating:

COVID-19 changed every thing: But finaly the Launch happend. The Kayak performs as great as expected. Thank you for your great Design.

It is still winter in Bavaria: But stay patient: Another brand new Vardo is waiting for spring sun: