Day 8

Was just a tad frustrating.  My main problem was trying to decide on the size to make the coaming.

My method was to visit Kayak shops and get the sizes of spray skirts (ie what size coaming they would fit) and then build a coaming that would fit the standard size.    I visited two kayak shops and neither "got" what I wanted.  The way it works, it seems, is that the spray skirts are designed to fit various size cockpits on brandname kayaks.  Rather that have a size (ie 70x40) I had to look at the kayaks on sale and say "that looks like about the right size" and then they would show me an appropriate spray skirt.  

In the end I decided that a 70 x 40 cm cockpit size was about right, which lined me up with a $149 spray skirt.  Silly me.  The 70 x 40 would work for me if my coaming was part of a plastic kayak.  But I needed to reduce the size by a further 50mm to allow for the timber thicknesses needed for my construction method.  So there I was, putting a tape measure across my middle and thinking to myself... I am not going to fit in there!!!!!.  (I know... some of you, dear readers, will suggest that now is the time to visit Jenny Craig but I am going to resist, this once.)

There must be an easier way to do this.  Tomorrow I will go back and measure up for a larger sized cockpit so that there is allowance for my timber coaming.  (I suppose I could just buy the spray skirt and build the coaming accordingly... but all the kayak web sites tell me that I should but the spray skirt after I have the coaming.... bah).  I have even thought of making my own spray skirt but perhaps this is a step too far.... today.  :-). 

Now.... if you understood all that then you are doing better than me.

On the positive side I purchased some more ply, for the coaming, and some polystyrene insulation.  I am using the insulation to full between some of the profiles, as a buoyancy aid in case of an on water disaster where the skin fails and the kayak fills with water.  Mother will be pleased.  

I also found a great book, the name of which I have now forgotten, (I did not buy it, silly), which described some great ways to add features to the kayak.  

The fabric is now due Wednesday.  I am OK with this as I do need to sort the coaming first.  I am not happy with the bow either, so will take the plane to that as well.  

BTW.  My little experiment of bending water logged ply into a 200mm circle, worked a treat and it gives rise to a cunning plan.... so cunning that if I told you... I would have too... well, you know the rest.

Finally, I wrote to Tom Yost (the bloke who published the kayak design I am (ab)using).  He was very helpful with his replies.  Told me that he may be coming to NZ this year for some kayaking.  It would be fun to catch up with him.  Give him a good laugh anyway when he sees my effort.  :-)

Tomorrow I intend to sort out this coaming business once and for all!!!!!!!!!

Adding the Polystyrene.  This was the first block (actually this a  added.  I will also add a block to the next space forward and the two most forward spaces.  The polystyrene is cut from a block used for insulation in houses.  It was cheap.  Next time I will look for something free from the throw out bins behind appliance stores.  :-)