This kayak is intended to be a maneuverable, versatile, tight fitting high performance skin-on-frame day boat that weighs less than 20 lbs. I am hoping to cruise at a bit over 3 mph with a sprint speed a bit over 4. The short length should make it fun for river running up to class 3 rapids, in the same mode as what used to be the norm in 4meter fiberglass kayaks. The broad planing surface should rip in the surf and I’m hoping the snap-in fins and the bite of the bow will stabilize any wagging of tail once up to cruising speed. The bouyant slicing bow should make this boat a lot of fun as a limited range sea kayak. Essentially what I’m searching for here something that would target the needs of a lot of people who get lured into unwieldy touring kayaks but aren’t really doing that sort of paddling. Personally I’m searching for a kayak that allows me to express myself with as little bulk and fuss as possible between me and the experience. Something that will fit on a modified bicycle. Something you can pull out of a pickup without strapping it on the roof.
This is a recreational kayak for the serious kayaker.
This kayak should roll and paddle better than the otherwise worthless ultra low volume, greenland “cheater” boats. (not to be confused with replicas of true greenland hunting kayaks).
The outfitting of this kayak would be utterly minimal, a foam pad to sit on and a greenland style massik pinning the paddlers thighs into the kayak. Based on my direct experience with fitting greenland kayak replicas, the drawn cockpit geometry will fit most people. The stern will float based on my observations of much lower volume sterns. The intended waterline begins just above the chine in the bow and ends at the bottom of the tail in the stern.
