|
Building the KudzuCraft Long Shot - Introduction
I have always wanted to build a skin-on-frame (SOF) boat. My age and weight do not allow me the option of a true Greenland-style craft, so I needed to find
a design that would give me the feel and somewhat of the look of such a kayak, but would offer enough room for me to heave my bulk in and out. After some searching, I found
a design by Jeff Horton of KudzuCraft, the Long Shot.
|
||
This seemed to be a good choice. I was not able to test the design on the water, but I thought, with a few modifications, this would be ideal. I planned to trim the
bow to get closer to the radical overhang of the Greenlandic style. I also wanted to add front and rear hatches, very un-Greenlandic, but more in keeping with the way I use my boats.
I also knew that, due to time constraints (I started planning in April), I would not try to develop the plans from Jeff's excellent how-to books, or even to use a set of
plans from KudzuCraft. So I ordered the boat in kit form, which was basically the frames and cockpit precut from Baltic birch plywood. This would trim at least a week of
building time, if not more.
Jeff's website, KudzuCraft.com, has a ton of information about building SOF boats.
|
||
|
||
2) The Strong Back
3) The Fixed Frames
4) Longitudinal Elements
5) Lashing the Frame
6) The Hatches
7) Finishing the Frame
8) The Finished Frame
9) Skinning
10) Really Skinning
11) Painting and Finishing
10) Launching, & Sea Trials