The shape is relly looking good, and of course I am not bias at all.

We plan on fitting the hatch supports and some bracing to hold the deck shape when it is removed. We do plan to reattach it while it is still wet but not sure how that will go in reality.

At long last we are back into it, the top deck has been prepaired and is now stitched in place, m3 zip ties rule!!!!!

I am undecided, I dont think we should take the top deck back off, even though it means painting, glueing and taping upside down inside?

Has anyone out there experance with stitch and glue Kayaks, will they warp after epoxy is applied to one side only? I expect my option is to glue and tape it then quicky remount it before the epoxy goes off.

I cant seam to get the photos to upload so go to http://members.optusnet.com.au/~michaeljsargent/Kayak.html for my latest pictures.

So far very little epoxy has been applied, only enough to join the long sides together.

Building the Greenland Kayak

I refered to this book a lot while building my Yost style non-folders and found it so well written and informative that I just have to give it a plug here.

Even if you aren’t building a traditional style Greenland kayak there are a lot of good general building tips, design criteria and history that make this book a must read for anyone building a skin on frame. Christopher includes a high level of detail in most areas and maintains a genuine helpful tone throughout. Many of the methods discussed within will usefull if you are using modern materials like the aluminum and plastic frames of a Yost style folder or carving and bending your ribs from driftwood.

The Amazon price is around $12 so it is easy to afford and worth the price soley for the entertainment value.

Working with the glue was a challenge today. It was very humid today (at least for a desert). The MEK and glue evaporate so fast it cools down the vinyl and condensation forms. I didn’t have this problem with the Sea Pup because it was so dry out then.

I’m still on track for a Friday launch. Just need to glue up the coaming tomorrow night and add enough rigging to park a paddle.

Speaking of hitting the water, Anton and I are planning a triple new boat launch Friday, Hence the bit of urgency to get it ready. It will be one proven design, the Sea Pup and 2 non proven designs, one being his modified Sea Tour and the other being the first ever Sea Ranger stripper. Friday will be 5 days short of 2 months on my build, and Anton has built 2 sof’s in that time. Should be an interesting day! Suppose we should call the Media??

Here’s the picture, you can click on it for a few more..

Tony

I also made a simple backrest out of a piece of pool noodle. I still need to bungee it in place but it should work nicely.

Tonight’s tasks are to make a couple float bags and start gluing the deck in place. I should be able to get to the coaming sometime tomorrow and be ready in time for a launch on Friday or Saturday.

I’ve now got the gunwales, keel, and chines glued up and drying. I’ll sand on the seat some more tomorrow and figure out how to secure the boards to the aluminum angles. I’m quite confident now that I’ll be able ready to paddle when Tony visits Thursday. If it’s not too windy we can head up to Canyon Lake, otherwise the Guadalupe River is close and somewhat calm through town.