More of the underside

Here is one more picture taken at a different angle.

Closer Look

Here's a closer look at the bottom of the kayak.

Bow

A picture of the bow.

Stringers are on

Here are a couple pictures of the frame with the stringers attached. Other than a few small tweaks the frame is ready for skinning. I've got to make the combing and paddle as well.

Back on Land

I discovered a home made kayak attracts attention. I had just gotten rid of my sea legs and this couple showed up. You can see the black strap from the life preserver peaking out of the cockpit. I stuffed that in the stern so the kayak would float if I swamped the boat. The picnic table was a nice handhold for the launch.

Now I just have to make the combing for the cockpit and skin the frame and I'll be done :)

Action Shots

Well as you can see I finally got the kayak moving. Since it was my second time in a kayak I was a little tentative. Once I get the cockpit in place and a couple hours worth of practice under my belt, I'll feel a lot more comfortable.

What?

Here I'm about ready to get started, I just need to figure out which end of the paddle goes in first :) The paddle was made by my friend Phyllis' husband Norm, on loan for the testing. I'll make a Greenland style paddle later.

Seated

And this is what the kayak looks like after 175 pounds sits down in it :) I'm just relieved it floats with me in it.

Pre Launch

I'm just about ready to get into my kayak for the shrink wrap test at Standing Bear lake in Omaha. I'm not pressing down on the kayak at all, just keeping it from floating away in the stiff wind. The hull was covered with 4 mil. plastic and the whole thing wrapped with saran wrap, held on with duct tape.

Retrieval Frame

Here's a picture of the frame almost completed. The ribs and floor boards are in but no stringers yet.

ribs

This picture is taken of the stern end showing the ribs and keelson stringer installed. Not perfection but I hope it will do the job. The ribs were ripped from a kiln dried red oak 2"x4" purchased at Menards. I soaked the ripped strips for two weeks and then used hot water to make them more pliable for bending.