YAK-A-DOODLE

Through 4 decades I have paddled many different kayaks. I have owned an assortment of kayaks and canoes during this time. I have made, repaired, and restored in fiberglass, wood, and canvas a bunch of boats. All along there have been compromises for one thing or another, like speed, maneuverability, volume, looks, etc., but I haven’t had that “one” (kayak) that was my all round go-to for my general (kayak) paddling needs (comfort, open water, gear, comfort—did I mention comfort already?? I do have a “go-to” canoe, a different story for a different time.)Last September (2018) I set out with a goal to combine the best attributes of my favorite kayaks and build them in one skin-on-frame boat. I chose SOF for ease, speed, and low cost of construction. I am pleasantly surprised at how successful I was at creating my new “go-to” kayak—it really works! At 17'5" long and 24" wide YAK-A-DOODLE tracks straight and gets up to speed quickly. I have not weighed her, but she’s under 50 pounds.The hull is constructed of poplar stringers lashed to epoxy-sealed plywood frames. Torsional rigidity comes from an “Aerolite” style application of 300 pound test Kevlar cord (kite string) crisscrossing the length of the hull which is covered with 9.5 ounce dacron that is sealed with several coats of good oil based paint.