Thread: It floats, Guideboat test launch.

Amazing boat! You sound very happy!

MIK

Lovely stem- pictures are very evocative too. You should feel very pleased.

Beautiful.

Great work

Thanks for the compliments and yes I am very happy with it.

I used 8x19mm paulownia strips, 6mm marine ply for the bottom board, bulkheads and decks with durian gunwales and pine stems. 6oz glass inside and out with graphite impregnated epoxy on the hull. I haven't weighed it as my bathroom scales need a new battery but would guess the weight at under 25kg.

I'm currently using solid planks for the seats but will make woven seats when I get around to it. I may also fit floor boards to keep any camping equipment from sitting in water.

When I finish the varnishing and get it back on the water I'll do some speed trials. Maybe get one of my friends who can row to do the test to find out what it's capable of. My guess is that the performance is similar to a touring seakayak of similar waterline length.

Kelvin

she looks stunning Kelvin

you must be very happy with her (i know i would be)

Hey Kelvin.
Looks like a winner! The plans are where?
Think i've got a new desire!
Cheers
Steve

Hi Steve,
I used the plans from Guillemot http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/guil...node/52/detail plus their book on strip building.
There are also plans and offsets in the back of this book http://michneboat.com/ and of a different boat in the back of "Rushton and his times in American canoeing" http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Sear...+times&x=0&y=0

If I was doing it again there are a few things I would do differently, mostly to reduce weight.
I would use 6mm paulownia and wider strips which should be fine as the original boats were carvel planked.
I used heavy marine ply from the Philippines as it was available in the local hardware store but lighter would be better.
I used 6oz glass as that was the only weight I could find wide enough to do the whole hull in one piece but two layers of lighter glass would be easier to handle and wet out.
To further reduce weight I would consider building it without the external stems the same as some strip canoes.
The most useful new tool I discovered on the build was the shave hook, never used one before but used it all the time on the build.

If you have any other questions please ask.

Kelvin

Thanks Kelvin.
Will investigate the sites you advise and will certainly be in touch with those inevitable questions. Want to do similar for drift fishing in the inlet. Was looking at buying but nowhere near as satisfying as building. Will be in touch.
Cheers
Steve

Just offering my congratulations too...beautiful looking boat Kelvin!

How long did it take you to build? I've often looked at the Guillemot plans and wanted to do one. The Paulownia looks like it came out nicely. Were you happy with it?

Regards,
Darren

Darren,
I started in February and had stripped the hull and glassed inside and out by April. Work and the weather slowed me down after that.

Paulownia is very easy to work with, it's soft and very even with no prominent grain. I also like it much better than western red cedar as the dust is much less offensive.

Kelvin

Hi Kelvin
Have had a look at the site as suggested and know that this is something I would like to do. Have noticed that Paulownia seems to be the wood of choice for kayaks and surfboards. Have done some reading and can see the qualities are all there for things that float. Just wondering if this is imported and if you know the species name. Guessing it is imported and sold generically as Paulownia. Noted your comments to Darren on working with this wood and it seems a logical choice.
Cheers
Steve

Paulownia is the species

Kirri is sometimes used as the commercial name.

Most companies in OZ are calling it Paulownia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulownia

Michael

Hi Michael
Wiki says Paulownia = genus with 6-17 species
I suppose it doesn't matter the species but I like to know these things for further research. Guessing it's an Asian import.
Cheers
Steve