After much research and contemplation, I decided to build A Spring Run kayak by Redifish Kayaks. All of their designs got very good reviews and seemed to strike a good balance between ability to paddle and build. I order the plans on Thursday so hopefully I'll be getting them in the next few days.
I'm going to do the best I can to chronicle this experience here including the good, the bad and the ugly. I would consider myself an intermediate woodworker if someone asked. I have build a few benches, turned some bowls and built a chair. While not perfect, they are nice enough.
Back to the kayak. I couldn't resist getting started on the strongback for the forms. I used one 19/32 sheet of OSB from the big orange store. I started by ripping 6" wide strips 8' long with my dewalt track saw (did I mention that I love that thing).
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All done.
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Now to build two separate beams that will be joined later.
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I build a small internal frame that was about 3' long to go inside the two beams to connect them. It was a really tight fit so I have to persuade the beams together.
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Final shot of the 16' beam ready for the forms. Now I need to build the saw horses for it to sit on.
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Sorry the pictures are sideways. I'll have to remember to hold the phone sideways for future shots.