So Summer is half gone and my "build two CLC Shearwater Sports from Plans" idea is not going to make it. We have wooden pieces cut out for one kayak and a lot of sanding, gluing, and icky stitch and glue steps ahead. Not abandoning but I am thinking of setting them aside and trying two Vardos. I am building these with my daughter.
A few assumptions - please poke holes in them where you see fit:
Some of the stitch and glue steps she can do, some she needs more confidence for. With a SOF I think there are more steps that can be done during the day while I am at work.
We are both 5' 9". I am 240lbs, she is 130lbs. We canoe camp several times every summer and are looking forward to kayaking but would be novices. I think Vardo is the right boat for both of us?
Camping gear - I see the hatches and will watch the hatch video. Do people also just shove medium / small dry bags with soft goods inside as storage? We backpack, so can go pretty small / low weight.
I am thinking one gets in a SOF with a goodly amount of water underneath. No mud launches where you skitch and slide yourself into the water. Other than that I can see not much difference.
What sort of repair kit, if any, do people bring along. Some places we canoe are rivers. Not running rapids but may have to occasionally exit and lift over a beaver dam or such.
So Jeff says 60 hours. I'd pad that a bit since it is our first time out. Since we are building in tandem (paying the extra boat license fee) I would think that the time would be more than building a single but less than double. I would set up two separate strong backs.
Welcome your thoughts and wisdom.
John
Rochester NY
PS Have seen a few local launches, would love to see a Kudzu Craft close to Rochester NY